Cape Verde entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Saudi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. Pay the fee and receive your visa at the border. This option is available for tourism and short visits as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports (Sal, Praia, São Vicente) for 30 days. Pay in cash (EUR or CVE) — around €25–€40 depending on nationality. Have a printed return ticket and accommodation booking ready at the counter.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. No 6-month rule applies here — just cover your trip dates. Airlines may still check validity at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. A printed booking confirmation or e-ticket works. Without one, they may deny entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A printed copy is safer than showing a phone screen. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (EUR or CVE) or have a bank statement showing enough for your stay. Around €50–€100 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you won't have access to them before paying. Bring Euros in cash — small denominations are best.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
This is one of the easiest visa processes for Saudi passport holders. No pre-approval, no online application — just show up with the right documents and cash. The whole process takes about 10-15 minutes at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before landing
Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation easily accessible. Fill out the landing card on the plane if provided.
2
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
At Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival'. Present your passport and documents.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (Euros preferred). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to immigration
After receiving your visa, go to the immigration counter. The officer may ask about your stay duration and accommodation.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped, collect your bags and proceed through customs. You're free to enter Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€40 (~$43 USD)
Apply at embassy before travel; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
For multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (e.g., work, study).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (~$32 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month). Allows stay and work from Cape Verde. Renewable for up to 1 year.
retirement visa
Residence Permit for Retirees
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
For retirees with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€1,000+/month). Requires local address and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$540 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean Escudos) at the airport. | €25 (~$27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Available from Cape Verdean embassies/consulates. | €40 (~$43 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | €5 (~$5.40 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or tourist visa may be 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar transmission pattern to dengue.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
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, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the São Vicente region.
Practical information for SA 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
The visa on arrival fee is typically €25-35. Pay in cash — Euros are widely accepted, but Cape Verdean escudos also work. Bring exact change if possible.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a flight, ferry, or bus ticket out of Cape Verde. A return ticket is the most common, but any onward ticket works.
The visa on arrival is available at Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island and Nelson Mandela International Airport on Santiago Island. It is not available at land borders or smaller airports.
You need your passport (with 6+ months validity and 1 blank page), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Immigration may also ask for proof of sufficient funds.
Travel insurance is not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.