Cape Verde: Visa on arrival suspended for citizens of 96 countries

Since January 1, 2026, Cape Verdean authorities have implemented a reform of the country’s entry requirements.

This reform puts an end to a system that previously allowed travelers of many nationalities to obtain their visa directly upon arrival in Cape Verde, following online pre-registration and payment of the applicable fees through the official “EASE” (Efficient Automatic and Safe Entry of travellers) portal.

Specifically, for nationals of the 96 affected countries, the issuance of an entry visa, and where applicable a transit visa or airport stopover visa, must now be completed prior to travel. Failure to do so may result in denial of entry, transit, or stopover within Cape Verdean territory.

This new requirement is clearly displayed on the official “EASE” pre-registration portal, which now informs affected travelers that a visa must be obtained before departure.

Exceptions for certain categories of travelers

This change is based on an excerpt from Decree No. 244/GMAI/2025, published in Boletim Oficial No. 223, Series II, dated November 24, 2025.

The decree formally approves the list of countries whose nationals are subject to the prior visa requirement, in accordance with the legal framework governing the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals in Cape Verde. It specifies that this obligation applies both to entry visas and to transit or airport stopover visas.

However, several exemptions are provided for, notably for airline crew members, holders of a valid residence permit in a European Union member state that guarantees readmission, foreign residents in Cape Verde, certain holders of diplomatic documents, as well as individuals born in Cape Verde who later acquired a foreign nationality, subject to specific conditions.

Cape Verde visa: A major change for online “EASE” procedures

All visitors, including travelers who are visa-exempt for Cape Verde, must complete mandatory online registration via the “EASE” platform, which includes payment of the Airport Security Tax (TSA), amounting to approximately 3,400 Cape Verdean escudos for stays of up to 30 days.

Until the end of 2025, when required, a 30-day tourist visa could also be paid for online during registration seen then issued upon arrival at the airport in Cape Verde.

As of January 1, 2026, this option is no longer available for the affected nationalities.

When one of these 96 countries is selected on the “EASE” portal, the following message appears: “You must apply for a visa at the Embassies or consular offices of Cabo Verde. A valid visa is required upon arrival, under penalty of refusal of entry.”

The 96 countries affected by the suspension of the visa on arrival in Cape Verde

The measure applies to nationals of the countries and territories listed below.

For travelers from these countries, anticipating consular procedures is now an essential step before any trip to the archipelago.