Cape Verde entry requirements for Malaysia 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
Malaysian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. This has been the case since 2024 and covers tourism and short business visits. You'll need to pay the fee in cash (EUR or CVE) and have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for eVisa or get visa on arrival | Cape Verde offers visa on arrival at Sal, Boa Vista, and Praia airports for Malaysian passport holders. You can also apply online in advance at seavisa.cv — the eVisa costs €55 and is usually processed within 3 business days. The visa on arrival costs €60 and requires cash payment in euros.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Malaysian passport needs at least 6 months of 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers at Cape Verde airports always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | 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 this during the visa on arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least €150 in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient means for your trip duration. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — EUR or CVE. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and some extra for incidentals.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry. If you leave Cape Verde (even to a neighbouring island country), you'll need a new visa on arrival when you return.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Cape Verde airport
You'll arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Join the line for 'Visa on Arrival' (not the regular immigration queue for visa-exempt nationals). Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in cash (EUR or CVE). The officer will process your visa and affix it to your passport. Keep the receipt.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, go to the passport control booth. The officer will stamp you in. That's it — you're in Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia 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, 30 days)
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-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€50 (≈$55 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show itinerary and proof of funds.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100 (≈$110 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and approval from Cape Verde authorities.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable once for another 6 months
€30 (≈$33 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year total.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees (D7 equivalent)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (≈$110 USD) initial fee
For retirees with stable pension or passive income of at least €1,000/month. Requires proof of funds, accommodation, and health insurance. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit (Golden Visa)
1 year, renewable
€500 (≈$550 USD) application fee plus investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate or business. Requires proof of funds and business plan. Fast track to citizenship after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or local currency) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (≈$27 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires; max extension up to 90 days total stay. | €30 (≈$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration office or airport departure; overstay may affect future visits. | €10 (≈$11 USD) per day, max €200 (≈$220 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
Malaysia passport holders do not need a transit visa for Cape Verde if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or 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.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders are exempt.
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., Brazil, Angola). Certificate must be valid.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes; avoid swimming in untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas 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
Direção Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (DNEF)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photo, and fee in cash.
Mindelo
Delegação do DNEF – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in São Vicente; same requirements as Praia.
Practical information for MY 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 = 94.97 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
The fee is typically €25–€35 (or equivalent in Cape Verdean escudo). Pay in cash only — no cards. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travelling or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaysia is not on that list, so you generally don't need it. But check the latest requirements before you go.
Yes, at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral (Sal), Nelson Mandela (Praia), and São Pedro (São Vicente). Not available at land borders or seaports.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Have them ready to speed things up.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cape Verde can be high, and insurance covers hospital stays and emergency evacuation.
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.