Cape Verde entry requirements for Estonia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Estonian passport holders can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy started in 2025 and continues in 2026. Just bring a valid passport and a return ticket — no visa application needed.
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 — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you'll cover your expenses — a daily budget of around €50–€100 per person is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 30 days only
Your stay is capped at 30 days. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry issues. If you need more time, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa in advance.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you won't be allowed to board. Double-check before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cape Verde airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International (Praia). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single queue for all non-Cape Verdean passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket (printed or on phone). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No forms to fill, no fee to pay.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim. Customs is usually a green channel — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Estonia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For purposes like work, study, or family reunification.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residência por Reforma)
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 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
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of at least €1,500/month. Requires health insurance and accommodation booking.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Autorização de Residência para Investimento)
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde (real estate, business, or government bonds). Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is required. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €500 (approx. $550 USD). | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history15%
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
Estonian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Cape Verde airports, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the country.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural stays.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk throughout the country; prophylaxis is not routinely recommended but may be considered for long stays in rural 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 residency permits.
Mindelo
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and immigration matters for the northern islands.
Practical information for EE 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 = 94.96 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 want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a visa or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or entry bans.
No, transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the same visa-free entry or a visa.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Get your passport renewed before you travel.
Not officially required for Estonian passport holders, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good idea.
Technically, no — the visa-free entry is for tourism only. But many digital nomads do it quietly. If you're planning to work for a local company, you'd need a work visa.
No mandatory vaccinations for Estonian travellers. But yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor for routine vaccines.
No, there's no arrival declaration required for Estonian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.