Cape Verde entry requirements for Mexico 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
Mexican passport holders need a visa to enter Cape Verde. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Mexican citizens. Plan ahead and apply through the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival or online; you must visit an embassy or consulate in advance. Apply at an embassy or consulate | Mexican citizens must obtain a visa before travel. Apply at the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. The eVisa program is not available for Mexican passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before you travel; if it's close, renew it first. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cape Verde. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean, unused page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking; have it ready. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Cape Verde before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationBorder officials often ask for an address or booking confirmation. Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry proof of where you will stay, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements or cash are usually accepted; have them accessible. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your time in Cape Verde. | Required |
| Travel insuranceIt protects you if you get sick or your trip is interrupted. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip disruptions is strongly recommended. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any pre-arrival form. Not required | Cape Verde does not require an online arrival declaration for Mexican citizens. | Not required |
No e-visa, no visa-on-arrival
Mexican citizens cannot use Cape Verde's e-visa system or get a visa at the airport. You must get a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you fly. Arriving without one means you'll be sent back on the next flight.
Visa validity is fixed
The visa you receive is typically valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. It cannot be extended in Cape Verde. If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter with a new visa.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate
Find the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. For Mexicans, this is often the Cape Verdean embassy in Washington, D.C., or a consulate in Mexico City. Call or email to confirm the exact application process and current fees.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, application form, accommodation proof, financial proof, and flight itinerary. Make copies of everything — the embassy may keep some, and you'll want backups.
3
Submit your application
Send your complete application package by mail or in person to the embassy/consulate. Pay the visa fee (typically $50–$100, but confirm with the embassy). Processing can take 5–10 business days, so apply well in advance.
4
Receive your visa and check the details
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the embassy immediately.
5
Arrive at Cape Verdean immigration
At the airport (likely Amílcar Cabral International on Sal or Nelson Mandela International in Praia), join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, and return ticket ready. Immigration will stamp you in — usually for up to 30 days.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard visa (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $60)
Apply at Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before travel.
Long-stay visa (residence/work)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityVaries
Cost€100–€200 (approx. $120–$240)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Cape Verde immigration.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $32 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 Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees with stable pension income. Requires proof of funds and health insurance. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $540 USD) plus investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in Cape Verde. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)For multiple entries during stay. | €40 (approx. $48) |
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at immigration office in Praia or Mindelo. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Exit feeMost airlines include airport tax in ticket price. | Included in airfare |
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
Mexican citizens transiting through Cape Verde (e.g., at Amílcar Cabral International Airport) require a visa, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members on duty
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 transmission risk (e.g., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
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; avoid tap water and undercooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes; 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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photo, and fee.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visitors in São Vicente; similar procedures as Praia.
Practical information for MX 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. Mexican passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Cape Verde. You must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Cape Verde e-visa system is not available to Mexican citizens. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days, but it can take longer if the embassy needs to verify documents. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay roughly $50–$100 USD. Check with the specific embassy or consulate for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
The visa is usually valid for a single entry with a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration will be printed on the visa sticker. Extensions are not possible, so plan your trip accordingly.
You will be denied entry. Cape Verdean immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For direct travel from Mexico, it's not typically required, but check with the embassy to be sure.
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.