Cape Verde entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. Pay the €25 fee in cash (euros or Cape Verdean escudos) at the airport counter — credit cards are not accepted. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or CVE) — credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cape Verde. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cape Verde. Immigration may ask for it at the counter — a printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration may ask to see proof of funds, especially if you are staying for more than a few days. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having at least 50 EUR per day is safe. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee (€25) must be paid in cash — euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. ATMs are available after immigration, but it's safer to bring euros.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
Healthcare in Cape Verde is limited, especially on smaller islands. Private clinics in Praia and Mindelo can be expensive. Medical evacuation to Europe may be needed for serious conditions. Get insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal), Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), or Cesária Évora Airport (São Vicente). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counter.
2
Queue at visa counter
Present your passport, hotel booking, and return ticket. Pay the €25 fee in cash (EUR or CVE). Credit cards are not accepted.
3
Receive your visa
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day single-entry visa. Keep the receipt. Proceed to immigration control.
4
Pass through immigration
Show your passport with the visa stamp. The officer may ask about your stay. Answer clearly. Then collect your luggage.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€25 (~$27 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at Cape Verde embassy abroad.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Requires application at embassy; not available on arrival.
Long-Stay Visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100 (~$109 USD) plus processing fees
Requires sponsorship and approval from Cape Verde immigration.
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, 30 days)Payable in euros at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (~$27 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if stay exceeds visa-free or visa-on-arrival period. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$218 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Must be applied at immigration office before current visa expires. | €30 (~$33 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
No transit visa needed
Colombia passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or tourist 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., 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 = 94.71 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, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Praia, Mindelo, Sal, or Boa Vista. The fee is €30. Apply before your current visa expires. Bring your passport, visa, and proof of funds.
You can apply for a longer-stay visa like the Digital Nomad Visa (6 months, renewable up to 1 year, €100 application fee) or the Retirement Visa (1 year, renewable, for ages 55+ with €1,000+/month pension). These require application at a Cape Verde embassy or online.
Yes, at the three international airports: Sal (SID), Praia (RAI), and São Vicente (VXE). It is not available at land borders or seaports.
You'll be fined €10 per day, up to a maximum of €200. Pay at the immigration office or at the airport before departure. Overstays can affect future entries.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia). You must have a valid yellow fever certificate. Otherwise, it's not required.
No. Cape Verde requires a regular passport valid for at least 6 months. Temporary or emergency passports are not accepted.
If you remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours, you do not need a visa. If you leave the airport or stay overnight, you need a visa on arrival or tourist visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.