Cape Verde entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or CVE) and show key documents at the immigration counter. This process has been in place since at least 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports and ports. The fee is around €25–€40 depending on nationality, payable in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean Escudos). Have your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation ready at the visa counter.Apply online | 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 check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers ask for a return or onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Budget airlines flying into Sal and Praia enforce this strictly — you will not get a boarding pass without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration at Sal and Praia sometimes asks for this during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least €50–€100 per day in cash or have a bank statement ready. Immigration officers rarely check this, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — EUR or Cape Verdean escudo. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Cape Verde, not from your departure date. Double-check before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Cape Verde airport
You'll arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will check your documents and collect the fee.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before stepping away. Then proceed to the regular immigration queue for entry stamp.
4
Pass through immigration
Show your passport with the new visa sticker. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where staying). Answer clearly. Get your entry stamp and you're in.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€40 (approx. $43 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy. Requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once for 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€60 (approx. $65 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $86 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
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 (Euros) upon arrival at Cape Verde airports. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained from Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel. | €40 (approx. $43 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €60 (approx. $65 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $540 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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 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 = 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 exact fee isn't fixed in public sources, but expect around €25–€40 (approx 2,750–4,400 CVE). Pay in cash — EUR or Cape Verdean escudo — at the immigration counter. No card or mobile payments.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Check with the Cape Verde embassy in Colombo or New Delhi.
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Sri Lanka is not on that list, so you likely won't need it. But if you've recently travelled to an affected country, carry your certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before booking flights. No exceptions.
Yes, at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral International (Sal), Nelson Mandela International (Praia), and São Pedro Airport (São Vicente). The process is the same.
No. There is no arrival declaration or e-visa requirement for Sri Lankans. Just show up with your documents and cash.
Immigration will likely refuse entry. The airline may also deny boarding. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you fly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.