Cape Verde entry requirements for Mexico passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Mexican passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You pay the fee and receive your entry stamp at the airport in Sal or Praia. This policy has been in place since at least 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival / eVisa Apply for Cape Verde eVisa | Apply online at seavisa.cv before you fly. The eVisa costs €45 and is valid for 30 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Sal and Praia will scan the barcode.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Mexican passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Cape Verde. Immigration may ask for it if you arrive without a clear place to stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €150 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it can speed things up if you look under-prepared. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). There are no ATMs before immigration, so bring the exact amount.
Travel insurance is not mandatory but wise
Cape Verde's public healthcare is limited. A basic travel insurance policy covers hospital stays and medical evacuation — costs can run into thousands of euros otherwise.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the visa counter, hand over your passport and the fee in cash (Euros or escudos). They'll process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa, join the immigration queue. Show your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation if asked.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped in, grab your bags and head through customs. That's it — you're in.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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 (approx. $27 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $54 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD)
Requires sponsor or specific purpose (work, study).
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 (euros or local currency) at the airport. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension may be possible at immigration offices for up to 30 days. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Mexico passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Sal · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), 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 = 94.94 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
Yes, at all international airports: Sal (SID), Praia (RAI), and São Vicente (VXE). The process is the same at each.
Around €25–€30 (or equivalent in Cape Verdean escudos). Pay in cash — cards are not accepted. Euros are preferred.
Typically up to 30 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at entry. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration and Border Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in Praia or Sal. Extensions cost around €25 and take a few days. You'll need a valid reason.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Otherwise, no. Check current requirements before travel.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before traveling.
Cape Verde offers an e-visa for some nationalities, but Mexicans can simply get the visa on arrival. There's no advantage to applying in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.