Cape Verde entry requirements for Italy passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Italian passport holders can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy started in 2024, so entry is straightforward for tourism or short business trips. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
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 Italian airports usually check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Sal and Praia airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying. A printed hotel confirmation or a screenshot of your Airbnb booking works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. A bank statement or credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Cape Verde immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months of validity left from your arrival date. Airlines also check this before boarding. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.
No visa needed, but have your documents ready
You don't need to apply for anything in advance, but immigration may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Keep them handy — a screenshot on your phone is fine.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), print or screenshot your return ticket, and save your first night's accommodation confirmation. Also download a local eSIM or buy a physical SIM at the airport — it's much easier than dealing with roaming.
2
Arrive at Cape Verde immigration
At Sal or Praia airports, join the line for non-Cape Verdean passports. Hand over your passport and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days. No visa fee, no forms to fill.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. You're free to go.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 proof of accommodation and funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$110 USD) plus processing
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor or proof of income.
retirement visa
Residence Permit for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For retirees over 60 with proof of pension or sufficient income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€50 (~$55 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income above €1,500/month. No local tax liability.
investor visa
Residence Permit for Investors
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$220 USD) plus investment
For those investing at least €50,000 in Cape Verde (real estate, business). Fast-track processing.
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 dayPay at immigration office before departure. | €25 (~$27 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
Italian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Cape Verde airports, provided they stay in the international zone 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-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas. Use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider if visiting remote areas.
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)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, 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 Barlavento islands.
Practical information for IT 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 = 94.4 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're just changing planes and don't leave the airport transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements (passport validity, onward ticket).
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you go.
No, there's no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. But if you're asked, having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good safety net.
The visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. If you plan to work remotely for a foreign employer, it's technically a grey area. For long-term digital nomad stays, consider Cape Verde's Digital Nomad Visa (requires application).
No vaccines are mandatory for entry from Italy. However, the CDC and WHO recommend routine vaccines (MMR, DTP) and possibly hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport when leaving.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.