Cape Verde entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders can enter 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 only for the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines sometimes enforce 6-month validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Sal and Praia airports routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Officers rarely ask, but you need to show you have enough for your stay if requested. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 30 days only
Finnish passport holders can stay up to 30 days without a visa. Overstaying, even by a day, can result in fines or entry bans. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. This is non-negotiable — renew early if needed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at the airport
At Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), proceed to the immigration hall. Join the queue for non-Cape Verdean passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation proof). The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Receive entry stamp
You'll get a stamp allowing up to 30 days. Check the date written — it's your allowed stay. Keep the stamp visible in your passport.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
€150 (~$163 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Requires health insurance and accommodation.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €25,000 in Cape Verde. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is required. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 30 days incurs fines; pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$218 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
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
Finnish passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Cape Verde airports.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; use repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider mosquito avoidance.
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)
Avenida Amílcar Cabral, Praia, Cape Verde
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency 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 for visitors in the northern islands. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for FI 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 need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa before traveling or leave and re-enter after a short period.
You will be denied entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for short stays.
Not required for Finnish citizens unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check with your doctor if you're unsure.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism only. For work or study, you need a specific visa or permit before arrival.
The local currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using escudos. ATMs are available in cities, but carry some cash for smaller islands.
Yes, there's a departure tax of about 3400 CVE (around €30) when leaving by air. This is usually included in your ticket price, but check with your airline.
Contact the Finnish embassy or consulate in Praia immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. File a police report first — you'll need it for the replacement.
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.