Cape Verde entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Cape Verde. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for your nationality, so you'll need to apply through a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. Start the process early, as it involves paperwork and processing time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you must get it from a Cape Verdean diplomatic mission before you fly. Apply at embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must apply at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before travel. There is no eVisa option for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Cape Verde. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page means no stamps or markings on that page. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Cape Verde before your visa or permitted stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsBank statements or cash are usually accepted as evidence. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your accommodation and living expenses during your stay in Cape Verde. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceHelps cover unexpected medical costs or trip disruptions. Recommended | Although not a formal visa requirement, travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is strongly recommended for Cape Verde. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Sri Lankan passport holders entering Cape Verde. | Not required |
No visa, no boarding
Sri Lankan citizens cannot get a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Cape Verde. Without a valid visa sticker in your passport, you'll be denied boarding at your departure airport and refused entry on arrival. Apply well in advance.
Embassy processing can be slow
Because there's no Cape Verdean embassy in Sri Lanka, your application may be processed by a regional embassy, which can add time. Start the process at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate
Find the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. For Sri Lankans, this is often the Cape Verdean embassy in a nearby country (e.g., India or the UK). Call or email to confirm their visa application process, fees, and whether you can apply by mail.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, photos, accommodation proof, bank statements, and flight itinerary. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will likely keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application
Submit your application in person or by mail, paying the visa fee. Processing can take several weeks, so apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure. Some embassies require an interview — be ready to explain your travel plans.
4
Receive your visa and check the details
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. Any errors could cause problems at the border.
5
Fly to Cape Verde
On arrival at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), go to the immigration queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show proof of accommodation and return ticket if asked. After stamping, you're in.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Residence permit (temporary)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for work, study, or investment
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $60–$120)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose; apply at Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before travel.
work visa
Trabalhador (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $86 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Cape Verde. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable based on course
€40 (approx. $43 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Cape Verdean institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
€200 (approx. $216 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum investment ~€50,000). Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport; valid for up to 30 days. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Praia or Mindelo; extensions up to 90 days total stay. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include the airport tax; no separate payment at the airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Sri Lankan passport holders transiting through Cape Verde (e.g., at Amílcar Cabral International Airport) require a visa, even if staying airside. Obtain a transit visa before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports with bilateral agreements
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Low risk but pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas on Santiago island. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travellers, but consult a doctor.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the São Vicente area.
Practical information for LK 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
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. Cape Verde does not offer visa-on-arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Cape Verdean eVisa system is not available to Sri Lankan citizens. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to be safe. Some embassies may take longer if they need to forward your application to Cape Verde for approval.
Fees vary by embassy and nationality. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 USD. Contact your nearest embassy for the exact fee — it's usually payable in local currency or by money order.
There is no Cape Verdean embassy in Sri Lanka. The nearest accredited missions are often in New Delhi (India) or London (UK). Check with the Cape Verdean Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the embassy responsible for your region.
No. Cape Verdean visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
You will be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. Airlines may also refuse to board you without a valid visa. Don't risk it — get the visa before you fly.
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.