Cape Verde entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026, making it straightforward to plan a trip. Just ensure your passport meets the validity requirements and you have the standard entry documents ready.
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 plan to be in Cape Verde. Airlines at CDG and ORY will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Sal and Praia airports asks for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like TAP and Transair enforce this strictly before issuing a boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If staying with a friend, a signed invitation letter with their address and contact number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry at least €100 in cash or a credit card statement showing available balance. Immigration officers rarely ask, but it's a legal requirement. | Recommended |
Entry stamp check
When you get your passport stamped, check the date. If the officer writes fewer than 30 days, politely ask for the full 30-day allowance. Mistakes happen.
Overstay penalties
Overstaying even by a day can lead to fines and future entry issues. Set a reminder on your phone for a few days before your 30 days are up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date) and ensure you have at least 1 blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at Cape Verde immigration
At Sal or Praia airports, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. No visa fee is charged. Check the stamp says '30 days' — if it's less, ask for clarification.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Required for stays beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable once for another 6 months
€30 (~$33 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year total.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. €1,000/month). Requires health insurance and local address.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence after 5 years
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in real estate or business. Includes family members. Fast track to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For those who prefer to apply in advance or need a longer stay. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport departure. | €25 (~$27 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
French passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 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 (e.g., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for long stays or 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, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for 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 extensions for visitors in the São Vicente area.
Practical information for FR 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. You must leave before 30 days are up. For longer stays, you'd need to apply for a visa in advance at a Cape Verdean embassy.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
Not required if you're arriving directly from France. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever risk, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current health advisories before you go.
No, you need a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 30 days. Airlines check this at check-in. A refundable ticket works if you're unsure of your plans.
No, there's no arrival declaration required for French passport holders. Just show your passport and supporting documents at immigration.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Cape Verde. The fine amount varies but is typically around 5,000 CVE per day. Always leave on time.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism or business visits only. Working or studying requires a proper visa or permit obtained before travel.
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.