Cape Verde entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Icelandic passport holders can enter Cape Verde without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement covers tourism, business meetings, or transit. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Cape Verde. Airlines at Keflavik will check this before you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) and Praia (RAI) always asks for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear PDF on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Keep a booking confirmation handy, even if you're staying with friends. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your trip. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, renew it first.
Overstaying is not worth the risk
The 30-day visa-free stay is not extendable. Overstaying can lead to fines and a ban from re-entering Cape Verde. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Cape Verde airport
You'll go through immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry. The process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
2
Departure from Cape Verde
When leaving, you'll go through passport control again. Make sure you haven't overstayed your 30 days. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$132 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residência por Reforma)
1 year, renewable annually
~€150 (~$165 USD) application fee
For retirees over 60 with proof of pension or sufficient income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Residência para Nómadas Digitais)
6 months, renewable once
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income above €1,500/month. Allows stay and work remotely. No local tax liability.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Autorização de Residência por Investimento)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residence
~€500 (~$550 USD) plus investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate or business. Includes family members. Fast track to citizenship after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is required. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration or airport upon departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconfirmed 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
Icelandic passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Cape Verde airports, as long as they stay airside 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-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present year-round, especially in urban areas.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk on all islands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
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 throughout Cape Verde. Prophylaxis is not generally recommended for short-term tourists, but consider if visiting rural areas on Santiago island.
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 residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for IS 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 = 94.66 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. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a visa before you travel or leave and re-enter after a short period.
No, Icelandic passport holders do not need a visa for transit. You can stay up to 30 days visa-free, so even a long layover is covered.
You will likely be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers evacuation if needed.
The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit. Remote work is technically not allowed, but short-term digital nomad activity is generally tolerated. For longer stays, consider a digital nomad visa.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Cape Verde. Always leave before your 30 days are up.
No, there is no mandatory arrival declaration form. You just go through passport control with your documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.