Cape Verde entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Romanian passport holders can enter Cape Verde visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 30 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026, so you can skip the embassy visit and just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Romanian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | 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 show it on your phone — they check every passenger. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least €50 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask for it, but if you look underprepared, they may request proof. | Recommended |
| SEA eVisa (Cape Verde) Apply online before travel | Romanian passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days, but you must register on the SEA eVisa portal before departure. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation — the system generates a confirmation you show at immigration. Complete it at least 5 days before you fly.Register on SEA eVisa | Required |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Cape Verde requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
No visa, no fee — just show up
Romanian passport holders don't need to pay for a visa or apply in advance. Just arrive with a valid passport and a return ticket. No embassy visit, no paperwork.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport in Cape Verde
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at immigration
Join the line for non-Cape Verdean passports. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and let you through. The whole process usually takes 2-5 minutes per person.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for tourists.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 date
CostApproximately 3,400 CVE (~$34 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostApproximately 5,100 CVE (~$51 USD)
Suitable for multiple visits within validity period.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
CostApproximately 10,000 CVE (~$100 USD)
Requires specific purpose (work, study, family reunion).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
Approximately 10,000 CVE (~$100 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (minimum ~$1,500/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately 15,000 CVE (~$150 USD) plus proof of pension/investment
For retirees with stable monthly income (minimum ~$1,000/month). Requires application at Cape Verde embassy and local registration.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residence
Minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in real estate or business
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Includes fast-track residence and potential citizenship after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| TDAC (Travel Declaration and Authorization) pre-arrival feeMandatory online form to be completed within 5 days before travel. | Free (online submission required) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | Approximately 2,000 CVE (~$20 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
Romanian passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa if 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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk on most islands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk on all islands; no prophylaxis recommended for typical tourist itineraries, but consider if visiting rural areas on Santiago or São Vicente.
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 permits.
Mindelo
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the northern islands.
Practical information for RO 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 = 94.81 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 need to apply for a visa or a residence permit before your 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport or have an overnight layover, you'll need to meet the same visa-free requirements (passport validity, return ticket).
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Get your passport renewed before you travel. Cape Verde strictly enforces the 6-month rule.
No, there's no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. But if you look like you might be working illegally or overstaying, an officer could ask. Having a credit card and a return ticket is usually enough.
No, emergency passports are not accepted for visa-free entry. You need a standard biometric passport with at least 6 months validity. Emergency documents are only for returning to Romania.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Romanian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket. No online pre-registration needed.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get a better rate using escudos. Bring euros and exchange at a bank or ATM at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.