🇨🇻 Cape Verde visa requirements

US, EU, UK, and Canadian passports get you 30 days on arrival. Most others don't.

Who Walks In Visa-Free to Cape Verde?

This is the big question, and the answer depends heavily on your passport. If you hold citizenship from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or any EU member state, you get 30 days visa-free. That’s the good news. It’s a straightforward entry; just show up with your passport.

For citizens of many African nations and some other countries, the situation is different. You might need to apply for a visa in advance. Some nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but this often involves a fee. It’s essential to check the specific requirements for your passport before you book flights. Don't assume anything; a quick check on the Cape Verde Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or with your local embassy is your best bet.

The visa-free entry for the major Western blocs is generally for tourism or short business trips. If your purpose of visit is anything else, you'll need to clarify. For remote workers, this often sits in a grey area, which we'll get to.

How Long Can You Actually Stay? (And What's the Catch?)

Your initial 30-day visa-free stay is just that – 30 days. Extensions are possible, but they aren't automatic. You typically need to apply at a local immigration office, usually in Praia or Mindelo. The standard extension is for another 30 days, bringing your maximum tourist stay to 60 days. Be warned, though: extensions aren't guaranteed and can involve paperwork and fees.

Here's where people often get tripped up: exit stamps. You must have your passport stamped when you leave the country. If you don't, and you try to re-enter soon after, you could face issues. There's also a rule about double-entry on certain visa types or extensions, which can be confusing. Stick to the single-entry tourist stamp unless you've had explicit guidance otherwise.

Overstaying is where the real pain begins. While specific fines can fluctuate, expect to pay a daily penalty. Historically, this has been around €20 per day. More importantly, an overstay can lead to deportation, future entry bans, and significant hassle. It's not worth the risk. Plan your departure date and factor in time for potential extension applications if you think you might go over.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp: What Happens?

This is the digital nomad's perennial question. Can you legally work remotely from Cape Verde on a tourist visa or visa-free entry? The official line is usually no. Tourist visas are for tourism. However, enforcement is… inconsistent. In popular spots like Sal or São Vicente, you'll see plenty of people with laptops in cafes. Most likely, nothing will happen.

The authorities are generally more concerned with people trying to work illegally long-term or engaging in local employment. A few months of remote work on a tourist stamp, especially if you're spending money on accommodation and food, is unlikely to raise eyebrows unless you draw specific attention to yourself. Just don't try to set up a local business or get a local job.

Your best bet is to remain discreet. Don't advertise that you're working remotely. If asked by immigration, state you are on holiday. The reality is, Cape Verde wants tourism and foreign spending. They aren't typically chasing down tourists using their Wi-Fi for work calls. However, this is a legal grey area, and enforcement could theoretically change.

What's New in Cape Verde's Entry Rules?

Cape Verde has been working to streamline its entry process. A significant development was the rollout of an eVisa system. This aims to simplify the application process for nationalities that require a visa in advance. It’s designed to be quicker and more convenient than applying through an embassy. Check the official "EASE" platform or similar government portals for current eVisa availability and fees.

There have also been adjustments to airport taxes and the "Security Contribution" fee, which is often collected at the airport. These can change, so always have a little extra cash (or a card that works) for unexpected fees. For instance, the airport tax was around €30-€35 for international flights a while back.

The government is also keen on attracting longer-term visitors and remote workers, exploring options for specific digital nomad visas. While these aren't widespread yet, keep an eye on official announcements. The country is positioning itself for more tourism and longer stays. This means processes are likely to continue evolving.