Cape Verde entry requirements for Indonesia passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
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

Indonesian passport holders need a visa to enter Cape Verde. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Indonesian citizens, so you must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — the process takes time and requires a valid passport with at least six months of validity.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Cape Verde visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure it before you fly.
Apply at an embassy or consulate
Indonesian passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. Apply at the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. The eVisa is not available for Indonesian citizens.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before you book anything.
At least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cape Verde.Required
Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans.
Proof of departure
Have a printed or digital return or onward ticket showing you will leave Cape Verde before your visa or authorized stay expires.Required
Proof of accommodationYou may need to show where you will be staying.
Hotel booking or invitation
Carry confirmation of your accommodation for the entire stay, such as a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host.Required
Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements or cash may be requested at immigration.
Financial means for your stay
Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your time in Cape Verde.Required
Travel insuranceProtects you against unexpected costs while abroad.
Recommended coverage
Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip interruption is strongly recommended for your trip to Cape Verde.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra arrival form.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Indonesian citizens entering Cape Verde.Not required
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival — apply early
Indonesian citizens cannot use Cape Verde's eVisa system or get a visa on arrival. You must get a visa from an embassy or consulate before you fly. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
No embassy in Indonesia
You'll need to apply through a Cape Verdean embassy in another country (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia, or Japan). This may involve mailing your passport, so factor in shipping time and costs. Use a trackable courier service.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Cape Verde. Airlines will check this at check-in, and immigration will check it on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate
Find the Cape Verdean embassy or consulate responsible for your region. In Indonesia, there is no resident embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through the Cape Verdean embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia, or Japan) or via a visa service. Call or email first to confirm the exact requirements and appointment process.
2
Prepare your application documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, accommodation proof, bank statements, flight itinerary, and insurance. Make copies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals of some documents.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee (typically around €50–€80 for a single-entry visa, but confirm with the embassy). Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect your passport.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take 5–15 business days, sometimes longer. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to avoid delays. Check the embassy's website for status updates if available.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Verify that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct before leaving the embassy. If anything is wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
6
Arrive in Cape Verde and go through immigration
At the airport in Cape Verde (likely Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal or Nelson Mandela International Airport on Santiago), join the 'Foreigners' queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation details if asked. Immigration officers may ask about your purpose of visit — answer clearly and confidently.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€60 (approx. $70)

Apply at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before travel.

digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Autorização de Residência para Teletrabalho)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee + €100 (approx. $110 USD) residence permit
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month). Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Visto de Residência para Reformados)
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $55 USD) application fee + €150 (approx. $165 USD) residence permit
For retirees with stable pension (€1,000+/month). Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residency.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Visto de Investimento)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee + €500 (approx. $550 USD) residence permit
For investors with minimum €50,000 in business or real estate. Fast-track to permanent residency after 3 years.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport.€25 (approx. $30)
Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Praia or Mindelo.€30 (approx. $35)
Exit feeMost airlines include the airport tax in the ticket price.Included in airfare

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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

Transit visa required

Indonesian citizens transiting through Cape Verde require a visa, even if staying airside. However, if you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area for less than 24 hours, you may be exempt. Confirm with the airline.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports
  • Crew members on duty
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)

Health & vaccines for Cape Verde

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Angola). Certificate must be valid.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and nets.

ChikungunyaLow risk

Occasional cases; same prevention as dengue.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

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

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, 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 office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the north. Arrive early to avoid queues.

Practical information for ID 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 = 96.52 CVE
updated Jul 3
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. Indonesian passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Cape Verde. You must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no exception for tourism or business.
No. Cape Verde's eVisa system is not available to Indonesian passport holders. You must apply through a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. Do not use third-party eVisa websites — they will not work for you.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 business days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy's workload and your nationality. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe. If you're applying from a non-resident embassy (e.g., in Singapore), allow extra time for mailing.
The visa fee is typically around €50–€80 for a single-entry visa, but it varies by embassy and visa type. Check with the specific embassy or consulate for the exact fee. Some embassies may charge in local currency, so ask about payment methods.
If you leave the airport transit area, you need a visa. If you stay airside (in the international transit zone) and your layover is short, you may not need a visa, but this is at the discretion of the airline and Cape Verdean authorities. To be safe, contact the airline and the embassy before booking a layover in Cape Verde.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation. Plan your trip accordingly.
There is no Cape Verdean embassy in Indonesia. The nearest embassies are in Singapore, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), and Japan (Tokyo). You can apply at any of these, but you may need to send your passport by mail or use a visa service. Contact the embassy first to confirm their jurisdiction and application process.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.