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Cape Verde Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa Free

US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for Cape Verde for tourist stays up to 30 days at international airports, with a visa fee around EUR 60; extensions may be possible at the immigration office.

Guide last updated September 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 1 blank visa page.
  • Specific forms: No pre-arrival Cape Verde visa form; you will complete a visa-on-arrival form at the port of entry.
  • Financial proof: Not explicitly required by immigration, but you should have enough funds to cover your stay; a practical benchmark is about USD 50 per day of stay.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have hotel reservations or an invitation letter, and a return or onward ticket.
  • Photo spec: One color passport photo, 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) with a white background.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics are collected on arrival at the immigration desk; no pre-submission required.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory, but strongly recommended to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses abroad.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: Official name Tourist Visa on Arrival; validity 30 days; max stay 30 days (extendable to 60 days total); single entry; approximate fee EUR 60 (~USD 65).
  • Business visa on arrival: Official name Business Visa on Arrival; validity 30 days; max stay 30 days; single entry; approximate fee EUR 60 (~USD 65).
  • Student visa (pre-arranged): Official name Student Visa; validity as duration of study; typically multiple entry depending on the permit; approximate fee EUR 60; processing via embassy/consulate commonly 7–10 business days (varies).
  • Work visa (pre-arranged): Official name Work Visa; validity commonly 1 year with renewals; typically multiple entry depending on the work permit; approximate fee EUR 80; processing 7–14 business days (varies).
  • Transit/other visas: Transit visas are not commonly required for brief airport transits; if you must leave the transit area or stay longer, check with the Cape Verdean embassy for specifics.

Visa on arrival

  • How to apply: At the port of entry (Praia - Nelson Mandela International, Sal - Amílcar Cabral, Mindelo - Cesária Évora).
  • Steps: 1) Upon arrival, go to the Immigration desk; 2) Submit passport, 1 color photo, return ticket, hotel reservation or invitation letter; 3) Complete the visa-on-arrival form provided by staff; 4) Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD) at the desk; 5) Receive visa stamped in passport and proceed to baggage claim.
  • Documents checklist: Passport valid 6 months from entry, 1 color photo, return/onward ticket, hotel reservation or invitation letter; funds proof is optional but recommended.
  • Fee & payment: Visa fee around EUR 60; accepted currencies: EUR or USD; cash is commonly required; some ports may accept cards.
  • Processing time: Visa is issued on arrival; wait times vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on queue.
  • Extension: Extensions are possible at the Direção Geral de Migração (Migration Directorate) in Praia for up to 30 additional days, subject to approval and fees.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 60 EUR (approximately USD 65).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for Cape Verde visa on arrival.
  • Total cost estimate: about 60 EUR for a single stay visa on arrival.
  • Standard processing time: No pre-approval process; visa granted on arrival at the port of entry.
  • Express/priority option: Not available for visa on arrival.

Tips for United States travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: No pre-arrival visa application is required for a standard visa on arrival; however, verify current rules with the nearest Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel and allow extra time at the airport during peak travel seasons.
  • Common rejection reasons for United States applicants specifically: Inadequate return ticket or hotel confirmation, passport validity under 6 months, insufficient funds evidence (if requested), inconsistency in travel purpose, or missing required documents.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Cape Verde does not require VFS/BLS for visa on arrival; consulate/embassy processing is used only if you pursue a pre-arranged visa or different visa type from abroad.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the U.S. Department of State travel advisories for Cape Verde; generally a safe destination for tourists, but stay aware of petty crime and follow local laws.
  • Extension options inside Cape Verde: Extensions can be requested at the Direção Geral de Migração in Praia for up to 30 additional days with applicable fees; ensure you apply before current permission expires and carry your passport, current visa, and return flight details.

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.