Cape Verde entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can enter Cape Verde without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This policy started in 2024 and still applies in 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you arrive.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Sal and Praia airports always asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they will deny entry if you can't show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're staying at a private address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it's safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 30 days only
Malta passport holders get 30 days visa-free. Overstaying even by a day can result in a fine or a ban. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Cape Verde requires 6 months of passport validity from your arrival date. Airlines check this before you board — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at the airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — there's usually a separate queue for non-EU passports, but Malta is treated as visa-free.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp you in — this usually takes 1-2 minutes. They may ask a few questions like 'How long are you staying?' or 'Where are you staying?'.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
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 online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor and additional documents.
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 employment and income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For retirees over 55 with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local address. Renewable indefinitely.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde. Includes real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is required. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 30 days incurs daily fines. | €25 (~$27 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are generally not available for visa-free entries; this applies to visa holders. | €30 (~$33 USD) for 30-day extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete accommodation proof20%
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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Cape Verde, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
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.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in rural areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists, but consider if visiting remote areas.
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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and residency applications. Expect longer wait times during peak season.
Practical information for MT 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 = 94.66 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa in advance at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel.
No, there is no online arrival declaration required for Malta passport holders. You'll just fill out a standard landing card on the plane or at the airport.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline. Cape Verde strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before you book.
It's risky. Most airlines and immigration officers expect a full validity passport. If you're travelling on an emergency passport, check with the Cape Verdean embassy first.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Malta or another European country, no vaccine is required.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get a better rate using escudos. Bring euros and exchange at a bank or ATM — avoid exchanging at the airport.
Generally yes, but petty crime like bag snatching happens in tourist areas. Keep valuables out of sight, don't walk alone at night on beaches, and use registered taxis.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.