Cape Verde entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Cameroonian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. This has been the case since 2023, so you don't need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee at the immigration desk.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports | Get your visa on arrival at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Have 3,400 CVE (about €31) in cash ready for the single-entry tourist visa. The officer will take your passport, stamp it, and you walk through in under 10 minutes.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the counter — showing a booking confirmation on your phone works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry at least 15,000 CVE (about €136) in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you are not arriving destitute. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or Cape Verdean escudos. ATMs are available after immigration, but not before. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (€25–€40).
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Cameroon (a yellow fever endemic country), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
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 on arrival counter
Join the line at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around €25–€40 (Cape Verdean escudo equivalent). Cash is preferred — euros or escudos. Credit cards may not be accepted.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will process your application, take your photo (sometimes), and stick the visa into your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, and you'll be stamped in.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon 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 date
Cost€30 (approx. $33 USD)
Apply at Cape Verdean embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
Requires embassy application; good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and documentation.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable for up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and accommodation. Allows stay up to 6 months with option to renew.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees (D7 equivalent)
1 year, renewable annually
€80 (approx. $88 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or passive income (minimum €1,000/month). Requires criminal record check and proof of accommodation. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows family reunification.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Golden Visa equivalent)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residence
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee plus investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate or business. Fast-track to permanent residence after 3 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) upon arrival at airports or ports. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available from Cape Verdean embassies/consulates if preferred. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Requires application at embassy; not available on arrival. | €60 (approx. $66 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Maximum extension of 30 days, subject to approval at immigration office. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future entries. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete or expired 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
Cameroon passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports (e.g., Sal, Praia) 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 up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, UK, or Canada visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 (including Cameroon). Must present valid Yellow Fever certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season (August–October). Use insect repellent.
Zika virusLow risk
Low risk but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but use mosquito repellent and nets.
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 visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, visa, proof of funds, and accommodation.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and immigration issues for northern islands.
Practical information for CM 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
The fee is around €25–€40 (about 2,750–4,400 CVE). Pay in euros or Cape Verdean escudos — cash only. Credit cards are rarely accepted at the visa counter.
The standard stay is 30 days. You can extend it once at the immigration office in Praia or on Sal for an additional fee (around €25). Apply before your initial stay expires.
Only at international airports: Amílcar Cabral International (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International (Praia). If you arrive by sea (ferry or yacht), you must have a visa in advance.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Cameroon is one). You'll need to show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Praia or on Sal. The fee is about €25. Do it before your current visa expires.
If you're transiting through Cape Verde and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
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.