Cape Verde entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports. No need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires specific documents ready at the border.
Apply for Cape Verde eVisaOfficial portal: Cape Verde EASE Portal
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 and a printed return ticket ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Cape Verde. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the border — a printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay — around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely checks this, but having it ready avoids problems. | 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. Have €20–€30 ready in small bills.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
No need to apply online or visit an embassy. Just show up with your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The process takes about 10–15 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 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'.
2
Present documents at the visa counter
At the immigration desk, hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee (if applicable)
The visa on arrival fee is typically around €20–€30 (payable in euros or Cape Verdean escudos). Have cash ready — cards may not be accepted.
4
Receive your entry stamp
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport. You're now cleared to enter Cape Verde. The visa is usually valid for up to 30 days.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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 date
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or consulate before travel; may require additional documents.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total (max 30 days per visit)
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
For frequent travellers; must be obtained in advance.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$165 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Autorização de Residência para Investimento)
1 year, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in Cape Verde (e.g., real estate, business). Requires proof of investment and a clean criminal record.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto de Estudo)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Cape Verde. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean Escudos) at the airport upon arrival. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay beyond 30 days incurs a fine; must be paid before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before current stay expires. | €30 (~$33 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
Iraqi 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
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with a confirmed onward ticket.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), Sal · Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, but present in some rural areas. Prophylaxis is generally not 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 immigration office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Mindelo
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for visitors in the northern islands.
Practical information for IQ 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 fee is typically around €20–€30 (about 2,200–3,300 CVE). Pay in euros or Cape Verdean escudos — cash only. Cards are rarely accepted at the immigration counter.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Praia or on Sal before your visa expires. There's a fee, and you'll need a reason (e.g., medical, travel delays).
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Iraq is not on that list, so you likely won't need it. But if you've recently traveled to an affected country (e.g., Brazil, parts of Africa), bring your certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
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). Domestic flights between islands don't have immigration checks.
Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay — typically around €50–€100 per day. A bank statement or credit card is usually enough. It's not always requested, but have something ready.
If you're transiting through Cape Verde and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival.
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.