Cape Verde entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
No 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
Nigerian passport holders can enter Cape Verde without a visa for tourism or business stays. As of 2026, you get a straightforward entry process with no visa fee or application needed. Just make sure your documents are in order before you fly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Nigerian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Cape Verdean law, but carry a photocopy of the bio page just in case. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from a host with their address and phone number is enough. If you're island-hopping, show the first night's booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You may be asked to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay. Carry a bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit. There's no fixed minimum amount, but having around 10,000 CVE (roughly €90) per day in accessible funds is a safe bet. | Recommended |
No visa fee, no forms
Cape Verde is one of the easiest destinations for Nigerian passport holders. No visa application, no fee, no arrival form. Just show up with your documents.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this at check-in. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations handy — you'll need them at check-in and on arrival.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your passport, flight booking, accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Screenshots on your phone work fine.
3
Arrive at Cape Verde immigration
At the airport in Praia (RAI) or Sal (SID), join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — no visa fee, no forms.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 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€60 (≈ $65 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€90 (≈ $98 USD)
Good for multiple visits. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (≈ $131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable once
€30 (≈ $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable for another 6 months. Must have health insurance.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (≈ $109 USD) per year
For retirees over 55 with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires police clearance and health insurance. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (≈ $545 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde. Includes business or real estate. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want a longer stay. | €60 (≈ $65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €90 (≈ $98 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible for up to 30 days at immigration office. | €25 (≈ $27 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (≈ $11 USD) per day, max €500 (≈ $545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 30 days) applies instead.
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 (Nigeria is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers. 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 permits. Bring passport, visa, proof of accommodation, and fee.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north. Same documents as Praia.
Practical information for NG 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 = 94.71 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, you don't. Nigerian passport holders can enter Cape Verde visa-free for tourism or business stays. There's no visa fee or application process.
The visa-free stay period is not fixed in the database, but typically it's up to 30 days. Check with Cape Verde immigration for the exact duration on arrival.
Extensions are not available for visa-free entries. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a proper visa before travel.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of first-night accommodation. Travel insurance is strongly recommended but not always checked.
No, there's no arrival declaration or online form needed. Just show your documents at the immigration counter.
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, you need a return or onward ticket. Immigration checks this at the border. A one-way ticket will get you refused entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.