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Cape Verde Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Chinese citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Cape Verde’s SAL (Sal) or PRA (Praia) international airports for tourism up to 30 days, with a visa fee of about USD 60 payable in cash on arrival and processing typically 30–60 minutes.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry, and you should have at least 2 blank visa pages.
  • Specific forms: No pre-arrival visa application. On arrival you will typically fill a visa-on-arrival form at the immigration desk.
  • Financial proof: Not strictly required, but you should have evidence of sufficient funds; budgeting guidance: around 100 USD per day of stay is recommended.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Hotel booking for the first nights and a return or onward ticket.
  • Photo spec: One recent color passport photo (35x45 mm) with a white background.
  • Biometrics: Biometric data is collected on arrival at immigration (photo; fingerprinting may be requested).
  • Travel health insurance: Strongly recommended but not mandatory for visa on arrival.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (VISA DE TURISMO): Valid for 30 days, single-entry, approx fee 60 USD.
  • Business visa (VISA DE NEGOCIOS): Valid for 30 days, single-entry, approx fee 70 USD.
  • Student visa (VISA DE ESTUDOS): Typically requires prior arrangements (not usually issued on arrival); duration aligned with study program, approx fee 100 USD.
  • Work visa (VISA DE TRABALHO): Requires work permit and prior sponsorship; usually not issued on arrival; duration up to 12 months, approx fee 120 USD.

Visa on arrival

  • Which ports: Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia).
  • Steps: Upon arrival, proceed to immigration, present passport, return ticket, hotel booking, proof of funds, and one recent passport photo if requested; complete the visa-on-arrival form at the desk; pay the visa fee in cash.
  • Fee and accepted currencies: Visa on arrival fee about 60 USD (or equivalent in EUR); accepted currencies typically USD or EUR; Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) sometimes accepted depending on desk.
  • Queue tips: Arrive early when flights land; have all documents ready to speed the process; join the correct queue for visa on arrival.
  • How approval arrives: Passport is stamped with a Cape Verde visa stamp; visa valid for 30 days from entry; extensions possible at the Migration Office.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 60 USD (or EUR equivalent) at arrival.
  • Any third-party service fees: Not applicable for visa on arrival; if you apply through an embassy, fees will differ.
  • Total cost estimate: Approximately 60 USD.
  • Standard processing time: 30–60 minutes at the airport visa desk depending on queue.
  • Express/priority option: Not applicable for visa on arrival.

Tips for China travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: For visa on arrival there is no pre-application; however, verify current policy with the Cape Verdean embassy/consulate before travel in case of changes.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants specifically: Passport validity under 6 months; lack of return/onward ticket; incomplete or inconsistent documents; insufficient funds; not meeting entry requirements for accommodation or health insurance.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry; for other visa routes (e-visa or embassy application) use official embassy channels; always verify current procedure.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Cape Verde is generally stable; check China and Cape Verde travel advisories and any health advisories before travel.
  • Extension options inside Cape Verde: Extensions to a visa on arrival can be requested at the Migration Office in Praia or Mindelo; typical extension up to 30 additional days subject to approval and fees.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.