🇨🇻 Cape Verde visa for Canada citizens

US, Canadian, UK, and EU citizens get in visa-free for 30 days. That's the headline. Don't assume it's the whole story though.

Who walks in visa-free (and who doesn't)

Most Westerners don't need a visa for Cape Verde. Passports from the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU grant you 30 days on arrival. This is automatic. No application needed beforehand. It's pretty smooth sailing.

Citizens of Brazil and Portugal also get 30 days visa-free. Beyond that, it gets more complex. Many African nations require a visa. So does Russia. If you’re not from one of the above blocs, you’ll need to check the specific requirements for your nationality well in advance. Applying for a visa usually involves the Cape Verdean embassy or consulate in your country. Expect processing times of a few weeks.

How long can you actually stay?

That initial 30-day visa-free period is just the start for many. You can extend your stay. The typical extension is for another 30 days. This means you can legally stay for up to 60 days total. You'll need to apply for this extension at the nearest National Immigration Agency (Agência Nacional de Migração) office. This is usually done in person.

Don't plan on just showing up and hoping for the best if you overstay. Penalties are real. While exact figures can fluctuate, expect a fine of around CVE 2,500 per day. This isn't a small amount. More importantly, you can be denied re-entry for a period. Also, be aware of exit requirements. Some travellers have reported issues with needing an exit stamp from their previous port of entry within Cape Verde before departing the country. It’s less common now, but worth asking about.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp

Can you work remotely from Cape Verde on a tourist visa or visa-free entry? Technically, no. The rules generally state that tourist visas are for leisure, not for employment. However, the enforcement of this is… let's call it inconsistent. Many digital nomads spend months in Cape Verde working on their laptops without issue. You won't see immigration officials knocking on your Airbnb door.

The grey area exists because Cape Verde isn't actively policing remote workers on tourist status. They're more interested in people trying to gain long-term residency or employment without proper permits. As long as you're not trying to get a local job or set up a business, you're likely fine. Just don't expect official support if you run into trouble related to your work status. If you plan to stay longer than a few months, or if you want complete peace of mind, look into the Remote Working Cabo Verde programme. It's designed for this exact situation.

What's new in Cape Verde immigration?

Cape Verde has been making moves to attract more visitors and remote workers. The big development in the last 18 months was the rollout and expansion of the eVisa. While initially focused on certain nationalities, its availability has grown. This allows you to apply for your visa online before you travel, avoiding embassy visits for those who need one. The application usually takes a few days.

There have also been adjustments to the Airport Security Tax (TSA), which replaced the old "residence card" fee for short stays. This is now often collected at the airport upon arrival or departure, depending on the island and specific rules at the time. It’s typically around €30-€35. Keep an eye on official Cape Verde immigration websites or airline announcements for the most current fee structure before your trip. They're trying to streamline things, but details can shift.