Cape Verde entry requirements for Uganda 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
Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. No need to apply in advance — just show up with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, and Praia airports | Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or CVE) at the immigration counter upon arrival. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the officer may ask to see them before issuing the visa.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Cape Verde does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date — just cover your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. A flight booking out of Cape Verde within your intended stay is sufficient. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers at the visa counter may ask to see it before approving the visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry at least 150 EUR (or equivalent in CVE) per day of your stay in cash or a credit card. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country. You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Cape Verde. Without it, you risk being denied entry or quarantined. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Cash is king at immigration
The visa fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring small denominations to avoid change issues.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
After landing at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for non-Cape Verdean passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash — Euros or local escudos. Keep small bills. The officer will issue a receipt and stamp your passport.
4
Receive your visa
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Check the validity dates before you leave the counter. You're now cleared to enter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and exit through customs. No additional forms needed.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€40 (approx. $43 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€60 (approx. $65 USD)
Suitable for multiple visits within validity period.
Long-Stay Visa (National Visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, family reunion).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable once for another 6 months
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year total.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees (D7 equivalent)
1 year, renewable annually
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or passive income. Requires proof of funds (€1,500/month minimum) and accommodation. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
investor visa
Golden Visa (ARI - Residence Permit for Investment)
1 year, renewable; permanent after 5 years
€5,000 (approx. $5,400 USD) application fee + investment minimum €250,000
For investors in real estate, business, or capital transfer. Minimum investment €250,000. Includes family members. Fast track to citizenship after 5 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
Requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer and work permit approval. Employer must prove no local candidate available. Leads to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max cap unknown |
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
Uganda passport holders transiting through Cape Verde (e.g., Amílcar Cabral International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa on arrival is available if you need to enter the country.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 yellow fever transmission (Uganda is endemic). Must show valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk on islands; no prophylaxis recommended for typical tourist stays. Use mosquito avoidance measures.
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 and immigration queries for visitors in the north.
Practical information for UG 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
The fee is typically between €25 and €40, payable in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). Exact amounts can change, so bring a little extra. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
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. Check with the Cape Verde embassy in advance.
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Uganda is on that list, so you must have the vaccine and carry the certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral International (Sal), Nelson Mandela International (Praia), and São Pedro Airport (São Vicente). Domestic airports do not issue visas.
No online pre-registration is required. Just show up with your documents and cash. However, some airlines may ask for proof of onward travel before boarding.
Immigration may deny entry. Airlines also often require proof of onward travel before letting you board. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
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.