Cape Verde entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
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
Pakistani passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Cape Verde. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Pakistani citizens, so you'll need to apply through a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. Start the process well in advance to ensure your travel plans go smoothly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you must obtain it from a Cape Verdean diplomatic mission before you fly. Apply at embassy/consulate | A visa is required for Pakistani passport holders. You must apply in person at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before travel. eVisa is not available for Pakistani nationals. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well in advance; if it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Cape Verde. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is a completely blank page available for immigration officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans; have a printed or digital copy ready. Proof of departure | You must present a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Cape Verde before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of financial means helps demonstrate you can support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cape Verde, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before traveling. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Cape Verde for Pakistani passport holders. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not attempt to apply online; your application will not be processed. Use the standard embassy route. Not eligible | Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for Cape Verde's eVisa program. You must apply through an embassy or consulate instead. | Not required |
No visa, no boarding
Airlines check visa requirements before you board. Without a valid Cape Verde visa, you will be refused boarding at your departure airport. Don't risk it — get the visa before you fly.
Apply early — no embassy in Pakistan
Since there's no Cape Verdean embassy in Pakistan, you'll need to apply through an embassy abroad or a visa service. This adds time, so start the process at least a month in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate
Find the embassy or consulate responsible for your region. In Pakistan, there is no resident Cape Verdean embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through the Cape Verdean embassy in a neighbouring country or via a visa processing service. Call or email first to confirm requirements and appointment availability.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, and bank statements. Make copies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals of some documents.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Attend your appointment in person or send your application by courier if the embassy allows. Pay the visa fee (amount varies by embassy and nationality). Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but start at least 3 weeks before your travel date.
4
Receive your visa and check the details
When your passport is returned, check the visa sticker carefully: name spelling, dates, and validity. Any error means you'll need to reapply. Also check the number of entries allowed.
5
Arrive at Cape Verdean immigration
At the airport (likely Amílcar Cabral International on Sal or Nelson Mandela International in Praia), join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show proof of accommodation and return ticket if asked. Immigration officers may ask about your purpose of visit — answer clearly.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (pre-arranged via embassy)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€45 (approx. $53)
Apply at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before travel; required if you prefer certainty over visa on arrival.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (approx. $70)
Requires invitation letter from a Cape Verdean company; apply at embassy.
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $118)
For work, study, or investment; apply at SEF after arrival with proper documentation.
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 (€1,500/month minimum). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees with stable pension income (€1,000/month minimum). Requires police clearance and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean Escudos) at the airport. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)For multiple entries during stay. | €40 (approx. $47) |
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) in Praia or Mindelo. | €25 (approx. $30) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include airport tax; no separate cash payment. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Pakistani passport holders require a visa to transit through Cape Verde, even if staying airside. A visa on arrival is not available for transit; you must obtain a visa before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Holders of a valid residence permit for a Schengen country, USA, UK, or Canada may be exempt (verify with airline).
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (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-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but use mosquito avoidance measures.
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)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Mindelo
SEF Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for PK 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 = 96.52 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. Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Cape Verde. You must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no exception for tourism or business.
No. Cape Verde's eVisa system is not available to Pakistani passport holders. You must apply through a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. Be wary of third-party websites that claim to offer eVisas — they are not official.
Cape Verde does not have an embassy in Pakistan. The nearest embassies are in Europe, such as in Lisbon (Portugal), Paris (France), or London (UK). You may need to apply by mail or use a visa service. Contact the embassy directly to confirm their jurisdiction and application process.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer if the embassy needs to verify documents or if you apply by mail. Start at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to avoid delays.
Visa fees vary by embassy and nationality. Expect to pay roughly $50–$100 USD equivalent, but confirm the exact amount with the embassy where you apply. Fees are usually non-refundable if your application is rejected.
You will be denied a visa and likely denied boarding. Renew your passport before applying. Cape Verdean immigration strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule.
Only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Pakistan, you don't need it. But if you have a layover in a risk country (e.g., parts of Africa or South America), you must carry the vaccination certificate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.