Cape Verde entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
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
Ghanaian passport holders can enter Cape Verde without a visa for tourism or business. As of 2026, you get entry clearance on arrival at Sal or Praia international airports. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Ghanaian passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Cape Verde. Cape Verde does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — if you cannot show one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Cape Verde. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the immigration counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but be prepared
You don't need a visa, but immigration can still deny entry if you can't show a return ticket or your passport doesn't meet the 6-month validity rule. Have everything ready at the counter.
Travel insurance is a smart buy
Cape Verde's healthcare system is limited. A hospital stay for something like a broken leg can cost $500+ per day. Insurance covers that and emergency evacuation.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). You'll go through immigration as a visa-free traveller.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot or print), and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — no fee, no form.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 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
Cost€60 (≈ $65 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (≈ $108 USD)
Good for travelers planning multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (≈ $162 USD)
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and clean criminal record.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (≈ $162 USD) application fee + proof of monthly income ~€1,500
For retirees aged 60+ with stable pension or income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable once
€100 (≈ $108 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of at least €1,500/month. No local tax liability. Fast processing.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (≈ $540 USD) application fee + minimum investment €50,000
For investors 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 or if visa-free is not used. | €60 (≈ $65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (≈ $108 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not guaranteed; apply before visa-free period ends. | €25 (≈ $27 USD) per 30 days |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can also lead to future entry bans. | €10 (≈ $11 USD) per day, max €200 (≈ $216 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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
Ghana passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, visa-free entry applies for up to 30 days.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Sal · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (including Ghana). Must show certificate at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedCOVID-19 (full course + booster)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider 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, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for GH 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 = 94.71 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, you don't. Ghanaian passport holders get visa-free entry for tourism or business. Just show up at immigration with a valid passport and a return ticket.
The standard visa-free stay is 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or Mindelo before your 30 days are up.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) in Praia or Mindelo. Extensions are typically granted for another 30 days. There's a small fee — around 2,000 CVE (about $20 USD). Apply before your initial 30 days expire.
You'll likely be denied entry. Cape Verde immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before you travel.
Not routinely, but immigration can ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash (or equivalent in CVE) is a good idea. ATMs are available in Praia and Sal.
No, there's no online pre-registration or arrival declaration for Ghanaian passport holders. You just show up at immigration with your documents.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 5,000 CVE ($50 USD) per month, and you may be banned from re-entering for a period. Always apply for an extension or leave before your 30 days are up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.