Cape Verde entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
No visa required
60 days
Max stay
60 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Russian passport holders can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 60 days. This has been the case since 2024 and applies to tourism, business, and transit. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
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 check this at check-in. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Cape Verdean law. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Sal and Praia airports. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. A printed copy avoids phone battery issues. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least €100–150 per day of your stay. Cash in euros is widely accepted. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding — no exceptions.
No visa on arrival — just show up
Russian passport holders don't need any visa or pre-approval. Just arrive at the airport, join the immigration queue, and get stamped in for up to 60 days. No forms, no fees.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), head to the immigration hall. There's no visa on arrival process — you just join the regular queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer briefly and honestly. They'll stamp your passport with a 60-day entry.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's no arrival card to fill out. You're free to go.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Good for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (work/study).
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD)
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable once.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in local business or real estate. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 60 days or if visa is required. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | €25 (~$27 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear 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
Russian passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 60 days) applies instead.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for long stays or rural travel.
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
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in São Vicente.
Practical information for RU 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 = 94.97 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 want to stay longer, you need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa at a Cape Verdean embassy before travel.
No. There is no arrival declaration or online registration required for Russian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline. Even if you make it to Cape Verde, immigration can refuse entry. Get your passport renewed before you travel.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket. Immigration will ask to see it. A one-way ticket is a red flag and you may be refused entry.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cape Verde can be high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. A basic policy costs around $30–50 for a week.
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 and at the airport.
No mandatory vaccinations for Russian passport holders. But yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor for routine vaccines.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.