Cape Verde entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Cape Verde requires all Chinese passport holders to obtain an eVisa before arrival. Apply at the official SEA eVisa portal (seavisa.cv) — processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration 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 | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check the date matches your eVisa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cape Verde. Officers may ask for it during passport control, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, they expect to see at least 50,000 CVE (about $500 USD) per person. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is the standard method
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up at the airport with your documents and cash. This applies to all Chinese passport holders.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
After landing at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash — Euros or local escudos. The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Collect your passport and proceed
Once the visa is affixed, you'll get your passport back. Double-check the validity dates. Then head to baggage claim and customs.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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/consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $86 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity period.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable for another 6 months
€30 (approx. $32 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year total.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees (D7 equivalent)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient pension or passive income. Requires proof of funds and accommodation. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Golden Visa / Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residency
€5,000 (approx. $5,400 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate or business. Minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde. Fast track to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds visa-free or visa-on-arrival period. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max cap €500 (approx. $540 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension must be applied at immigration office before current visa expires. | €30 (approx. $32 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
Chinese passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports (e.g., Amílcar Cabral International) 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 on arrival or visa is required.
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-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers; avoid freshwater exposure.
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 matters.
Mindelo
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for CN 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 = 94.94 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
Yes, but only at the two international airports: Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal island, and Nelson Mandela International Airport on Santiago island. Domestic airports do not offer visa on arrival.
The fee is approximately €25–€30 for a single-entry visa. You can pay in Euros or Cape Verdean escudos (CVE). Cash only — no cards accepted at the immigration counter.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Praia or on Sal — not at the airport.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers always ask for proof of onward travel. A one-way ticket is not enough unless you have a residence permit or other long-stay visa.
Yes, but you need to visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Immigration Service) in Praia or on Sal island before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from China.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.