Cape Verde entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports. Have 3,400 CVE (about $34 USD) in cash for the fee — the airport kiosk does not accept cards. You also need a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket to show at the visa counter.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 at Nairobi JKIA may ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Sal and Praia airports checks for a confirmed onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy of your return or next-destination flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Cape Verde. The visa counter at the airport asks for it before processing your visa on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for daily expenses | Have at least 5,000 CVE ($50 USD) per day in cash or a card you can use at ATMs. Cape Verde is cash-heavy outside the main resorts — bring euros or US dollars to exchange at the airport. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. No credit or debit cards accepted. ATMs are available at the airport but may charge high fees.
Keep your documents handy
Immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Have them saved on your phone or printed out. A screenshot works fine.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport in Cape Verde
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small card to fill in on the plane or at the immigration desk. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight number, address in Cape Verde.
3
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival form, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check everything and tell you the fee.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Keep the receipt. The officer will stamp your passport with the visa.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. You're free to enter.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€40 (~$43 USD)
Apply online before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total (max 30 days per stay)
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$108 USD) plus processing
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (e.g., work, study).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Residence Permit for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
~€150 (~$162 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees with stable pension (€1,000+/month). Requires local address and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€500 (~$540 USD) plus investment
For investors in real estate (€50,000+) or business. Fast-track processing.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available online via e-Visa portal; valid for 30 days. | €40 (~$43 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 90 days, multiple entries. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office or airport exit. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$216 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Must apply before current visa expires; limited to one extension. | €25 (~$27 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Cape Verde (e.g., Amílcar Cabral International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours if staying airside.
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 risk (e.g., Kenya). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in rainy season (August–October). Use repellent.
Zika virusLow risk
Rare but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food/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 residence 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 and permits for northern islands.
Practical information for KE 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 = 94.71 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 around €25–40 (about 2,750–4,400 CVE). Pay in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. No credit cards accepted.
The standard stay is up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or Mindelo. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You'll need to visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (immigration office) in Praia or Mindelo before your visa expires. Bring your passport, a recent photo, and proof of funds. The extension fee is around 1,000–2,000 CVE.
Cape Verde does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may be asked for proof. Check with your airline.
Immigration may deny you entry. The visa on arrival requires proof of onward travel. If you don't have one, you might be refused boarding by your airline or turned away at the border.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal), Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago), and São Pedro Airport (São Vicente).
No online pre-registration is required for the visa on arrival. Just show up with your documents and cash. However, you may be asked to fill out a paper arrival card on the plane.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.