Cape Verde customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Cape Verde's biggest customs trap is the low cash declaration threshold: any amount over 500,000 CVE (≈$4,900 USD) must be declared on arrival, or face seizure and fines. The country also enforces a strict ban on single-use plastic bags and has zero tolerance for narcotics. These rules apply to all non-resident adult travellers arriving from abroad in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$4,900

Declare any amount exceeding 500,000 CVE (≈$4,900 USD) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form (Modelo B) available on arrival. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation and penalties.

Goods duty-free

$800

Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 80,000 CVE (≈$800 USD). Above this, a flat 50% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior authorization)
Single-use plastic bags (reusable bags for hygiene or medical use are exempt)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with a special permit from the Ministry of Internal Administration)
Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
Endangered species and products made from them (e.g., ivory, turtle shells, coral)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medications containing controlled substances (require prior authorization from ANF)
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the National Communications Agency)
Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificates)
Cultural artifacts and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After baggage claim, you enter a two-channel system: Green (nothing to declare) and Red (goods to declare). Fill out a Customs Declaration Form (Modelo B) if you have items to declare or cash over 500,000 CVE. Random checks may occur in the Green channel.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Cape Verde does not offer a tourist VAT refund scheme for non-residents.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without a prescription, but carry a doctor's note or prescription for controlled substances. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine-based painkillers, certain ADHD meds) are classified as controlled and require prior authorization from the Cape Verdean Medicines Authority (ANF). Always carry original packaging.

Food, plants & animal products

Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and plant products are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and packaged foods for personal consumption (e.g., canned goods, sealed snacks) are allowed in small quantities. Declare any food items at the Red channel.

Rules worth knowing

Plastic Bag Ban

Cape Verde has a strict ban on the importation of single-use plastic bags. Avoid packing any plastic bags in your luggage, as they may be confiscated and you could face a fine. Reusable bags for hygiene or medical purposes are exempt.

Cash Declaration Threshold

Unlike many countries that only require declaration above $10,000 USD, Cape Verde's threshold is 500,000 CVE (≈$4,900 USD). Any amount above this must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (Modelo B).

Duty-Free Goods Must Be for Personal Use

The duty-free allowances (alcohol, tobacco, goods) are strictly for personal use. If customs suspects you are importing items for resale, they can seize the goods and impose a fine. Keep receipts handy.

No Duty-Free Shops on Arrival

Cape Verde's airports do not have duty-free shops after passport control. Any duty-free purchases must be made at your departure airport.

Frequently asked questions

No, personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and smartphones for your own use are generally considered personal effects and are not subject to duty, as long as they are not new in-box or clearly for resale. However, if you bring multiple units (e.g., 3 laptops), customs may deem them commercial and charge duty.

Yes, but you must declare any amount over 500,000 CVE (≈$4,900 USD) upon arrival. There is no limit on bringing in foreign currency, but amounts over the equivalent of 500,000 CVE must be declared. Failure to declare can result in confiscation.

Religious items for personal use are generally allowed. However, items that are considered cultural artifacts (e.g., old coins, traditional masks, or historical documents) require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture if you plan to take them out of the country. Import is usually fine for personal use.

Yes, personal fishing rods, scuba gear, and snorkeling equipment are allowed as personal effects. However, spearguns are considered weapons and require a permit from the Ministry of Internal Administration. Declare them at the Red channel.

If the value of your goods exceeds 80,000 CVE (≈$800 USD), you must pay a flat 50% duty on the excess amount. For example, if your goods are valued at 100,000 CVE, you pay duty on 20,000 CVE (10,000 CVE duty). You can pay in CVE or major credit cards at the customs office.

Not entirely. Processed and packaged foods (e.g., sealed chocolate bars, canned tuna, vacuum-sealed cheese) are allowed in small quantities for personal consumption. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are strictly prohibited unless you have a phytosanitary certificate. Always declare any food at the Red channel to avoid fines.

Yes, most nationalities need a pre-arranged visa or an e-visa before travel. Customs does not check visas (that's immigration), but if you are denied entry by immigration, customs will not process your goods. Ensure your visa is valid before you arrive.

Official source

Cape Verde Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária Nacional)