Cape Verde entry requirements for Laos 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Cape Verde's international airports and ports. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
Apply for Cape Verde eVisaOfficial portal: Cape Verde EASE Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport in Cape Verde. Pay in cash (EUR or CVE) — cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready, as the visa officer may ask to see them before stamping.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of 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 visa on arrival | Immigration at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) and Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) always asks for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host speeds up the visa-on-arrival process. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least 150 EUR in cash or have a credit card with sufficient balance. Immigration rarely checks, but if they do, they want to see you can cover your stay — roughly 50 EUR per day. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. There are no card machines at immigration. ATMs are available after you clear immigration, but you need the cash before that.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Praia and Sal airports is well-organized. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in 15-30 minutes. No need to apply online or visit an embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Praia (RAI) or Sal (SID) international airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for non-Cape Verdean passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. The officer will check validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and affix the visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and exit. Total time: 15-30 minutes depending on queue.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos 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€25 (~$27 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total (max 30 days per visit)
Validity1 year
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Must apply at Cape Verde embassy abroad; not available on arrival.
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Remote Work Visa (Residência para Nómadas Digitais)
6 months, renewable once for another 6 months
~€30 (~$33 USD) application fee + €100 (~$109 USD) residence card
For remote workers earning at least €1,500/month. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows stay up to 1 year total.
retirement visa
Residência para Reformados (Retirement Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~€50 (~$55 USD) application fee + €100 (~$109 USD) residence card
For retirees with a stable pension (minimum €1,000/month). Requires proof of pension, health insurance, and accommodation. Can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Autorização de Residência para Investimento (ARI)
1 year, renewable; permanent after 5 years
~€500 (~$545 USD) application fee + legal fees
For investors making a minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate or business. Includes family reunification. Fast-track processing.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) at the airport upon arrival. | €25 (~$27 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay is strictly enforced; pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unclear 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Cape Verde 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
- 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 (e.g., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest during rainy season (August–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
Zika virusLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; avoid mosquito bites.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria is present in some rural areas, especially on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for short tourist stays, but consider if visiting remote areas.
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 overstay payments. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and residency permits for northern islands.
Practical information for LA 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 fee is typically around €25-40 (about 2,750-4,400 CVE). Pay in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
The standard stay is 30 days. It may be extendable at the immigration office in Praia, but the process can take a few days. Plan your trip accordingly.
Yes — visa on arrival is available at all international airports (Praia, Sal, São Vicente) and major ports. Smaller airports may not have the facility, so stick to the main ones.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including parts of Africa and South America), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check your itinerary. Laos is not considered a risk country, but if you transit through one, you'll need the shot.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Cape Verde immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration and Border Service (SEF) in Praia. The process takes a few days and costs around 2,000 CVE. You'll need a valid reason (e.g., medical, tourism).
No, it's not mandatory for the visa itself. But it's strongly recommended — medical evacuation or hospital stays can be very expensive. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in.
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.