Cape Verde entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Cape Verde. It's valid for up to 30 days and costs €25–€35, payable in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or CVE) — around €25 for a single-entry tourist visa. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports always ask for proof of onward travel. Show a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A printed copy or a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay — around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely checks, but having it avoids problems if they do. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee (€25–€35) plus any unexpected expenses. ATMs are available at the airport but may have long queues or limited cash.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply in advance or visit an embassy. Just show up with your documents and cash. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at the immigration counter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
After landing at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for non-CV nationals.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process your visa and ask for the fee (€25–€35). Pay in cash — Euros or escudos. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
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€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $86 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
6 months, renewable for up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $32 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 6 months with possible renewal.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $108 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer from a Cape Verdean company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Leads to residency.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Autorização de Residência para Investimento)
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $540 USD) plus investment minimum
For investors putting at least €50,000 into Cape Verdean business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (Euros) upon arrival at Sal or Praia airports. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Indian passport holders transiting through Cape Verde (e.g., at Sal or Praia airports) 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
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with onward ticket.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in rainy season (August–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers; avoid contact.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists, 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 residency matters.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for IN 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
Yes, the 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 at each.
The fee is typically €25–€35, depending on your nationality and the current rate. Pay in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Cards are not accepted. Exact change helps.
It's valid for up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days by visiting the Immigration and Border Service (SEF) in Praia or Sal. The extension costs around €25.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (or transiting through one for more than 12 hours), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required. Check the latest WHO list before travel.
Cape Verde does offer an e-visa for some nationalities, but Indian passport holders are not eligible. The visa on arrival is your only option. No need to apply in advance.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about €25 per day, and you may be banned from re-entering for a period. Always extend before your visa expires if you need more time.
Not officially required, but immigration may ask for proof of insurance. Even if they don't, it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Cape Verde can be high, and evacuation is expensive.
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.