Cape Verde entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making travel straightforward for short stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. While not always checked, having it ready avoids delays at the immigration counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least €50 per day of your stay, either in cash, a credit card, or a bank statement. Immigration may ask to see this if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Cape Verde, not from your departure date. Check your passport now to avoid surprises.
No extensions available
The 30-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you may face fines or entry bans. Plan your trip accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cape Verde airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to immigration.
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the queue for non-Cape Verdean passport holders. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
3
Present documents to officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your stay.
4
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, you'll get an entry stamp valid for up to 30 days. No visa fee is charged.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Required for stays beyond 30 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Good for multiple trips within validity.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (work, study, etc.).
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient income (approx. €1,000/month). Allows long-term stay and access to healthcare.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable once
€60 (~$65 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (€1,500+/month). No local tax liability. Fast-track processing.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in real estate or business. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For longer stays or if visa-free is not used. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office before departure. | €25 (~$27 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours and remaining airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (30 days) applies instead.
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-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; 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 in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but use 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 office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in São Vicente.
Practical information for BE 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, Belgian citizens can enter Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
You can stay up to 30 days. Extensions are not available for visa-free stays, so plan accordingly.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and optionally proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a visa before travel or leave and re-enter.
No, there is no fee for visa-free entry. You just need to meet the entry requirements.
You may be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling to Cape Verde.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel out of Cape Verde, whether it's a return flight or a ticket to another destination.
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.