Cape Verde entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You'll handle the paperwork at the airport when you land — no need to apply in advance. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports | Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Sal, Boa Vista, and Praia airports. Have €25–€40 in cash ready for the visa fee — the immigration desk does not accept cards. The visa allows a single entry for up to 30 days.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly €50 per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, showing a recent statement or a credit card is enough. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (€25–€40) plus any unexpected costs.
Yellow fever vaccine required if coming from Zambia
Zambia is a yellow fever risk country. If you're flying directly from Zambia or have transited through a risk country, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cape Verde airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Fill out the visa application form
At the immigration counter, you'll be given a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Have your booking confirmation handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs around €25–€40 (exact amount may vary). Pay in cash — euros or Cape Verdean escudos are accepted. Credit cards are not always accepted.
4
Submit documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket proof, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will stamp your passport and issue the visa. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. You're now free to enter Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
Cost€25 (approx. $27 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity90 days from issue
Cost€40 (approx. $43 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 3 months.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€60 (approx. $65 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable once
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable for another 6.
retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€60 (approx. $65 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or income. Requires proof of funds (at least €1,000/month), health insurance, and accommodation. Can lead to permanent residence.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€250 (approx. $270 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde (real estate, business, or government bonds). Includes family members.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
Requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer and work permit approval. Valid for one year, renewable. Sponsored by employer.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Zambian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at no cost for stays up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Optional pre-arranged visa via embassy or online, valid for 30 days. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days, each stay up to 30 days. | €40 (approx. $43 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Extensions are possible at immigration offices, up to a maximum of 90 days total stay. | €20 (approx. $22 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstays are penalized daily; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 |
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
Zambian 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 · 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 risk (e.g., Zambia). Must present a valid yellow fever certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions. Risk is low but present.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, primarily on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travellers, but 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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photo, and fee.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the São Vicente area.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 94.58 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 visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Praia or on Sal. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Yes, extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to visit the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (immigration office) in Praia or on Sal. The extension fee is around €25–€40, and you must apply before your current visa expires.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Zambia), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Check the latest requirements before you go.
No, cards are not reliably accepted. Bring cash in euros or Cape Verdean escudos. ATMs are available at the airport but may have long queues or limited cash.
Immigration may refuse entry. They want proof you'll leave within the allowed stay. A one-way ticket is not enough — you need an onward or return booking.
No. The visa on arrival is valid for the entire country. You can travel between islands freely once you've entered.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.