Cape Verde entry requirements for United States passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
US passport holders can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. No visa or pre-approval is needed for tourism or business trips in 2026. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
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 Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their contact details works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers occasionally ask for proof of funds — have a bank statement or credit card available. No specific minimum amount is published, but showing access to at least $500 USD covers most situations. | Recommended |
No eVisa or pre-registration needed
Unlike some other nationalities, US citizens don't need to fill out any online form or pay any fee before traveling. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines often check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you may be denied boarding even if Cape Verde immigration would let you in. Double-check your passport's expiry date.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Non-EU Citizens'. Queue times vary — expect 15–45 minutes during peak hours.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer may also ask for your accommodation address. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 30-day entry.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's no separate visa fee or payment at the counter for US citizens.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
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 stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (CVE 6,000)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (CVE 10,000)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (CVE 15,000)
Requires sponsor or specific purpose (work, study).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable once for another 6 months
~$30 USD (CVE 3,000) application fee
For remote workers earning at least $1,500/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation. Allows tax-free stay.
Apply retirement visa
Residency Visa for Retirees (D7 equivalent)
~$200 USD (CVE 20,000) initial fee
For retirees with stable pension or passive income. Requires proof of funds, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Golden Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable; permanent after 5 years
~$500 USD (CVE 50,000) application fee + investment minimum $250,000 USD
For investors in real estate, business, or job creation. Minimum investment $250,000. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter if eligible. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap unknown; overstay may also lead to deportation and ban. | ~$25 USD per day (CVE 2,500) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern15%
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
US passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours and not leaving the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (30 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Sal · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water, eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers, but consider if visiting rural areas.
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 residency; 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 permits for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for US 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 = 93.93 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. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or residence permit before your 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or have an overnight layover, you'll need to enter visa-free (up to 30 days) — same rules apply.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for shorter validity.
Not officially required for US citizens. But if you're asked, having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is enough. ATMs are available in major towns.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. For work or study, you need a proper visa or permit before you arrive.
You'll be fined per day overstayed, and it may affect future travel to Cape Verde. The fine is typically around 2,000–5,000 CVE per day (roughly $20–$50 USD). Avoid it by leaving on time.
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs a valid passport with 6+ months validity. They cannot be added to a parent's passport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.