Cape Verde entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Zimbabwean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. No advance application needed — just arrive at the airport with the required documents and pay the fee in cash. This policy applies to tourism and short business visits as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports (Sal, Praia, Boa Vista). Pay the fee in cash (EUR or CVE) — around €25–€40 depending on nationality. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Cape Verde. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cape Verde. Immigration may ask to see it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least €100–€150 per day of stay available in cash or on a card. Officers rarely check, but you must show you can support yourself if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). Cards are not accepted. ATMs are available after immigration, but it's safer to carry Euros in cash.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Cape Verde, not from your departure date. Check your passport expiry before booking flights.
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
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Look for the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival' — it's usually before the main immigration booths. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (Euros or escudos). The officer will issue a receipt and a visa sticker. Keep the receipt until you leave the country.
4
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, join the main immigration queue. Hand over your passport with the visa sticker. The officer will stamp you in.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Once stamped, collect your bags from baggage claim and walk through customs. You're in Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Requires proof of accommodation and funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $86 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $32 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 1 year.
Apply retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For retirees with a stable pension or income of at least €1,000/month. Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residency.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $540 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde (real estate or business). Includes family members. Path to citizenship after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or local currency at the airport. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (approx. $540 USD). | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Cape Verde 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
- If you need to leave the airport transit area, you must obtain a visa-on-arrival or pre-arranged visa.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (including Zimbabwe). Must have valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions. Consider prophylaxis if visiting remote areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in urban and coastal tourist areas, but moderate in rural inland regions. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 94.81 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 amount depends on your nationality and length of stay. Bring small bills — change may be limited.
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 requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Zimbabwe is not on that list, but if you've recently travelled to an affected country, you'll need proof.
Immigration may deny entry or require you to purchase a ticket on the spot. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket before you fly.
No. The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but it's safer to carry Euros in cash.
Usually 15-30 minutes, depending on the queue. Sal airport is generally faster than Praia. Avoid peak arrival times (late afternoon) if possible.
No pre-arrival form is required for the visa on arrival. You'll fill out a standard immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.