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Cape Verde Visa for France Citizens 2026

Visa Free

French citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Cape Verde, but must obtain an online pre-travel authorization (EASE) before departure; a valid passport is otherwise sufficient.

Guide last updated September 22, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the full intended stay (6 months' validity is recommended though not strictly mandatory)
  • Completed EASE (Electronic Authorization System for Entrance) pre-travel form, submitted online before departure
  • Proof of return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • No specific photo required for the online authorization; a digital photo may be uploaded during the EASE application
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo are taken on arrival at Cape Verdean ports of entry, not before travel
  • Travel health insurance: recommended, not mandatory

Visa types

  • France is not required to hold a visa for tourism, business, or family visits of up to 30 days. There is no separate visa category to choose between for these purposes; longer stays (over 30 days), study, or work require a residence permit application through Cape Verdean immigration (Direção de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) after arrival or through a Cape Verdean consulate.

Entry conditions

  • French passport holders may enter and stay in Cape Verde for up to 30 days without a visa, provided they hold a valid EASE authorization obtained online in advance. Work is not permitted under this entry status. On arrival, travelers must show the EASE confirmation, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Extensions of up to 30 additional days can be requested in person at the Direção de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras in Praia or Mindelo before the initial period expires.

Fees & processing time

  • EASE authorization fee: approximately EUR 30 (around USD 32), paid online by card
  • No separate visa fee since no visa is required
  • Processing time: typically same-day to 3 business days; applying at least 48 hours before departure is recommended
  • No express/priority option; airlines may deny boarding without a confirmed EASE
  • Total cost estimate: roughly EUR 30 per traveler

Tips for France travelers

  • Apply for EASE at least a few days before departure to avoid last-minute issues, even though approval is usually fast
  • The most common rejection or delay reason is an incomplete accommodation address or a passport with insufficient validity
  • Keep a printed or digital copy of the EASE confirmation to show at check-in and on arrival, as airlines check it before boarding
  • There is no embassy application needed for short stays, so applying directly online is simpler and cheaper than any third-party service
  • If planning to stay past 30 days, start the extension request at the Direção de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras well before the deadline, as processing can take several days

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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.