Cape Verde entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
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
Colombian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Cape Verde. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Colombian citizens, so you'll need to apply through a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. Plan ahead, as the process involves document preparation and processing time. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde visaYou cannot get this visa online or on arrival; plan to visit an embassy well in advance. Apply at an embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Colombian passport holders. You must apply at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before travel. The eVisa program is not available for Colombian citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Cape Verde. Check the expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page must be available for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa and entry stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may deny entry if you cannot prove you will leave the country. Proof of exit from Cape Verde | You must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Cape Verde within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your accommodation and living expenses during your stay in Cape Verde. | Required |
| Travel insuranceMedical care can be costly; insurance protects you from unexpected expenses. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for your trip to Cape Verde. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any pre-arrival form. Not required | No online arrival declaration is required for Cape Verde for Colombian passport holders. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Colombian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. Airlines check visa requirements before boarding, and without a valid visa you'll be refused boarding. Apply well in advance.
No embassy in Colombia — plan ahead
Cape Verde has no embassy in Colombia. You'll likely need to apply through a consulate in another country, which may require mailing your passport or traveling. Start the process 2–3 months before your trip to account for shipping and processing delays.
Visa is not extendable
Once in Cape Verde, you cannot extend your stay. Make sure your travel dates align with the visa validity. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate
Locate the Cape Verdean embassy or consulate that handles visa applications for Colombian residents. In Colombia, this is typically the embassy in Bogotá, but you may need to apply through a consulate in a neighboring country if there's no local mission. Call or email to confirm the exact requirements and whether you need an appointment.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and visa fee. Make copies of everything — the embassy will likely keep the originals of some documents and return your passport after processing.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Submit your application at the embassy or consulate. Some missions allow mail-in applications, but many require a personal appearance for biometrics or an interview. Confirm the submission method when you contact them.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 5 to 10 business days, but it can take longer during peak seasons or if additional checks are needed. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, you'll be notified to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa details — dates, number of entries, and validity — to ensure they match your travel plans.
6
Travel to Cape Verde
At the airport in Cape Verde (likely Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal or Nelson Mandela International Airport on Santiago), present your passport with the visa to immigration. They may ask about your accommodation and return ticket, so keep those documents handy.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Residence permit (for work or study)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $118)
Requires employer or school sponsorship and police clearance.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€60 (approx. $70)
Requires invitation letter from Cape Verdean company.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residency for Retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (~$218 USD) plus proof of pension/income
For retirees aged 55+ with stable pension (€1,000+/month). Grants temporary residency, renewable. Requires health insurance and local address.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residency
Minimum investment €50,000 (~$54,500 USD) in real estate or business
For investors making significant economic contribution. Includes family members. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or CVE) at the airport. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Tourist visa (pre-arranged via embassy)For those who prefer to obtain before travel. | €40 (approx. $47) |
| Airport arrival card / registration feeNo separate charge. | Included in visa fee |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at immigration office in Praia or Mindelo. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Exit feeCharged at airport departure; sometimes included in airline ticket. | €30 (approx. $35) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Transit visa required
Colombian passport holders transiting through Cape Verde (e.g., at Amílcar Cabral International Airport) must obtain a transit visa in advance. Airside transit is not permitted without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members in uniform with valid crew ID
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia). Must have certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-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.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water, eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but use mosquito avoidance measures.
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, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua da Praia, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the São Vicente area.
Practical information for CO 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. Colombian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no exception for tourism or short stays.
No. Cape Verde's eVisa system is not available to Colombian citizens. You must apply through the traditional embassy/consulate route. Don't be misled by online services that claim to offer an eVisa for Colombians — they are not official.
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, but it can take longer if the embassy needs to verify documents or if it's a busy season. Start the process at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by nationality and the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the Cape Verdean embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact fee. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100, but confirm directly.
Cape Verde does not have an embassy in Colombia. You may need to apply through the Cape Verdean embassy in a neighboring country, such as Brazil or the United States, or use a consulate that covers your region. Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cape Verde for guidance on the nearest mission that handles Colombian applications.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban on future entry. Plan your stay carefully.
You will be denied a visa and likely denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before applying. Cape Verdean immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.