Cape Verde entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
British passport holders can visit Cape Verde for tourism or business without a visa for up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, and you need a return or onward ticket. This policy is effective as of 2026.
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if it 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 airports ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like TAP and Cabo Verde Express enforce this at check-in too.
Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If staying with a friend, carry their address and phone number — officers sometimes ask for a local contact.
Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Officers may ask how you'll fund your stay. A bank statement or credit card showing access to around 500 EUR equivalent usually satisfies them.
Recommended
Passport validity counts from arrival
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Cape Verde, not from your departure date. Check your expiry before booking.
No visa, no fee
British passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days. No application, no cost.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at the airport
At Sal or Praia airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 2-5 minutes.
2
Passport control
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. They'll check your passport validity and return ticket. You'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 30 days.
3
Baggage claim and customs
After passport control, collect your luggage. Customs is usually straightforward — just walk through unless you have something to declare.
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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors; same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation and approval.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of sufficient pension or savings. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Programa Residência Digital)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~€50 (~$55 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (minimum €1,500/month). Requires health insurance and accommodation. Allows stay and work remotely.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in real estate or business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
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; apply in advance.
€80 (~$87 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 30 days incurs fines; avoid by leaving on time or extending.
€25 (~$27 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD)
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete or expired 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
UK passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours, provided they remain airside.
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; certificate must be presented.
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.