Cape Verde entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Cape Verde. You must arrange this before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Vietnamese citizens. Plan ahead and apply through the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival or online; plan ahead and apply in person. Apply at embassy/consulate | Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. Cape Verde does not offer an eVisa for Vietnamese citizens, so apply at the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. Visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before you travel. At least 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cape Verde. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesStamps need a clean page; extra pages are safer. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShows you plan to leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket out of Cape Verde. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but good to have in case. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Cape Verde (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards). | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtects you against unexpected costs. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is strongly recommended for Cape Verde. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationNo extra form to fill before landing. Not required | Cape Verde does not require an arrival declaration for Vietnamese passport holders. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens
Despite what you might read online, Vietnamese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you fly. Arriving without one means you'll be sent back.
Plan for the embassy application
Since there's no Cape Verdean embassy in Vietnam, you'll need to apply through a mission in another country or use a visa agency. Start the process at least a month in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate
Find the Cape Verdean diplomatic mission that covers your country. In Vietnam, there is no resident embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through the embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Thailand, Malaysia, or Portugal) or via a visa service. Call or email to confirm the exact process and required documents.
2
Prepare your visa application
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of funds. Some embassies may also require a cover letter or travel insurance. Double-check the specific requirements with the embassy.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee (typically around €50–€100, but varies). Processing can take several days to a few weeks, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
4
Receive your visa and check the details
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything is wrong, contact the embassy immediately.
5
Arrive in Cape Verde and go through immigration
At the airport (usually Amílcar Cabral International on Sal or Nelson Mandela International on Santiago), join the 'Foreigners' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. Immigration will stamp your passport and may ask a few questions about your stay.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€35
For frequent travelers; must be arranged online before arrival.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€60
For work, study, or residence; requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Trabalhador Estrangeiro (Foreign Worker Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Cape Verde. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€50 (~$55 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Cape Verdean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of ~€50,000 in Cape Verde (e.g., business, real estate). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (pre-arranged via online application)Must be approved before travel; pay at airport in Cape Verde. | €25 (single entry) or €35 (multiple entry) |
| Airport arrival fee (if no pre-arranged visa)May be charged for on-the-spot visa issuance; subject to immigration discretion. | €50 |
| Extension of stay (up to 90 days)Apply at immigration office in Praia or Mindelo before current visa expires. | €50 |
| Exit feeMost airlines collect departure tax with ticket; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete/expired 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
Vietnamese citizens transiting through Cape Verde's international airports (Praia, Sal) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas and during rainy season (August–October).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food or water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, primarily on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travelers, but use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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 permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern islands. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for VN 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 = 96.52 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. Vietnamese passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Cape Verdean eVisa system is not available to Vietnamese citizens. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
There is no Cape Verdean embassy in Vietnam. The nearest options are typically the Cape Verdean embassy in Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), or Lisbon (Portugal). You can also use a visa service that handles applications on your behalf.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 5–10 business days. It's best to apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to allow for any delays.
The fee varies by embassy and visa type, but expect to pay around €50–€100. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Tourist visas are typically issued for up to 30 days, but the exact duration is at the discretion of the embassy. Check the visa sticker for your permitted stay. Extensions are generally not allowed, so plan your trip accordingly.
You will be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. Airlines may also refuse to let you board without a valid visa. Don't risk it — get the visa in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.