Cape Verde entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chilean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. You'll handle it at the airport when you land — no need to apply beforehand. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before travel; you will get it when you arrive. Entry permit | Chilean passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at any entry point in Cape Verde. The visa is issued at the airport or border post upon arrival. No prior application is needed. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date; if it expires within 6 months of your arrival, renew it before traveling. Minimum 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Cape Verde. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is a completely empty page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the visa on arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you will leave Cape Verde. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Cape Verde within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsBring a bank statement or credit card to show you can pay for accommodation and expenses. Financial means | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cape Verde. No specific minimum amount is set by law, but carrying cash or a credit card is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before or upon entry. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Chilean citizens entering Cape Verde. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationSkip the e-visa process; you will get your visa when you land. Not applicable | Chilean passport holders do not need to apply for an e-visa. The visa on arrival is available instead. | Not required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — no credit or debit cards. Bring Euros in small denominations. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that point.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Chileans have it easy — no pre-approval needed. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and cash. The whole process takes about 15–30 minutes at the airport.
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, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at visa counter
Join the line for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation proof ready. The officer will process your visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (Euros preferred). Keep the receipt — you may need it for exit. No credit cards accepted at the counter.
4
Get stamped and proceed
Once visa is issued, you'll get a stamp in your passport. Then head to baggage claim and customs. Total time: 15–30 minutes.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost€60
Requires invitation letter from Cape Verdean company.
Multiple-entry visa (1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost€100
For frequent travelers; apply at Cape Verde embassy.
digital nomad
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa
6 months (renewable up to 1 year)
€30 application fee
For remote workers; requires proof of income (€1,500/month) and health insurance.
Apply via EASE portal Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in euros or Cape Verdean escudos at the airport. | €25 |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 30 days)For those planning to leave and re-enter. | €40 |
| Visa extension (per additional 30 days)Apply at immigration office in Praia or Mindelo. | €25 |
| Exit feeIncluded in airfare for most international flights; check with airline. | €20 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return or onward ticket25%
Incomplete or incorrect arrival form20%
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
Chilean passport holders transiting through Cape Verde (staying airside) do not need a visa for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Rare but possible.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk exists in all islands, especially rural areas. Consider prophylaxis and 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
Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00
Mindelo
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) - Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo
Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00
Practical information for CL 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 = 96.52 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
The fee is typically €25–€40 for Chilean passport holders. Pay in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos) at the airport counter. No credit cards accepted.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Check with the Cape Verde embassy for options.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Chile is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it — but check your itinerary. If you've recently been in a risk area, bring your yellow card.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into Cape Verde.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral International (Sal), Nelson Mandela International (Praia), and São Pedro Airport (São Vicente). The process is the same.
No arrival declaration or online form is required. Just show up with your documents and cash. The visa is processed on the spot.
Not mandatory for visa on arrival, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Cape Verde can be high — a hospital stay might cost hundreds per day. Get insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.