Cape Verde entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Spanish passport holders can enter Cape Verde without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and transit. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Spanish passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Cape Verde — no 6-month rule. Airlines at Madrid and Barcelona check this at check-in, so verify your passport covers your full trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia) always ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Cape Verde. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 15,000 CVE (€135) per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's a legal requirement — better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Cape Verde, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
No extensions — plan your exit
The 30-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you risk fines and a ban from re-entering. Book your return flight before you go.
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' — there's usually one queue for all nationalities. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days. The whole process takes 5–15 minutes if you're prepared.
2
Baggage claim and customs
After passport control, collect your luggage. Customs is usually a green channel for most tourists. You may be asked to open bags if you're carrying large amounts of cash or goods for sale.
3
Exit the airport
Once through customs, you're free to leave. Taxis and hotel shuttles wait outside. Keep your passport and accommodation details handy for any random checks.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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~€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity period.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of accommodation and funds.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~€50 (approx. $55 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation. Allows stay up to 6 months initially.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or income. Requires proof of funds (€1,000/month minimum) and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residency.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
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 members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; you must leave after 30 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged per day; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying. | ~€20/day (approx. $22 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Spanish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Cape Verde airports, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, you must meet visa-free entry requirements (30 days).
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-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food, practice good hygiene.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for tourists, but use mosquito repellent.
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 de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residency applications for northern islands.
Practical information for ES 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 = 94.4 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 must apply for a visa or residence permit before your 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
No, the same visa-free rules apply for transit. You can stay up to 30 days without a visa, even if you're just changing flights. But you still need a valid passport and onward ticket.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions.
No, there's no arrival fee for Spanish passport holders. The visa-free entry is completely free. You just need to show your documents at passport control.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit before you travel.
Report it immediately to the local police and contact the Spanish Embassy in Praia (or the nearest consulate). They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll need a police report and proof of identity.
No mandatory vaccinations for Spanish travelers. But it's wise to be up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.). Yellow fever vaccine is only required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.