Cape Verde entry requirements for Latvia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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

Latvian passport holders can travel to Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Latvian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Cape Verde. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before departure.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Cape Verde
Immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and contact number works. Keep a copy on your phone or printed.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Border officials can request evidence of sufficient funds. A bank statement showing a few hundred euros or a credit card with available credit usually satisfies the check.Recommended
Visa-free for 30 days only
Your stay is capped at 30 days. Overstaying even by a day can cause problems — fines or future entry bans. Set a reminder to leave on time.
No visa needed for Latvian passport holders
You can enter Cape Verde without applying for a visa in advance. Just show up with a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking.

What happens at the border

1
Arrival at the airport in Cape Verde
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for non-Cape Verdean passports. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days. This usually takes 5–15 minutes.
2
Prepare your documents before you queue
While waiting in line, pull up your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone. If you have a printed copy, even better. Keep your passport open to the photo page. This speeds things up.
3
Exit immigration and collect luggage
After the stamp, you'll proceed to baggage claim. Then head through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists). No forms to fill out unless you're bringing in restricted goods.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Download PDF

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 consulate.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)

Good for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$110 USD) plus fees

Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (work, study, etc.).

digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€50 (~$55 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (at least €1,500/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) plus proof of pension/income
For retirees aged 55+ with stable pension. Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. Renewable annually.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence
€25,000 (~$27,500 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Minimum investment €25,000. Fast track to permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy.€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.€10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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

Latvia passport holders do not need a transit visa for Cape Verde. You may transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours.

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 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; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.

SchistosomiasisLow risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider for long stays or rural travel.

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.

Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the northern islands.

Practical information for LV 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 = 94.96 CVE
updated May 20
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
Police132
Medical130
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a visa or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a transit visa for certain nationalities. For Latvian passport holders, a short transit is usually fine without one.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
It's not a standard requirement for Latvian passport holders on a 30-day visa-free stay. But if you look like you might be working or staying indefinitely, they could ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good backup.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration will check this. If you don't have one, you might be refused entry. Book a refundable onward ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Latvian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using escudos. ATMs are available in cities. Bring some cash for smaller islands.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.