Cape Verde entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Swiss passport holders can enter Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry and you have a return or onward ticket.
Apply for Cape Verde eVisaOfficial portal: Cape Verde EASE Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Swiss passport holders need a passport valid only for the length of their stay in Cape Verde. Airlines may enforce the 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Sal and Praia airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter 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 | Have a bank statement or credit card available. Immigration rarely checks it for Swiss passport holders, but it's safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 30 days only
Swiss passport holders get 30 days visa-free. This cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before arrival or visit the immigration office in Cape Verde before your 30 days are up.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks it on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at the airport
At Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for non-Cape Verdean passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa or fee is required.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Good for multiple visits; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$110 USD) plus fees
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and documentation.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (~$33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month) and health insurance. Allows stay up to 1 year with renewal. No local tax on foreign income.
Apply retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees with stable pension income (€1,000+/month). Requires police clearance and health insurance. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable, leads to citizenship
€50,000 (~$55,000 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Minimum investment €50,000. Fast track to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years.
Apply work visa
Cape Verde Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€150 (~$165 USD) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean company and work permit approval. Employer must prove no local candidate available. Valid for 1 year, renewable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)Required for stays exceeding 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; useful for frequent travelers. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed 30-day stay; avoid overstaying. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
Swiss passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours and remaining airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No transit visa needed for Swiss citizens for any transit through Cape Verde airports.
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 risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but mosquito avoidance is advised.
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 extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits for visitors in the north.
Practical information for CH 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 = 96.52 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 entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or extension at the Cape Verde Immigration Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) before your 30 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No, there is no mandatory arrival declaration or online form for Swiss passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs can be high, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
No, you need a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 30 days. Immigration checks this at the counter.
The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using escudos. ATMs are available in cities, but bring some cash for smaller islands.
No mandatory vaccinations for Swiss travelers. But check routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) and consider hepatitis A and typhoid if you're eating street food or staying in rural areas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.