Cape Verde entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
German passport holders can enter Cape Verde without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism, business, or transit. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Sal or Praia will deny boarding if it expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, not having one can delay your entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. No fixed amount is published, but around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If you have less than 6 months left from your arrival date, you'll be denied boarding. No exceptions.
No visa, no fee — but have your return ticket ready
German passport holders get a free 30-day entry stamp. No application, no fee. But immigration officers often ask for your return ticket, so keep a copy handy.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night's accommodation confirmation. Also arrange travel insurance and a local SIM or eSIM.
2
Arrive at the airport in Cape Verde
At Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
3
Go through immigration
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, ask about your stay, and may request your return ticket. Answer clearly. You'll get a free entry stamp valid for up to 30 days.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to enter.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
Cost€60 (approx. $65 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy/consulate before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $162 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor in Cape Verde.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $32 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month) and health insurance. Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable once. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residence Permit for Retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For retirees with proof of pension or passive income (€1,000+/month). Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Can lead to permanent residency.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residency after 5 years
€5,000 (approx. $5,400 USD) application fee + investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in real estate or business. Includes family members. Fast track to citizenship after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| TDAC (Travel Declaration and Authorization of Cape Verde)Mandatory pre-arrival form to be completed online within 5 days before travel. | Free (online registration required) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 30 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; no official cap known. | ~€25 per day (approx. $27 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
German passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Cape Verde airports, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
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 transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Cape Verde; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in urban areas but present in some rural regions; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended but may be considered for extended stays in remote areas.
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 permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the São Vicente region; less crowded than Praia.
Practical information for DE 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 = 93.93 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, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a Cape Verdean embassy before you travel, or leave and re-enter after a short absence. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No, there is no mandatory arrival declaration or online form for German passport holders. You just show your passport and return ticket at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6 months are counted from your arrival date in Cape Verde.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Cape Verde can be high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is a smart move.
No, you need a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 30 days. Immigration may ask to see it. A one-way ticket could get you refused boarding or entry.
No, if you're transiting through Cape Verde and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the same visa-free entry (up to 30 days) as long as you meet the requirements.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates at ATMs or exchange offices. Credit cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in smaller places.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.