Cape Verde entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You'll handle it at the airport when you land — no need to apply in advance. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports (Sal, Praia, Boa Vista) or at the port of Mindelo. Pay in cash (EUR or CVE) — the fee is about €25–€40 depending on nationality. Have a printed return ticket and hotel booking ready at the counter.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. No 6-month rule applies here — just cover your trip dates. Airlines may still check validity at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended for visa on arrival | Hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Cape Verde speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. Officers may ask for it at the counter — have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended for visa on arrival | Carry at least €100–€150 in cash (EUR or CVE) per day of your stay. ATMs are available in Praia and Sal but unreliable outside major towns. Credit cards accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee is paid in cash (euros or Cape Verdean escudos). Cards are rarely accepted. Bring enough euros to cover the fee — ATMs are available after immigration but not before.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process usually takes 10–20 minutes. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. No photo or form needed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cape Verde airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is paid at the counter. As of 2026, it's around €25–€40 (Cape Verdean escudo equivalent). Cash (euros or local currency) is safest — cards may not be accepted.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa valid for up to 30 days. You can extend it once you're in the country at the immigration office in Praia or Mindelo.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
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 date
Cost€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $86 USD)
For frequent travellers; must be applied for in advance.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Autorização de Residência para Teletrabalho)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€60 (approx. $65 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (at least €1,500/month). Requires valid health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay without local tax liability.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees (Autorização de Residência para Aposentados)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or income (minimum €1,000/month). Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
investor visa
Investor Residence Visa (Autorização de Residência para Investidores)
1 year, renewable
€250 (approx. $270 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in Cape Verde (real estate, business, or government bonds). Fast track to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (Euros or local currency) upon arrival at airports or ports. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €500 (approx. $540 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension of up to 30 days possible at immigration offices; subject to approval. | €30 (approx. $32 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present year-round; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
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 fresh water; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas on Santiago island. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travellers, but use mosquito avoidance measures.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Praia
Direção Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (DNEF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mindelo
Delegação do DNEF de Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the northern islands. Same requirements as Praia.
Practical information for BH 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 = 94.71 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
The fee is roughly €25–€40 (about 2,750–4,400 Cape Verdean escudos). Pay in euros or local currency — cash is preferred. Cards are rarely accepted at the counter.
The visa is valid for up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia (Santiago) or Mindelo (São Vicente). Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Bahrain is not a risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral International (Sal), Nelson Mandela International (Praia), and Cesária Évora Airport (São Vicente). The process is the same at each.
You'll likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, there's no online form or arrival declaration required. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in Praia or Mindelo. The extension is typically for an additional 30 days. Fees apply — expect around €25–€40. Start the process before your initial visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.