Cape Verde entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy has been in place since 2019 and applies to tourism, business, and short family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application SEAVISA portal | Apply online at seavisa.cv before travel. The eVisa costs €30–€60 depending on processing speed and is usually approved within 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Sal and Praia airports will scan the barcode.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Irish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Cape Verde. Airlines at Dublin and Lisbon check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Amílcar Cabral International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. A flight out of Cape Verde within 30 days of arrival satisfies this — they rarely check the exact date, just that you have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration at Sal and Praia sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing at least €500 or the equivalent in cash. Immigration rarely checks this for Irish passport holders, but if they do, a printed statement from your online banking app suffices. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before you board. If it's less than 6 months from your arrival date, you won't be allowed to fly. Double-check before booking.
No visa, but still need proof of onward travel
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a screenshot ready on your phone to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first-night accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at Cape Verde immigration
At Sal, Boa Vista, or Praia airports, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in for up to 30 days.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's no arrival form to fill out for Irish citizens.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits; each stay up to 30 days.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and documentation.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (~$33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (min. €1,500/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable once. No local tax liability.
Apply retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable pension or income (min. €1,000/month). Requires proof of health insurance and accommodation. Renewable indefinitely.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
5 years, renewable
€5,000 (~$5,450 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €250,000 in Cape Verde (real estate, business, or government bonds). Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Cape Verde embassy. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Allows multiple entries within validity; useful for regional travel. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying the 30-day visa-free period incurs a daily fine; avoid by leaving on time. | €20 per day, max €200 |
| Stay extension (not available for visa-free)Visa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave and re-enter or apply for a visa. | N/A |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Cape Verde do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
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 (e.g., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Zika virusLow risk
Present in Cape Verde; pregnant women should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended, but mosquito avoidance is advised.
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 de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa-related issues for visitors in the northern islands; appointments recommended.
Practical information for IE 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 stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a visa before you travel or leave and re-enter after a short trip.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before booking travel.
No, there is no arrival declaration or online registration required for Irish passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short family visits only. For work or study, you need a proper visa or work permit arranged in advance.
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from re-entering Cape Verde, or both. The fine is typically around 5,000 CVE (about €45) per day overstayed, but enforcement varies.
Not if you're arriving directly from Ireland or Europe. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of South America or Africa), you'll need proof of vaccination.
Cape Verde is generally safe for tourists, but petty theft like bag snatching happens in crowded areas. Keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.