Cape Verde entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can enter Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This has been the case since 2019, so no need to apply for anything in advance. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Cape Verde. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) and Praia International Airport (RAI) routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number covers this. Not always requested, but saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | You might be asked to demonstrate you have enough money for your 30-day trip. A bank statement or credit card showing access to around €500–€1,000 is usually sufficient. They rarely ask, but have it accessible. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If you have less than 6 months left, you won't be allowed to board. Don't risk it — renew early.
No visa, no fee, no form
Austrian passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 30 days. No application, no fee, no arrival card needed. Just your passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Cape Verde airport
You'll go through immigration at Sal, Boa Vista, or Praia. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days. No forms to fill out in advance.
2
Passport control queue
Expect a short queue, especially at Sal and Boa Vista during peak season. Have your accommodation address handy if asked. The whole process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
3
Baggage claim and customs
After passport control, collect your bags and walk through customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel for goods over €430 or restricted items.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Allows one entry and can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 30 days, extendable once.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsor and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax on foreign income.
retirement visa
Residence Permit for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For retirees with stable pension (€1,000/month). Requires proof of health insurance and accommodation. Can lead to permanent residency.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors who invest at least €50,000 in Cape Verde (real estate or business). Fast track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged per day, with a maximum cap of €200 (approx. $220 USD). | ~€20 per day (approx. $22 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Cape Verde
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Cape Verde airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Sal · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia · Cesária Évora Airport (VXE), São Vicente
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in rural areas. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for tourists, but consider mosquito repellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Praia
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) - Praia
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalPraia
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 94.66 CVE
Time zone
Local timeUTC-1
vs New York+4h
vs Los Angeles+7h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with side clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a visa in advance at a Cape Verde embassy or consulate. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, no visa is needed. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need to meet the same entry requirements as any other traveller.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Austrian passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
Temporary or emergency passports are generally not accepted for visa-free entry. You need a full validity passport with at least 6 months remaining.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using escudos. ATMs are available in major towns, but carry some cash for smaller islands.
No mandatory vaccinations for direct travel from Austria. But if you've been in a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days before arrival, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check with your doctor for routine vaccines.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.