Cape Verde entry requirements for Sweden passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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

Swedish passport holders can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and you have a return or onward ticket.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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, and immigration at Sal or Praia will turn you away if it expires before you leave.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Cape Verde
Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. Without one, you may be denied entry and put on the next flight out. Have a printed or digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport sometimes asks for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. The official threshold is around 15,000 CVE per person per day, but in practice they rarely ask unless you look short on cash.Recommended
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If it's less than 6 months from your arrival date, you won't be allowed to board. Double-check before you go.
No visa, no fee — but have documents ready
Entry is straightforward, but immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation. Keep them accessible on your phone.

What happens at the border

1
Arrival at the airport
At Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for non-Cape Verdean passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket (printed or on your phone). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in. No visa fee is charged.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration form for personal items.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Download PDF

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)

For stays longer than 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy in Stockholm or nearest.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.

Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and documentation.

retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
~€50 (~$55 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and accommodation. No local tax liability.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD) plus investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde. Includes real estate or business. Fast-track processing.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)Required for stays over 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy.€55 (~$60 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a period; apply at embassy.€80 (~$87 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 30 days incurs a daily fine; avoid by leaving on time.~€10 per day (~$11 USD), max €200 (~$218 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
No accommodation proof20%

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

Swedish passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport transit area, a visa-free entry for up to 30 days applies.
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-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October).

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common; drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.

SchistosomiasisLow risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater; avoid 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, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, 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 northern islands; similar requirements as Praia.

Practical information for SE 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 = 94.4 CVE
updated May 15
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
Police132
Medical130
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a visa in advance at a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate.
No. There is no online arrival declaration required for Swedish passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. The visa-free entry is free of charge. You don't pay anything at the airport.
No. You must have a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave within 30 days. Airlines check this before boarding.
You'll face a fine and possible deportation. Overstaying can also affect future travel to Cape Verde. Leave before your 30 days are up.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, no visa is needed. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the same visa-free entry (up to 30 days).

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.