Cape Verde entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee. This has been the case since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply online before travel | Cape Verde requires all South African passport holders to obtain a visa before arrival. Apply through the SEAVISA portal at seavisa.cv — the online application takes about 10 minutes and costs around €55. Approval usually comes within 2–3 business days; print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your South African passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Cape Verde does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone showing your departure flight from Cape Verde. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You may be asked to show where you are staying. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from a host in Cape Verde works fine — keep a copy accessible. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a bank statement or a credit card statement showing at least €50 per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival counter does not accept credit cards. Bring Euros in cash — exact change is best. ATMs are available after passport control, but you'll need the visa first.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
While not mandatory for entry, medical costs in Cape Verde can be high. A basic travel insurance policy covers hospital stays and emergency evacuation. Get one before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue before passport control.
2
Present your documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (Euros preferred). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the regular passport control queue. They'll check your passport and let you through.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€25 (approx. $27 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance at embassy. Extensions possible at immigration.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€40 (approx. $43 USD)
Allows multiple entries; extensions possible.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€60 (approx. $65 USD)
For longer stays; requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study, family).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
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 accommodation. Allows tax-free stay for up to 1 year.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residência para Aposentados)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For retirees with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record. Allows permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Autorização de Residência para Investimento)
1 year, renewable
€250 (approx. $270 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in real estate or business. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (euros or local currency) upon arrival at airport. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)For those needing to exit and re-enter during the stay. | €40 (approx. $43 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions up to 90 days total stay possible at immigration office. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration or airport departure. | €5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day, max €500 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Sal · Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC), Boa Vista · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
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.
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, eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in all islands; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries. Use mosquito repellent.
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, proof of funds, and accommodation.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and immigration matters for northern islands.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 94.94 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 €30–€40, payable in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Bring exact change in Euros to avoid issues.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travelling or leave and re-enter.
Cape Verde does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry. However, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current health requirements before travel.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
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). The process is the same.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online pre-registration required for South Africans. Just show up with your documents and cash.
Immigration will likely refuse entry. You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A one-way ticket is not enough unless you have a residence permit or other proof of exit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.