🇨🇻 Cape Verde visa for Americans

For most Westerners, you can arrive visa-free for 30 days. Don't expect to walk straight into a 12-month digital nomad visa program; that doesn't exist here.

Who gets to skip the visa line?

Citizens of the European Union, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia don't need a visa for short stays. You get 30 days on arrival, no questions asked. Other nationalities might need to check the official Cape Verde immigration website. Some countries get a visa on arrival, often with a fee. If your country isn't on the visa-free or visa-on-arrival list, you'll need to apply for a visa before you travel, usually through a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate. This process can take time and requires documentation. Don't assume you're covered; always verify your specific nationality.

How long can you actually stay?

That 30-day visa-free period is pretty firm for many passport holders. Extending it requires a visit to the immigration office in Praia or on your island. Extensions are usually granted for another 30 days, but it's not automatic. You'll need proof of onward travel and sometimes a reason. What catches people out is the exit stamp. Make sure you get one when you leave. If you leave without an exit stamp, you can face issues on re-entry. Also, if you're planning to hop between islands and then come back to Cape Verde from a nearby country, be aware of double-entry rules. Some nationalities are only granted a single entry per visa or visa-free period. Overstaying is where things get expensive. Fines can run around CVE 2,500 per day of overstay†. That adds up fast.

Can you work remotely on a tourist stamp?

This is the classic digital nomad grey area. Officially, you're here as a tourist. Working remotely for a company outside Cape Verde while on a tourist stamp is generally tolerated, but it's not explicitly legal. Immigration officials are more concerned with you leaving on time and not trying to find local employment. You won't find dedicated "remote work permits" for short stays. If you plan to stay longer than your initial visa-free period or visa, you'll need to explore residency options, which are separate from simply working online. For stays under 30 days, most nomads just work quietly. Just don't try to set up a local business or get paid by a Cape Verdean entity.

What's new with Cape Verde's entry rules?

Cape Verde has been slowly modernizing its entry procedures. The big news was the rollout of an eVisa system for certain nationalities, aiming to streamline the application process for those who need a visa beforehand. This is a positive step, though it hasn't eliminated the need for visas for everyone. Fees for the Airport Security Tax (TSA), which used to be collected on arrival, have been integrated into airline tickets for flights booked after January 1, 2023†. This means you shouldn't be asked for cash at the airport for this anymore. Keep an eye on official announcements for any changes to visa exemptions or new programs, as the government is looking at ways to boost tourism and investment.