Cape Verde entry requirements for Madagascar 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
You need a visa to enter Cape Verde as a Madagascar passport holder. There's no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for you, so you'll have to get it from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — this takes time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online — plan to visit an embassy before you travel. Apply at an embassy or consulate | A visa is required for Madagascar passport holders. You must apply in advance at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate; no eVisa is available 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 your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Cape Verde. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesCount the blank pages — pages with any markings don't count. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa and entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound ticket — have it printed or on your phone. Proof of departure | You must show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket leaving Cape Verde before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHave recent bank statements or a credit card ready in case officials ask how you'll pay for your trip. Sufficient means of support | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cape Verde (e.g., bank statements, cash, or credit cards). | Required |
| Travel insuranceMedical care can be costly — insurance protects you if you get sick or injured. Recommended coverage | While not a visa requirement, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip interruption is strongly recommended for your stay in Cape Verde. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival form before you land. Not required | Cape Verde does not require an arrival declaration for Madagascar passport holders. | Not required |
No visa, no boarding
Airlines will refuse to let you board a flight to Cape Verde without a valid visa. Don't book flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Apply well in advance
Embassy processing can be slow, and you may need to mail your passport. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Visa is not extendable
Cape Verdean visas cannot be extended. Overstaying leads to fines and possible deportation. Plan your exit date carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate
Find the embassy or consulate that covers your region. For Madagascar passport holders, this is often the Cape Verdean embassy in a neighbouring country or in Europe (e.g., Lisbon, Paris, or Dakar). Call or email them to confirm the exact visa requirements and appointment process.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, bank statements, and flight reservation. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will likely keep one set.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Some embassies require an in-person appointment; others accept applications by mail. If you're applying from Madagascar, you may need to send your passport to the embassy — allow extra time for shipping.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from 5 to 15 working days, sometimes longer. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the dates and spelling of your name immediately — errors need to be fixed before you travel.
6
Arrive in Cape Verde
At the airport (usually Amílcar Cabral International on Sal or Nelson Mandela International in 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.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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 stay)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for work, study, or family reasons
Cost€50–€100 (approx. $55–$110)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Cape Verdean authorities; apply at SEF.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month) and health insurance. Allows stay up to 6 months, extendable. No local tax liability.
Apply retirement visa
Residence Permit for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $109 USD) + proof of pension
For retirees with stable pension income (€1,000+/month). Requires criminal record check and local accommodation. Can lead to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $163 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Cape Verde. Employer must prove no local candidate available. Includes residence permit.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $545 USD) + investment of €25,000+
For investors in real estate or business. Minimum investment €25,000. Fast-track processing. Family included.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or Cape Verdean escudos at entry; valid for up to 30 days. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) in Praia or Mindelo before current visa expires. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most international flights include the departure tax; no separate cash payment. | Included in airline ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Madagascar passport holders require a visa to transit through Cape Verde, even if staying airside. A visa on arrival is available at the airport for transit passengers, but you must hold a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with a valid residence permit or visa for Cape Verde do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Madagascar). Must show certificate at entry.
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 (August–October).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and undercooked food.
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 permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in São Vicente; similar requirements.
Practical information for MG 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 to Madagascar passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Cape Verdean eVisa system does not include Madagascar passport holders. You have to apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days, but it can be longer depending on the embassy and your specific case. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees vary by nationality and visa type. Contact the Cape Verdean embassy or consulate you're applying through for the exact amount. Expect to pay in the range of €50–€100, but confirm directly.
Cape Verde has embassies in several countries, but not in Madagascar. The nearest options are likely in Senegal (Dakar), Portugal (Lisbon), or France (Paris). Check which one handles visa applications for residents of Madagascar — you may need to apply by mail.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave Cape Verde before your visa expires. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential entry bans.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight at your own expense. Airlines also check for visas before boarding, so you won't even get on the plane without one.
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.