Cape Verde entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You'll pay the fee and receive your visa at the airport in Sal, Boa Vista, or Praia. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, and Praia airports. Pay in cash (EUR or USD) — the fee is around €25–€60 depending on nationality and season. Have your passport photo and return ticket ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel at the visa-on-arrival counter. A printed or digital booking showing your departure from Cape Verde works. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple printout of your booking confirmation is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (EUR or USD) or have a credit card with available limit. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, show a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly €50 per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring Euros in small denominations (€20 or €10 notes) to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is quick and well-established at the main airports. Most travellers report it taking 5–15 minutes. Just have your documents ready and cash in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal), Aristides Pereira International Airport (Boa Vista), or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued (usually takes 5–10 minutes), go to the passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, and you'll be stamped in.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry) – pre-arranged
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry) – pre-arranged
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $86 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and supporting documents.
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 (at least €1,500/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Residency Permit for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) initial fee
For retirees with stable pension or income (€1,000+/month). Requires proof of health insurance and clean criminal record.
investor visa
Investor Residency Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $540 USD) application fee
For those investing at least €50,000 in Cape Verde (real estate, business, or government bonds). Fast-track processing.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (Euros) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Available for those who need to exit and re-enter during their stay. | €40 (approx. $43 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa 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 a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; avoid mosquito bites.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas on Santiago island. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for most travellers, 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 office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 93.93 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 approximately €25–€35 (about 2,750–3,850 CVE). Pay in cash — Euros are preferred, but Cape Verdean escudos are also accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Praia before your visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) in Praia. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and usually cost around 1,000 CVE. Apply at least a week before your visa expires.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. New Zealand is not a risk country, so if you're flying directly from NZ, you don't need it.
Visa on arrival is available at the three main international airports: Sal, Boa Vista, and Praia. If you arrive by private yacht or at a smaller airstrip, you may need to arrange a visa in advance through a Cape Verdean embassy.
If you're transiting through Cape Verde and not leaving the airport transit area, you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport (e.g., for a layover in Sal), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Have these ready to speed things up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.