Cape Verde entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Hong Kong passport holders can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is in place for 2026, so you can skip the embassy visit and just show up with your passport. Just make sure you meet the standard entry requirements listed below.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Hong Kong passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Cape Verde. Cape Verde does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | 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 of your flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Cape Verde immigration may ask for this, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around 5,000 CVE (€45) per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but don't skip the checklist
Visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration officers can and do ask for return tickets and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed to avoid delays.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines may refuse boarding if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. Double-check before you book flights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the queue for non-Cape Verdean passports. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in — usually valid for up to 90 days. No visa fee is charged.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Visa-free entry is sufficient for most short stays; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free entry already applies)
Multiple entries allowed under visa-free policy; no separate visa needed.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~€60 (approx. $65 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and local registration.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month). Allows stay up to 1 year with renewal. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residence Permit for Retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
~€60 (approx. $65 USD) plus proof of pension/income
For retirees aged 55+ with stable pension or income. Requires local address and health insurance. Path to permanent residence.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence
€25,000+ (approx. $27,000 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Minimum investment €25,000. Fast track to citizenship after 5 years.
work visa
Cape Verde Work Visa (Temporary Residence for Employment)
1 year, renewable
~€60 (approx. $65 USD) plus employer sponsorship
Requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean company. Employer must prove no local candidate available. Includes work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers short stays; no single-entry visa fee applies. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry visa not required for visa-free travel. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stays are not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown (not available) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstay. | Unknown (not available) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Hong Kong passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Cape Verde airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit visa required if leaving the airport or staying overnight in some cases.
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours in some circumstances.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Low risk but present; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas 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 issues and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and residence permits for visitors in the north; appointments recommended.
Practical information for HK 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Cape Verde before the 90 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from outside the country.
No, there is no online arrival declaration or pre-registration required for Hong Kong passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel — it's not worth the risk.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply if you arrive by ferry or private boat. You'll still need a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Immigration checks are done at ports.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in. More importantly, medical costs in Cape Verde can be high, so insurance protects you.
The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). ATMs are available in major towns, but carry some cash for smaller islands. Euros are also widely accepted.
No mandatory vaccines for entry from Hong Kong. But check routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) and consider yellow fever if you've recently been to an endemic country. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.