Cape Verde entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Cape Verde visa-free for stays up to 30 days. This has been the case since 2019. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least the full 30 days you plan to stay in Cape Verde. No 6-month validity rule applies here — just cover your stay. Airlines at Sofia Airport may still ask for 6 months validity, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia) always asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone. Without one, you risk being denied boarding by TAP Air Portugal or your airline. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or host's address ready — officers occasionally ask for it. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. If staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their contact details is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least €50–€100 per day of stay in cash or have a bank statement ready. ATMs are available in Praia and on Sal, but not reliably elsewhere. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines like TAP may check at check-in. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 30 days only
Bulgarian passport holders can stay up to 30 days without a visa. This cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a Cape Verde embassy before you travel.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least 1 blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of everything on your phone.
2
Arrival at Cape Verde airport
At Sal or Praia airport, join the immigration queue for non-Cape Verdean passport holders. Present your passport and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. You're free to go.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$132 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (~$33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax on foreign income.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€1,000+/month). Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in local business or real estate. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays beyond 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €500 (~$550 USD). | €25 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Cape Verde
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Cape Verde airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or entering the country, a visa-free stay of up to 30 days applies.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Sal · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia · Cesária Évora Airport (VXE), São Vicente
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Praia
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Mindelo
SEF Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern islands.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalPraia
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 94.81 CVE
Time zone
Local timeUTC-1
vs New York+4h
vs Los Angeles+7h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with side clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a Cape Verde embassy before you travel.
No, transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the visa-free or visa requirements.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Officially, immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds, but in practice it's rarely requested for Bulgarian passport holders. Still, carrying a credit card and some cash (euros or Cape Verdean escudos) is a good idea.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Bulgarian passport holders. You just show your passport and return ticket at the border.
Technically, visa-free entry is for tourism only. Remote work is a grey area — many digital nomads do it, but officially you should not engage in any work that benefits a Cape Verdean employer. For longer stays, consider a digital nomad visa if one becomes available.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get a better rate using escudos. ATMs are available in major towns. Bring some euros in cash as a backup.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.