Cape Verde entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. Show up at the airport, pay the fee in cash, and get your visa stamped on the spot. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Korean travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports (Sal, Boa Vista, Praia). Pay in cash (EUR or CVE) — the fee is about €25–€40 depending on nationality. Have a printed copy of your return ticket and accommodation booking ready at the visa counter.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — have it ready before you reach the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Cape Verde. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you're staying at a private residence. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). There is no card payment option at the visa counter. Bring enough Euros to cover the fee and some extra for taxis or snacks.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process is well-established at Cape Verde's international airports. Expect a short queue, but it usually moves quickly. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Present your documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (digital or printed), and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (Euros preferred). The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control line. The officer will check your visa and stamp your entry. Keep your boarding pass handy in case they ask.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There are usually no further checks unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€25 (approx. $27 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. Requires passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days total within validity
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€40 (approx. $43 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must have a valid reason for multiple entries.
Long-Stay Visa (Residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€60 (approx. $65 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Digital Nomad)
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $32 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500/month minimum). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
retirement visa
Cape Verde Retirement Visa (Residence for Retirees)
1 year, renewable annually
€60 (approx. $65 USD) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (€1,000/month). Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
investor visa
Cape Verde Investor Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residence
€250 (approx. $270 USD) application fee + investment minimum €25,000
For investors in real estate, business, or government bonds. Minimum investment €25,000. Fast track to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)South Korean nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at no cost for up to 30 days. | Free (for South Korea passport holders) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, 30 days)For those who prefer to apply in advance or need a longer stay. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry, 90 days)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | €40 (approx. $43 USD) |
| Stay Extension (per month)Extensions are possible up to a total of 90 days, subject to approval. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) per month |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of €500 (approx. $540 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
South Korea 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 on arrival is required.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher during rainy season (August–October).
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in urban and coastal areas; no prophylaxis recommended for most tourists. 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 residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua Senador Vera Cruz, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and immigration queries for visitors in the north.
Practical information for KR 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
The fee is typically €25–€40, depending on the length of stay and your nationality. Pay in cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos). Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at a Cape Verdean embassy before travel.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Korea is not a yellow fever country, so this usually doesn't apply unless you've recently travelled to an endemic area.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
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).
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation or hospitalisation can be very expensive, and insurance gives you peace of mind.
No, there is no mandatory arrival declaration form for Cape Verde. You simply present your documents at the visa counter and passport control.
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.