Cape Verde entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
No visa required
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
Ivory Coast passport holders can travel to Cape Verde visa-free in 2026. No advance visa is needed, but you must present specific documents at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Sal and Praia enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
No visa needed, but be prepared
Have your return ticket and accommodation proof ready — immigration officers do ask for them.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before you board. Renew first if it's close.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Gather your passport (check validity), print or screenshot your return ticket and hotel booking. Save everything on your phone as a backup.
2
Arrive at Cape Verde immigration
At the airport (Sal, Praia, or São Vicente), join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Receive your entry stamp
You'll get a stamp in your passport with the date of entry. No visa sticker needed. Check that the stamp is clear before leaving the counter.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Cost2,500 CVE (~$25 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost5,000 CVE (~$50 USD)
For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost10,000 CVE (~$100 USD)
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and clean criminal record.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residência para Aposentados)
1 year, renewable annually
~10,000 CVE (~$100 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient income. Requires clean criminal record and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Residência Temporária para Nómadas Digitais)
6 months, renewable once
~5,000 CVE (~$50 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and accommodation. Allows tax-free stay.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Visto de Investimento)
1 year, renewable
~20,000 CVE (~$200 USD) application fee
For investors with minimum investment of 50,000 EUR in Cape Verde. Includes real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Cape Verde Work Visa (Visto de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~10,000 CVE (~$100 USD) application fee
Requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer. Employer must obtain work permit. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeExtension possible for up to 30 days at immigration office. | 2,000 CVE (~$20 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | 500 CVE (~$5 USD) per day, max 10,000 CVE (~$100 USD) |
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
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 30 days) applies instead.
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 (Ivory Coast is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but use mosquito avoidance.
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 office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, photo, and fee.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visitors in São Vicente. Same services as Praia.
Practical information for CI 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 = 94.57 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. Ivory Coast passport holders get visa-free access. Just show up at the border with your passport and supporting documents.
Typically up to 30 days. For longer stays, apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or on Sal island.
Yes. Visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Praia or Sal. The cost is about 2,000 CVE (roughly $20 USD) for a 30-day extension. Bring your passport and proof of funds.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry. Renew your passport before travel. Airlines are strict on this.
No, Cape Verde does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Ivory Coast. But if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need a certificate. Check with your airline.
No, but strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospital treatment can be expensive. A basic policy covering medical expenses and trip cancellation is wise.
Overstaying can result in a fine of 5,000-10,000 CVE (about $50-100 USD) and potential difficulties when leaving. Apply for an extension before your permission expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.