Cape Verde entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Canadian passport holders don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 30 days in Cape Verde. As of 2026, you arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia) and get a free entry stamp. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Cape Verde — there is no 6-month validity rule. Airlines may still enforce a 6-month rule, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they will check the date matches your visa-free 30-day limit. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready — officers may ask to see you have enough funds for your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around 50 EUR per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Cape Verde immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines also check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
No visa, no fee — but have your documents ready
You don't need to pay anything or fill out forms. Just have your passport and return ticket handy. The process at Sal and Praia airports is usually quick — 10 to 15 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at either Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'.
2
Present your passport and ticket
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return/onward ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee, no forms to fill.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to go — no additional checks unless you're carrying restricted goods.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 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 date
CostApproximately 2,500 CVE (~$25 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel. Allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostApproximately 5,000 CVE (~$50 USD)
For travellers needing multiple entries. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
CostApproximately 10,000 CVE (~$100 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
Approximately 5,000 CVE (~$50 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residência por Reforma)
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately 10,000 CVE (~$100 USD) per year
For retirees with stable pension. Requires proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Autorização de Residência por Investimento)
1 year, renewable
Varies by investment amount (minimum ~$50,000 USD)
For investors in real estate or business. Requires minimum investment and job creation. Fast track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | Approximately 1,000 CVE (~$10 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
Canadian 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
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common causes of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers; 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 tourists, but use mosquito repellent.
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) - Praia
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Mindelo
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the island of São Vicente.
Practical information for CA 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 = 93.93 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
Up to 30 days. The stamp you get on arrival is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Praia before your 30 days are up.
Extensions are not automatically granted. You need to visit the Immigration Office (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in Praia before your 30 days expire. There is a fee, and approval is at their discretion. It's easier to plan a trip that fits within 30 days.
Only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Canada, no vaccine is required. If you've recently been in a yellow fever zone (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you'll need proof of vaccination.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No. There is no arrival declaration form for Canadian citizens. You just present your passport and ticket at immigration.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Any paid work requires a work visa, which you must apply for through a Cape Verde embassy before you travel.
The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using escudos. ATMs are available in Praia and Sal, but bring some cash for smaller islands or rural areas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.