Cape Verde entry requirements for Indonesia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Indonesian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready at the border.
Apply for Cape Verde eVisaOfficial portal: Cape Verde EASE Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival / eVisa application Apply for Cape Verde eVisa online | Indonesian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Sal and Praia airports, but the smarter move is to apply for an eVisa at seavisa.cv before you fly. The eVisa costs around €55 and takes 3–5 business days to process — you upload a passport scan, a photo, and your flight itinerary. If you skip the eVisa and go for visa on arrival, bring €60 in cash (they don't always accept cards) and expect a 15–30 minute queue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Cape Verde immigration enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass, so renew early if needed. Two blank pages are required for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival and eVisa holders | You must show a confirmed onward or return ticket when you arrive in Cape Verde. Immigration officers at Sal and Praia check this before stamping you in — a one-way ticket without proof of onward travel gets you sent back. Have a printed copy or a clear PDF on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Cape Verde officials often ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. A printed booking confirmation from Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. If you are staying with a friend, have them write a signed letter with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Immigration may ask for proof of funds — a bank statement showing at least €500 or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. I have never been asked for this at Sal airport, but it is better to have a printed statement in your bag than to argue at the counter. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is the standard entry
Indonesian passport holders don't need to apply in advance. Just show up with your documents and cash. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Cape Verde airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International (Praia). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Before passport control, there's a separate desk for visa on arrival. Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
3
Pay the fee
Pay in Euros (preferred) or Cape Verdean escudos. Keep the receipt — you may need it later.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. They may ask a few questions — be ready with your hotel address and departure date.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€20 (approx. $22 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online eVisa system.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
For frequent travellers; must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Requires sponsor or specific purpose (work, study, family).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Autorização de Residência para Teletrabalho)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee + €100 (approx. $110 USD) residence permit
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month). Requires health insurance and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Visto de Residência para Reformados)
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $55 USD) application fee + €150 (approx. $165 USD) residence permit
For retirees with stable pension (€1,000+/month). Requires proof of accommodation and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residency.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (Visto de Investimento)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee + €500 (approx. $550 USD) residence permit
For investors with minimum €50,000 in business or real estate. Fast-track to permanent residency after 3 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at airport upon arrival. | €20 (approx. $22 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Available at entry points; longer stay option. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office before departure. | €5 (approx. $5.50 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) plus administrative fee |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete 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
Indonesia passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports (e.g., Amílcar Cabral International) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Angola). Certificate must be valid.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional cases; same prevention as dengue.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly in rural areas 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 permits. Bring passport, visa, 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 north. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for ID 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 visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at immigration offices in Praia or on Sal, but you must apply before your visa expires. The extension fee is around 2,000 CVE (about €18).
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration and Border Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in Praia or on Sal. You'll need your passport, a completed form, and the fee. Extensions are usually granted for another 30 days.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely check for onward travel. If you're unsure of your departure date, book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a nearby country.
Yes, all international airports — Amílcar Cabral International (Sal), Nelson Mandela International (Praia), and Cesária Évora (São Vicente) — offer visa on arrival for Indonesian passport holders.
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Indonesia is not on that list, so you likely won't need it. But check with your airline — they may ask for proof.
Euros are easiest — most visa counters accept them and give change in escudos. Bring small denominations (€5, €10, €20) to avoid issues. ATMs are available at the airport but may have long queues.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa through the Cape Verde government portal, but it's not necessary. The visa on arrival is simpler and faster for most travellers. If you prefer certainty, the e-visa costs about €30 and takes 3–5 business days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.