Cape Verde entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You'll handle it at the airport when you land — no need to apply before your trip. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports | Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Have 3,400 CVE (~€31) in cash ready for the visa fee — the airport ATM may not work. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and cannot be extended.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked tour package. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least €50–€100 per day in cash or have a credit card with available limit. Immigration rarely checks, but it's safer to have proof. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or Cape Verdean escudos. ATMs are available after immigration, but it's easier to bring €40 in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Japanese passport holders have a smooth experience getting the visa on arrival. The process is quick, and officers are used to handling tourists. Just have your documents ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
When you land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the visa form
You'll be given a short form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, accommodation. Have your booking info ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee is around €30–€40 (cash only, euros or Cape Verdean escudos). Have exact change if possible.
4
Get your visa sticker
An officer will stamp your passport with the visa. It's usually valid for 30 days. Keep the receipt if you get one.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, collect your bags and exit. Total time at the visa counter is usually 10–20 minutes.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
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€40 (approx. $43 USD)
Apply online or at Cape Verde embassy; required if you prefer pre-approval.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 (approx. $65 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple trips within validity.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study). Apply at embassy.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $32 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month) and health insurance. Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable once. No local tax liability.
Apply retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) initial fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€1,000+/month). Requires local address and health insurance.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence
€500 (approx. $540 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate or business. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available via Cape Verde e-Visa portal; valid for 30 days. | €40 (approx. $43 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 90 days; allows multiple entries. | €60 (approx. $65 USD) |
| Stay extension feeApply at immigration office before current stay expires; max extension 30 days. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) per 30 days |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration or airport upon departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
No transit visa needed
Japan passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or tourist visa is required.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas during rainy season (August–October).
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low on Sal and Boa Vista; slightly higher on Santiago and São Vicente. Use mosquito repellent and nets if travelling inland.
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 matters. 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 São Vicente area.
Practical information for JP 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 = 93.93 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
The fee is typically €30–€40 (about 3,300–4,400 Cape Verdean escudos). Pay in cash — euros or local currency. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
It's usually valid for 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or on Sal. Extensions cost around €25 and take a few days to process.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 30 additional days. Visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Praia or on Sal. Bring your passport, a completed form, and the extension fee (around €25).
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Japan, you don't need it. But if you've been in Africa or South America recently, get the shot and carry the certificate.
Immigration may deny you entry. The airline might also refuse to let you board. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you fly.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral International (Sal), Nelson Mandela International (Praia), and Cesária Évora Airport (São Vicente). The process is the same at each.
No, there is no e-visa system for Cape Verde. The only option for Japanese citizens is the visa on arrival. Don't bother with online applications — they don't exist.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.