Cape Verde entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports (Sal, Praia, São Vicente). Pay €25–€40 in cash (EUR or CVE) — cards are not accepted. Have your passport photo and return ticket ready at the visa counter.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. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines like TAP Air Portugal and Cabo Verde Airlines enforce this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least €100–€150 in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay — showing a bank statement or cash works. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Have small bills ready.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers often ask to see your onward or return ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Present your documents
At the immigration counter, hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). As of 2026, the fee is around €25–€35 depending on nationality. Keep small bills handy.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. You're free to enter. The visa is typically valid for up to 30 days.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€25 (approx. $27 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; same as visa on arrival but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total (max 30 days per visit)
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (national visa, 1 year)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 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 (approx. $33 USD) application fee + €20 (approx. $22 USD) per month
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 (Residency for Retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) initial fee + €50 (approx. $55 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€1,000/month). Requires health insurance and local address. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residency after 5 years
€5,000 (approx. $5,500 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate (€50,000+) or business (€25,000+). Includes family members. Fast-track to citizenship after 5 years.
work visa
Cape Verde Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
Requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer and work permit approval. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| TDAC (Travel Declaration and Authorization of Cape Verde) pre-arrival feeMandatory online form to be completed within 5 days before travel. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires; max extension up to 90 days total stay. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration or airport upon departure. | €5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day, max cap €500 (approx. $550 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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with confirmed onward ticket.
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival or tourist visa is required.
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 (e.g., Rwanda is endemic). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional cases; same prevention as dengue.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago island. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for tourists, but use insect repellent.
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 permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the São Vicente area; same requirements as Praia.
Practical information for RW 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 = 94.57 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. Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at the airport. No pre-approval needed.
The fee is around €25–€35 (about 2,750–3,850 CVE). Pay in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. US dollars may not be accepted.
Typically up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or Mindelo.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Praia or Mindelo. The fee is around 1,000 CVE (€9) per month of extension.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Cape Verde does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your airline.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.