Cape Verde entry requirements for Libya passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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

Libyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. No need to apply in advance — just arrive at the airport with the right documents and cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Libyans.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival at Sal or Praia airport
Libyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports (Sal and Praia). Have 3,400 CVE (about €31) in cash ready — the visa fee is paid at the counter before immigration. You'll need a passport photo and your return ticket printed out. The process takes 10–15 minutes.Check eVisa portalRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Cape Verde. No 6-month validity rule applies here — just needs to cover the dates you're in the country. Airlines at departure may still ask for at least 3 months validity, so check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for visa on arrival
Immigration at Sal and Praia airports will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before stamping your visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. Airlines also check this at check-in.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cape Verde. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying more than a few days. A printed booking confirmation works best.Recommended
Cash is king at the airport
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (Euros or escudos). ATMs are available but may run out of cash or charge high fees. Bring enough to cover the fee and a bit extra.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Libyan passport holders don't need to apply in advance. Just show up with the required documents and cash. The process takes about 10-15 minutes at the airport.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the airport
Land 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 desk. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (Euros or escudos). Keep the receipt — you may need it later.
4
Receive your visa
The officer will stamp or stick the visa in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They may ask about your stay — answer clearly.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Libya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Download PDF

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€25 (~$27 USD)

Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Same as visa on arrival but pre-approved.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$54 USD)

For frequent travellers. Must apply in advance.

Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)

Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (work/study/family). Apply at embassy.

digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (~$33 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
€100 (~$109 USD) initial fee
For retirees with stable pension (€1,000+/month). Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. Renewable indefinitely.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$545 USD) initial fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde (real estate or business). Includes family members.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros at the airport upon arrival. Valid for up to 30 days.€25 (~$27 USD)
Overstay fine (per day)Applies if you exceed the 30-day visa-free/VOA period. Pay at immigration office before departure.€10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$218 USD)
Stay extension (30 days)Possible once at immigration office in Cape Verde, extending stay by 30 days.€25 (~$27 USD)

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

Libya passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. 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 48 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 (e.g., parts of Africa). Libya is not endemic, but transit through endemic areas may trigger requirement.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Zika virusLow risk

Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly 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 extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, proof of funds, and accommodation.

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

Handles extensions and visa issues for visitors in São Vicente.

Practical information for LY 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
updated May 29
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

The fee is around €25-35 (or equivalent in Cape Verdean escudos). Pay in cash at the airport. Exact amount depends on your nationality — check with the airline or embassy before travel.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'll need to visit the immigration office in Praia or on Sal. Fees and processing times vary.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Libya), you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4 weeks before travel.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Yes, all international airports (Sal, Praia, São Vicente) offer visa on arrival for eligible nationalities. The process is the same at each.
If you're transiting through Cape Verde and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of sufficient funds (cash or card). Having them in a clear folder speeds things up.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.