Cape Verde entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. No need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready at the desk.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports (Sal, Praia, Boa Vista, São Vicente). Pay the fee in cash (EUR or CVE) — around €25–€40 depending on nationality. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport with at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cape Verde. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately — border police sometimes ask for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Cape Verde. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter or at passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement or enough cash (around €50–€100 per day) to show you can cover your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's safer to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (around €25–€35) plus some extra for incidentals.
Visa on arrival is the standard method
Ethiopian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Just show up at the airport with your documents and cash. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at the desk.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Cape Verde airport
You'll arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa desk
Join the line at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (cash only, usually in Euros or Cape Verdean escudos).
3
Pay the visa fee
As of 2026, the visa on arrival costs around €25–€35 (or equivalent in CVE). Pay in cash — cards are not accepted at the desk.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, and you'll be cleared to enter.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
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
CostFree (0 USD) for visa on arrival
Visa on arrival is free for Ethiopian passport holders; no need to apply in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~3,000 CVE (~30 USD)
Available at Cape Verde embassies; allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~5,000 CVE (~50 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and documentation.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~5,000 CVE (~50 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (at least 1,500 EUR/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residence Permit for Retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
~10,000 CVE (~100 USD) initial fee
For retirees over 60 with proof of pension or sufficient funds (at least 1,000 EUR/month). Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residence
~50,000 CVE (~500 USD) plus investment
For investors making a minimum investment of 25,000 EUR in real estate or business. Fast-track to permanent residence after 5 years.
work visa
Cape Verde Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~7,500 CVE (~75 USD) application fee
Requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean company and work permit. Employer sponsors the visa. Valid for 1 year, renewable.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Ethiopian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism, valid for up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond 30 days may be possible at immigration offices, subject to approval. | ~2,500 CVE (~25 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying incurs a daily fine with a maximum cap. Avoid overstay to prevent penalties. | ~500 CVE (~5 USD) per day, max 20,000 CVE (~200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 (including Ethiopia). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions; consider prophylaxis.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in tourist areas like Sal and Boa Vista; higher risk in rural areas of Santiago. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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 office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and immigration issues for visitors in São Vicente.
Practical information for ET 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 = 94.57 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
The visa on arrival fee is approximately €25–€35 (or the equivalent in Cape Verdean escudos). You must pay in cash — credit/debit cards are not accepted at the immigration desk. Euros are widely accepted.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Cape Verde and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying can result in fines.
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ethiopia is not on that list, so you generally don't need it for direct travel. But if you've recently visited a yellow fever endemic country, bring your certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. You must renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Cape Verde.
The visa on arrival is available at international airports: Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). It is not available at land borders or seaports. If arriving by ferry or land, you must get a visa in advance.
You need your passport (with 6+ months validity and a blank page), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Some travelers are also asked to show proof of sufficient funds (cash or card).
Travel insurance is not a formal requirement for the visa on arrival, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care in Cape Verde can be expensive, and insurance covers evacuation, hospital stays, and trip disruptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.