Planning a trip to Cabo Verde requires two separate things that most travelers confuse: the actual visa and the mandatory EASE pre-registration. For citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, there is no visa to apply for, but the airport security tax and online registration are still obligatory. As of January 1, 2026, the government also suspended visa-on-arrival for nationals of 96 countries, making advance planning more important than ever.
Quick Entry Facts
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Security Tax (TSA) | 3,400 CVE |
| EASE Registration Deadline | At least 5 days before departure |
| Official EASE Portal | www.ease.gov.cv |
| Passport Validity | Minimum 6 months beyond intended stay |
| Visa-Free Stay Limit | 30 days for eligible nationalities |
| Visa on Arrival | Suspended since January 1, 2026 for 96 countries |
Do You Need a Visa for Cabo Verde?
The most common point of confusion is separating the actual visa from the airport security tax. A large portion of international tourists do not need a visa at all.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens from a wide range of countries enjoy visa-free entry for tourism, usually capped at a 30-day stay. This exemption list includes all European Union member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Switzerland, and Norway.
Visa exemption does not mean a free pass. Visa-exempt travelers still face the strict requirement of completing the online EASE registration and paying the airport security tax before boarding their flight.
Nationalities Requiring a Visa in Advance
Travelers holding passports from countries outside the exemption agreements must secure a visa before arriving. Attempting to board a flight without proper consular clearance often results in denied boarding by the airline.
Important 2026 Update: Visa on Arrival Suspended
As of January 1, 2026, Cabo Verde has ended the issuance of visas on arrival for nationals of 96 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Oceania. Countries affected include Egypt, Mexico, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and 89 other nations. The EASE portal no longer allows online payment of visa-on-arrival fees for these nationalities.
If your country is on this list, you must obtain a visa from a Cabo Verde embassy or consulate before departure. Airlines are expected to deny boarding to affected travelers who cannot show proof of a granted visa.
What Is the EASE Form (Airport Security Fee)?
The EASE form is directly tied to the Airport Security Fee (Taxa de Seguranca Aeroportuaria, or TSA). This is a mandatory pre-registration system designed to speed up border checks and is required for virtually all incoming international travelers.
How to Register and Pay the TSA
The application process is entirely digital and requires only basic travel details. Complete the form on the official government website at www.ease.gov.cv.
- Timing: Submit the application at least 5 days before your scheduled arrival.
- Information needed: Passport details, travel dates, flight numbers, and the name of your first hotel.
- Payment: The fee is settled at the end of the form using a standard credit card.
- Cost: 3,400 CVE per person for international arrivals.
Be cautious of third-party websites posing as official agencies. They often charge excessive processing fees for a simple transaction that takes less than ten minutes on the legitimate portal.
If you Get travel insurance for Cabo Verde before you fly, you can handle both the EASE registration and your insurance in a single pre-trip session.
Who Is Exempt from the EASE Fee?
Not everyone has to pay the airport tax. The fee is waived for:
- Children under 2 years of age
- Passengers in direct transit
- Legal residents of Cabo Verde
- Foreign citizens married to Cabo Verdeans or their descendants (marriage or birth certificates required at passport control)
Passport Validity and Essential Entry Documents
Border officials enforce strict documentation rules regardless of nationality. Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Alongside your passport and EASE confirmation receipt, immigration officers frequently ask for supporting travel documents. Always keep a printed or easily accessible digital copy of:
- Confirmed return flight ticket
- Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
Lacking proof of accommodation or an exit strategy raises immediate red flags at the border. If you are visiting multiple islands, Get a Cabo Verde eSIM in advance so you have connectivity to pull up digital booking confirmations on arrival.
Types of Cabo Verde Visas
For those planning longer stays or arriving from non-exempt nations, the government issues several specific visa categories based on the nature of the visit.
Tourist Visa
The standard tourist visa covers recreational travel and cruise disembarkation. It grants a stay of up to 90 days and must be activated within 60 days of issuance. Visitors already in the country can apply for a one-time extension of an additional 90 days through local police stations.
Temporary and Residence Visas
Short-term professional missions, cultural trips, or medical treatments fall under the temporary visa category, valid for either single or multiple entries over a 180-day period.
For individuals planning to relocate for work, investment, or long-term studies, the residence visa acts as the initial stepping stone. It allows a 6-month stay, giving the holder enough time to finalize a permanent residence permit application locally.
Visa Application Process (For Non-Exempt Travelers)
Securing a visa requires physical paperwork and coordination with diplomatic missions.
Applying via Embassies and Consulates
Submit the visa application directly to the nearest Cabo Verde embassy or honorary consulate at least two weeks before your trip. The standard dossier includes:
- Completed application form
- Two passport-sized color photos
- Bank statements proving financial stability
- Flight itineraries
- Proof of accommodation
Consular fees vary depending on the specific location and visa type. Always contact the exact consulate processing your paperwork for current fee information.
Visa on Arrival (Limited Applicability from 2026)
Prior to January 1, 2026, citizens residing in countries lacking Cabo Verdean diplomatic representation could apply for a visa upon arrival at international airports. This option is no longer available for nationals of the 96 affected countries.
For those who may still qualify for visa on arrival (diplomatic or official passport holders, or specific cases), relying on this method still causes significant delays. Long administrative queues and restricted payment options make securing the document in advance the safer and faster route.
