You may choose to call it Cape Verde, or maybe Cabo Verde does it better for you. Whichever you choose to call it, it still remains the same place.
This beautiful island nation offers an archipelago of ten (10) islands situated at the Central Atlantic Ocean, 719km away from Senegal’s coastline.
Inhabitants and visitors of this nation enjoy its warm tropical climate, fascinating scenery, delicious cuisines, and lovely music. That’s not all, and it also offers a stable democratic government favourable businesses within its shores.
Tourism, business, or work. It doesn’t matter what your purpose of visit might be. Cape Verde has a place for you. The headings will guide you through the requirements and processes involved in obtaining a Cape Verde travel permit.
Do I need one?
Persons seeking to visit Cape Verde may require a visa to do so if they are not from any of the sixty-one (61) visa-exempt nations. The list includes nations from Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
For a complete list of allowed visa-free entry and visa eligibility upon arrival options, click the link to the Cabo Verde visa policy.
For travels to Cape Verde, there is a process required for citizens of all nations (visa-exempt or not) to go through before visiting the country. This will be discussed in subsequent parts of this article.
Categories of Cabo Verde Visas Available
Your purpose of visit primarily determines the type of Cape Verdean travel permit that is issued. The following Cape Verdean visas are available:
- Tourist
- Transit
- Temporary
- Residence
Cape Verdean Tourist Visa
Individuals seeking to visit the country for recreational purposes are issued this visa. Holders of this travel permit are allowed up to 90 days of stay in the country. It may be possible to extend your stay once with this visa.
Cape Verdean Transit Permit
Foreigners traveling to a third country can make a brief stop at Cape Verde with this permit. They are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 4 days before they continue to a third country. This permit is also eligible for an extension.
Cape Verdean Temporary Visa
The immigration authority issues visitors seeking to visit Cabo Verde for cultural events, professional duties requiring short-stay, and a host of other reasons for this visa. Holders of this permit can have single and multiple entries to the country.
Residency Visa
Foreigners may be granted this permit under certain circumstances as determined by the immigration authorities. Individuals who are employed by businesses/companies operating in Cape Verde are granted this visa.
Documents Needed for Official Use
The supporting items required may differ based on the reason for the visit. Here, we’ll briefly outline basic requirements for tourist and business visas.
Cape Verdean tourist visa
Foreigners seeking to visit Cabo Verde for tourism-related activities are required to provide the following:
Valid National Passport
Foreigners are required to provide validity of a minimum of 6 months beyond the expected date of departure. It must contain at least two blank pages to attach your approved visa.
Passport-sized photographs
It is mandatory that you provide two recent colored photographs. The photographs should meet the following requirements:
- Not more than three months old, and print quality should be high
- The preferred background color is white
- Dressing accessories like glasses or headbands should not be used for it
- The full-frontal angle of your head with the centralization of your face. The expression on your face should be neutral
Application Form
This document should be filled appropriately and signed. All mandatory filled should be provided with relevant information. Make sure the name inputted on this form is the same name that appears on your passport.
Evidence of Travel Plans
It is required that you provide evidence that you have made arrangements for your trip. This includes your travel itinerary, proof of secured accommodation, and other papers that may serve as proof.
Cape Verdean business visa
Foreigners seeking to visit Cabo Verde for tourism-related activities are required to provide the following:
Valid National Passport
Foreigners are required to provide validity of a minimum of 6 months beyond the expected date of departure. It must contain at least two blank pages to attach your approved visa.
Passport-sized photographs
You must provide two recent coloured photographs. The photographs should meet the following requirements:
- Not more than 3 months old, and the print quality should be high
- The preferred background color is white
- Dressing accessories like glasses or headbands should not be used for it
- It should show the full-frontal angle of your head with the centralization of your face. The expression on your face should be neutral.
Cover Letter for Business
You must provide a letter from your company stating your purpose of visit. If a company in Cabo Verde has requested your presence, the company must address an invitation letter to the consulate processing your application.
Application Form
This document should be filled appropriately and signed. All mandatory filled should be provided with relevant information. Make sure the name inputted on this form is the same name that appears on your passport.
Evidence of Travel Plans
It is required that you provide evidence that you have made arrangements for your trip. This includes your travel itinerary, proof of secured accommodation and other papers that may serve as proof.
Procedures for Cabo Verdean Electronic Visa Application
All intending travelers to Cabo Verde must do the online registration, ideally five days before their departure to the country. The platform’s name is called “Ease,” as the name implies, it tends to make the application process easier and faster for travelers.
Certain individuals do not need to register on the e-platform. They are as follows:
- Children younger than 12 years
- Individuals on official duties using private aircraft to visit the country
- Planes compelled to make an emergency landing at Cabo Verde airport as a result of technical or weather conditions can have their passengers land at the airport
- Passengers that were transferred
- Cabo Verdean nationals with a valid national ID, husbands/wives of nationals, and children of couples younger than 18 years
- Citizens of other countries with a valid Cape Verde national passport, husbands/wives of nationals, and children are born into a family not older than 18 years.
The use of this platform attracts a fee for airport tax (TSA), which is mandatory for all visitors of the country to pay. However, some individuals are exempt from paying these fees. They are as follows:
- Children younger than 12 years
- Individuals on official duties using private aircraft to land visit the territory
- Aircrafts compelled to make an emergency landing at a Cabo Verde airport due to technical or weather conditions
- Passengers that were transferred
- Cabo Verdean nationals with a valid passport, their spouses, and children (under 18 years old)
- Citizens of other countries holding a Cabo Verdean passport, their spouses, and children (under 18 years old)
- Individuals a Cape Verdean residency permit.
The fee, which is 3,400CVE (approx. $37.35) is required to be paid upon registration.
Processes involved:
The Ease Application Portal gives you 20 minutes to fill in your details to complete the registration process. You are required to provide:
- Personal and contact details
- Travel information
- Additional personal information.
When all these fields are filled, a summary of the information you have provided will be displayed. You can review to make corrections if any.
Please note that submission of the pre-registration form does not guarantee entry into the country. You still have to meet some requirements previously mentioned.
Please contact the Cabo Verdean consulate in your country of residence to submit supporting documents.
Amount Charged
In addition to the Airport Security Tax (TSA) fee of 3,400CVE (approx. $37). Single entry visitor’s visa cost $57 (delivery fee included). At the same time, multiple entry visas cost $103 (delivery fee included).
These fees stated are susceptible to change. Please contact the embassy in your country of residence for more information.
Covid-19 Guidelines Intending to Travelers to Cabo Verde Must Follow
On the 12 of October 2020, international sea travels and commercial flights resumed.
Upon arrival, it is mandatory to prevent a negative PCR-test result or a rapid test (antigen test, Ag-RTD) result, which must be issued no longer than 72 hours before departure. Children younger than seven (7) years of age are exempt from presenting a test result.
In the country, the use of face masks is mandatory and social distancing in public in enforced. Failing to adhere to stipulated guidelines will attract payment of fines.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my visa when I arrive?
Yes, visa upon arrival is granted to citizens of all nations except Moroccans. The price for this is slightly higher due to additional charges.
When should I apply for my visa?
It is advisable for visitors not eligible for visa-free entry to begin the application process 1-2 months before the intended date of departure.
Do I have to send my original passport?
Yes, it is required that you send the original copy of your passport to the Cape Verdean embassy or diplomatic mission handling your application.