Cape Verde entry requirements for Croatia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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

Croatian passport holders can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. No visa application is needed before travel — just show up with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 6 months, carry a printed copy of your flight itinerary to show the airline agent.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Cape Verde
Immigration at Sal and Praia airports always asks for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like TAP Air Portugal and Cabo Verde Airlines enforce this strictly at check-in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Immigration officers occasionally ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed booking confirmation or a screenshot of your Airbnb reservation ready.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Officers may ask to see cash, a credit card, or a bank statement showing you have enough for your stay. A daily budget of around €50–€100 per person is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement on your phone works.Recommended
Visa-free for 30 days only
Your visa-free stay is strictly 30 days. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you won't be allowed to fly. Double-check before booking.

What happens at the border

1
Arrival at Cape Verde airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International (Praia). Follow signs to immigration. Queue is usually short for visa-free passengers.
2
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in for up to 30 days.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from baggage claim. There's a customs checkpoint but it's usually a quick walk-through unless you have something to declare.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Croatia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Download PDF

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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)

For stays beyond 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Ideal for multiple visits; must be used within validity period.

digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (~$33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500/month minimum). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€60 (~$65 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or income (€1,000/month minimum). Requires proof of health insurance and accommodation.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in Cape Verde. Includes family members.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)Required for stays exceeding 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy or online.€55 (~$60 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; useful for frequent travellers.€80 (~$87 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 30-day visa-free period incurs fines; avoid by leaving on time.€20 (~$22 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history15%

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

Croatian 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
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis 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; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in all islands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but may be considered for extended rural stays.

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 extensions and permits; bring passport 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 immigration matters for northern islands; appointments recommended.

Practical information for HR 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 = 94.94 CVE
updated May 21
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
Police132
Medical130
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a Cape Verde embassy before travel or leave and re-enter after a short absence.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Croatia is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it. Check with your doctor if you've recently traveled elsewhere.
No, you must have a return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask for proof of departure. A one-way ticket will likely get you refused entry.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using escudos. ATMs are available in major towns.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Croatian passport holders. Just your passport and return ticket.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.