Cape Verde entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No visa required
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
Senegalese passport holders can enter Cape Verde without a visa for tourism or business. As of 2026, there is no official maximum stay limit, but you should have a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation ready. Immigration officers may ask for these documents, so keep them accessible.
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 — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Sal and Praia airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they won't let you through without one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked where you're staying. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from a host is enough. Keep it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for proof of funds. Have a bank statement or a credit card ready — they're not strict about a specific amount, but you should look like you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Cape Verde. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration will deny entry if it's not. Renew early if needed.
No visa, but have proof of onward travel
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Keep a screenshot on your phone. If you don't have one, you may be questioned or refused entry.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before you fly
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date) and ensure at least one blank page. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Arrive at Cape Verde immigration
At Praia (RAI) or Sal (SID) airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof — have them ready. They'll stamp you in. No visa fee.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare. You're free to enter.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
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
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$132 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD)
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. No local tax liability.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) plus investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in local business or real estate.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays or if visa-free not applicable. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension up to 30 days, subject to approval. | €25 (~$28 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (~$550 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Senegal passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Cape Verde airports.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) · Cesária Évora Airport (VXE)
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Senegal).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes; avoid contact.
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
Direção Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Cape Verde
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for extensions and permits.
Mindelo
Delegação do Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and visa issues in the north.
Practical information for SN 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
No, you don't need a visa. Senegalese citizens can enter Cape Verde visa-free for tourism or business. There's no official maximum stay, but you should have a return ticket and proof of accommodation.
There is no official maximum stay limit for Senegalese passport holders. However, immigration officers typically grant 30 days. To stay longer, apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or Sal. Extensions cost 2,000–5,000 CVE (about $20–$50) and take a few days.
Yes, apply at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras in Praia or at Sal airport. The process takes a few days and costs 2,000–5,000 CVE. You'll need a valid reason, like a medical issue or flight cancellation.
Your passport (valid 6+ months from entry), a return or onward ticket (screenshot is fine), and proof of first night accommodation (hotel booking or Airbnb confirmation). Travel insurance is not required but strongly recommended.
No, it's not a formal entry requirement. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs can be high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. If you have insurance, keep a copy handy.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. The rule is strict: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit before you travel. Contact the Cape Verde embassy in Dakar for details.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.