Cape Verde entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Polish passport holders can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2025 and covers tourism and short business trips. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Cape Verde. Airlines at Warsaw Chopin and other EU hubs will check this before boarding — they won't let you fly if it expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia) always asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving on a one-way ticket or staying with friends. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration rarely asks for it for a 30-day visit, but it's a legal requirement — 150 EUR per day is the unofficial threshold they use. | Recommended |
Visa-free is only for 30 days
You cannot extend your stay beyond 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before travelling or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can lead to fines and future entry bans.
Passport validity counts from arrival date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in Cape Verde, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least 1 blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Print or save digital copies of everything — booking confirmations, insurance, eSIM details.
2
Arrive at the airport in Cape Verde
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to Immigration. There's usually a separate queue for visa-free travellers.
3
Present your documents at the immigration desk
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry. No visa fee, no forms to fill. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter. Keep your passport handy — you'll need it when checking into hotels or renting cars.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within six months.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$132 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (~$33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 6 months with option to renew.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local address. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence
€5,000 (~$5,500 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate or business. Minimum investment of €5,000 in approved projects. Fast track to permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is required. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
Polish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Cape Verde airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October).
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas on Santiago island. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for tourists, but mosquito repellent is advised.
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 accommodation.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and immigration queries for the São Vicente region.
Practical information for PL 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 = 94.96 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, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a visa or leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, there's no online arrival declaration or pre-registration required for Polish passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, you must have a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 30 days. Immigration checks this. A one-way ticket will get you turned away.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cape Verde are high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers that and also trip cancellations.
The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using escudos. ATMs are available in cities.
No mandatory vaccinations for Polish travellers. But check routine vaccines (MMR, DTP) and consider hepatitis A and typhoid if you're eating street food or staying in rural areas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.