Cape Verde entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and you have a return or onward ticket booked.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — 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 routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cape Verde. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 150 EUR per day of your stay. Immigration may ask for this if you look underfunded or have no return ticket. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration checks it on arrival. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Renew early.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation on your phone. If you lose your documents, these copies make it much easier to get help from your embassy or airline.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport is valid for 6+ months from entry. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Print or save digital copies of everything.
2
At the airport in Portugal
At check-in, the airline will verify your passport validity and onward ticket. They may also ask for proof of accommodation. Have these ready on your phone or printed.
3
Arrival at Cape Verde airport
At Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), join the immigration queue for non-Cape Verdean passport holders. Present your passport and return ticket if asked. You'll receive a 30-day entry stamp.
4
After immigration
Collect your luggage, then proceed to customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit the arrivals hall and you're free to go.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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~3,000 CVE (~$30 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy/consulate; allows one entry and possible extension.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~5,000 CVE (~$50 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~10,000 CVE (~$100 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~10,000 CVE (~$100 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least ~$1,500 USD/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residence Permit for Retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
~15,000 CVE (~$150 USD) initial fee
For retirees with stable pension or passive income. Requires proof of funds (minimum ~$1,000 USD/month), health insurance, and local address. Renewable indefinitely.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Golden Visa equivalent)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residence after 5 years
~50,000 CVE (~$500 USD) application fee + investment minimum ~$50,000 USD
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Minimum investment varies. Includes family members. Path to citizenship after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| TDAC (Travel Declaration and Authorisation for Cape Verde)Mandatory pre-arrival registration; submit at least 5 days before travel. | Free (online pre-registration required) |
| Stay extension (not applicable)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 30 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may also lead to deportation and future entry bans. | ~2,000 CVE (~$20 USD) per day, max 20,000 CVE (~$200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history15%
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
Portuguese passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Cape Verde airports, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, you must clear immigration and may need a visa if staying over 30 days.
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., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (August–October).
MalariaLow risk
Low risk on all islands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for long stays or rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water, street food, and undercooked meat/seafood.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk on all islands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but may be considered for long stays or travel to 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 residency matters; 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 PT 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 = 94.66 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 stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or a residence permit before your 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Cape Verde immigration. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to meet the visa-free requirements (passport validity, onward ticket).
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cape Verde can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage. Many travellers get a policy from SafetyWing or similar providers.
It's risky. Cape Verde immigration generally expects a standard passport with 6+ months validity. Emergency passports may be rejected. Contact the Cape Verde embassy in Lisbon to confirm before you travel.
Report the loss to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the Portuguese embassy in Praia (or the consulate in Mindelo) to apply for an emergency travel document. You'll need a passport photo and the police report.
No mandatory vaccinations for Portuguese travellers. But it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.). Yellow fever vaccine is required only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.