Cape Verde customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

In 2026, arriving travellers in Cape Verde may bring up to 1 litre of spirits (or 2 litres of wine/beer) and 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco) duty-free. Cash amounts equivalent to €10,000 or more must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, weapons, and certain food products.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Traveller must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,900

Amounts equivalent to €10,000 (approx. USD 10,900) or more must be declared on the customs form. The threshold is set in euros by Cape Verdean law.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of CVE 80,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Items above that value are subject to customs duties and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with special medical authorization)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with police permit)
Counterfeit goods and pirated items
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed) without permits
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Uncanned meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (risk of disease)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use: must be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription (for controlled substances)
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products: require a phytosanitary certificate
Pets (dogs, cats): must have a microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, and EU-style pet passport
Drones and unmanned aircraft: require prior authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority
Cultural artifacts and antiques: export permit needed from the Ministry of Culture

Rules worth knowing

Tobacco and alcohol allowance is per person, not per family

Each adult traveller (18+) has their own duty-free allowance. You cannot combine allowances with other travellers.

Cash declaration threshold in euros

Cape Verde uses a €10,000 threshold for cash declaration (including traveller's cheques, money orders, and negotiable instruments). This is equivalent to roughly USD 10,900. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Temporary import of vehicles

Vehicles (cars, motorcycles) can be temporarily imported for up to 6 months without duty, but you must obtain a 'Carnet de Passages en Douane' or a customs bond. Overstaying results in heavy penalties.

Duty-free shops at airports

Duty-free purchases made at Cape Verdean airports are subject to the same limits as personal allowances. Keep receipts for inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can bring additional alcohol, but you must declare it and pay customs duties and VAT (15% standard rate). The duty-free allowance is 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer.

No, personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use do not need to be declared, as long as they are not new and in commercial quantities. If you bring multiple units, customs may treat them as commercial goods.

Undeclared cash over €10,000 (or equivalent) can be confiscated, and you may face a fine of up to 50% of the amount. Always fill out the customs declaration form.

You can bring commercially sealed, non-perishable food for personal use (e.g., canned goods, biscuits). Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited unless you have a phytosanitary certificate.

Yes, the duty-free limit is 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. You cannot mix these allowances. For example, you cannot bring 100 cigarettes and 125g of tobacco duty-free.

Gifts up to a total value of CVE 80,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. If the value exceeds that, duty is charged on the full amount, not just the excess.

Official source

Cape Verde Customs Authority (Direção Nacional das Alfândegas)