Cape Verde entry requirements for Philippines 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

Filipino passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Cape Verde. You'll handle it at the airport immigration desk — no need to apply before you travel. This policy is in effect as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports (Sal, Boa Vista, Praia). Pay €25–€40 in cash (EUR or CVE) — no card accepted. Have a printed hotel booking and return ticket ready at the visa counter.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Cape Verde. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Cape Verde
Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports always ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they will not let you through without one.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it at the visa-on-arrival counter — having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have at least €50 per day of your stay available in cash or on a card. Immigration rarely checks this, but the visa-on-arrival officer may ask if you look underprepared.Recommended
Cash only at immigration
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Cards are not accepted. Bring enough to cover the fee (around €25–€40) plus a little extra just in case.
6-month passport rule is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Cape Verde. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you book anything.

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). Follow signs to immigration.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival desk
Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (Euros or escudos). Keep the receipt — you may need it later.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€40 (approx. $44 USD)

Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel; allows longer stay than visa on arrival.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)

Ideal for multiple visits; must be obtained in advance.

digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (min. €1,500/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) plus processing fees
Requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer and work permit approval. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Autorização de Residência por Investimento)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence
€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment minimum of €25,000
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Minimum investment varies; provides residency and path to citizenship.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport upon arrival.€25 (approx. $27 USD)
Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires.€30 (approx. $33 USD)
Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits.€10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500

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

Philippines passport holders transiting through Cape Verde (e.g., Amílcar Cabral International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa on arrival is available if you need to enter the country.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 24 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., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food. Stick to bottled water and well-cooked meals.

SchistosomiasisLow risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended, but use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets if visiting rural areas.

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 residence permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.

Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the northern islands; similar requirements as Praia.

Practical information for PH 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
updated May 22
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
Police132
Medical130
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The fee is typically around €25–€40, payable in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). Credit cards are rarely accepted at the immigration desk, so bring enough cash.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Cape Verde and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest requirements before you fly.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling — the 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral International (Sal), Nelson Mandela International (Praia), and São Vicente Airport.
No pre-arrival form is required. You'll fill out a simple immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
Not mandatory for the visa itself, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cape Verde can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.

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.