Cape Verde entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Dutch passport holders can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making it straightforward to enjoy the islands' beaches and culture.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Cape Verde — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines at Schiphol may still check for at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date, so verify with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed confirmation or a digital booking on your phone works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — around €100–€150 per day is a safe benchmark. A bank statement or credit card with available limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
| SEA eVisa (if arriving without pre-approval) Online visa application for Cape Verde | Dutch passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 30 days, but you still need to register on the SEA eVisa portal before travel. Fill in your details at seavisa.cv, pay the €25–€35 fee, and receive a QR code by email. Print the QR code or save it on your phone — immigration scans it on arrival.Apply for SEA eVisa | Required |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If it's less than 6 months from your entry date, you won't be allowed to fly. Double-check before you go.
Travel insurance is worth it
Cape Verde's healthcare system is limited. A serious accident or illness can cost thousands of euros. A basic travel insurance policy covers this for a few euros per day.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Cape Verde airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for non-Cape Verdean passports. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and grant you up to 30 days. No visa fee is charged.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to go.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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€40 (~$44 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)
Ideal for travelers planning multiple visits within six months.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residência para Aposentados)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient income. Allows long-term stay with annual renewal. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Residência para Nómadas Digitais)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~€50 (~$55 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Allows stay up to 6 months initially, renewable. Requires health insurance and accommodation proof.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Visto de Investimento)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in Cape Verde. Grants residency and potential path to citizenship. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Cape Verde Work Visa (Visto de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€80 (~$88 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is required. | €40 (~$44 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €60 (~$66 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | €25 (~$27 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
Netherlands 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for most travelers, 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
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 fee.
Mindelo
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and residency for northern islands; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for NL 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 = 94.4 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 can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Just show your passport, return ticket, and accommodation.
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa before travel.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Get your passport renewed before you go.
Not required unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Check current health advice before travel.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
Technically no — tourist entry is for tourism only. But short-term remote work is generally tolerated. For longer stays, check with the Cape Verde embassy.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using escudos. ATMs are available in major towns.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.