Cape Verde entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Qatari passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You'll handle it at the airport when you land — no need to apply in advance. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival application | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports — Sal, Boa Vista, Praia, or São Vicente. Pay in cash (EUR or CVE) at the immigration counter before the passport check. Have a printed return ticket and hotel booking ready — the officer may ask to see them before issuing the visa.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Cape Verde. The airline at Doha will check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Cape Verde airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Cape Verde. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked tour package. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR). Bring €25-30 in small bills. ATMs are available only after you clear immigration.
Visa on arrival is single entry
This visa allows one entry only. If you leave Cape Verde (even to another island in the archipelago), you'll need a new visa on return. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) 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 confirmation ready.
3
Pay the fee and receive visa
Pay the €25-30 fee in cash (EUR). The officer will issue a visa sticker and stamp your passport. The process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4
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. You'll be stamped in.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€30 (≈$33 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy/consulate before travel; allows longer stay than visa-on-arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days per visit)
Max stay90 days per entry, valid 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€60 (≈$66 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance at embassy.
Long-stay visa (national visa, 1 year)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (≈$88 USD)
For work, study, or family reunion; requires sponsorship and supporting 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 earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year with renewal.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residence Permit for Retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
€80 (≈$88 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or income (minimum €1,000/month). Requires proof of funds, health insurance, and accommodation. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residency
€5,000 (≈$5,500 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate (min. €50,000) or business (min. €25,000). Includes family members. Fast-track to citizenship after 5 years.
work visa
Cape Verde Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€80 (≈$88 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (euros or Cape Verdean escudos) upon arrival at Sal or Praia airports. | €25 (≈$27 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays; also payable in cash on arrival. | €30 (≈$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €500 (≈$550 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €5 (≈$5.50 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires; requires passport, photo, and fee. | €25 (≈$27 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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports (Sal or Praia) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa-on-arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 (e.g., Brazil, Angola). Certificate must be presented at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (August–October).
MalariaLow risk
Low risk on most islands; minimal transmission in tourist areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk on all islands; no prophylaxis recommended for standard tourist itineraries. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photo, and fee in cash.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the São Vicente area.
Practical information for QA 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 = 94.71 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 on arrival is not extendable. You get a single entry for up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a longer visa at a Cape Verde embassy before travel.
Immigration will likely deny entry. You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you're flexible, book a refundable ticket and cancel it after you're through.
No, only cash in euros (EUR) is accepted at the visa counter. Bring €25-30 in cash. There are ATMs after immigration, but you'll need the visa first to get through.
Usually 5-10 minutes at the counter, plus waiting time in the queue. During peak hours (multiple flights arriving), it can take 20-30 minutes total.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the airport (even for a few hours), you'll need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, it's not officially required for the visa. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Cape Verde can be high, and evacuation to Europe is expensive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.