Cape Verde entry requirements for Denmark passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 16, 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
Danish passport holders can enter Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. No visa is needed for tourism or business visits in 2026. Just make sure your passport is 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. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Cape Verdean law. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight within 30 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it's better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival day
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you land in Cape Verde, not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
30-day stay is not extendable
You cannot extend the 30-day visa-free period. If you overstay, you may face fines or a ban. Plan your exit accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Cape Verde airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a queue for non-Cape Verdean passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and a blank page). The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry. Check the stamp says '30 days' before walking away. If it's shorter, ask politely for the full 30 days.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs (usually green channel for nothing to declare). Then you're free to go.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Denmark Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 16, 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 stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; requires passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers; same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residência para Aposentados)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Residência para Nómadas Digitais)
6 months, renewable once
~€150 (~$163 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and accommodation. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Autorização de Residência para Investimento)
1 year, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD) application fee + investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in Cape Verde. Includes real estate or business. Fast-track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)Required for stays over 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; useful for frequent travelers. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 30 days incurs fines; avoid by leaving on time. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Danish passport holders do not need a transit visa for Cape Verde, even when changing planes. You may remain airside for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and undercooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for most travelers, but consider for rural stays.
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, Cape Verde
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 de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and residency for northern islands; similar requirements as Praia.
Practical information for DK 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 = 94.81 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. You must leave before the 30 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a visa in advance from a Cape Verde embassy.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, there's no online arrival declaration for Danish passport holders. You just fill out the standard landing card on the plane or at immigration.
Technically no — you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it. If you're planning to leave by boat or another method, have proof of that booking.
No, visa-free entry is free. You don't pay anything at immigration. Just show your passport and documents.
You need a proper visa (work or student visa) from a Cape Verde embassy before you travel. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism/business visits up to 30 days.
Not if you're arriving directly from Denmark or Europe. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you'll need the vaccine certificate. Check current requirements before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.