Cape Verde entry requirements for Luxembourg passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Luxembourg passport holders can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and short family visits. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the length of your stay in Cape Verde. Airlines sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration at Sal and Praia airports checks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they won't let you through without one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers at the border occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration may ask for proof of at least 15,000 CVE (roughly €135) per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Cape Verde immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to board.
No visa, but bring proof of onward travel
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready to show.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival), print or screenshot your return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance policy. Save everything to your phone as a backup.
2
Arrive at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)
Most flights from Europe land on Sal or in Praia. Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's usually a single queue for all non-Cape Verdean passports.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry. Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the date is correct. Keep the stamp visible in case you need to show it again.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Luxembourg Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; requires passport, photo, itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must show proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor and documents.
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 income (€1,500+/month). Allows stay up to 6 months, renewable. No local tax liability.
Apply retirement visa
Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For retirees with proof of pension or passive income (€1,000+/month). Requires health insurance and clean criminal record.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$545 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of €50,000 in Cape Verde. Includes real estate or business investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)Required for stays over 30 days; apply at Cape Verde embassy or online. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; apply in advance. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying even one day incurs fines; avoid by leaving on time. | ~€25 per day (~$27 USD), max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
Luxembourg passport holders do not need a transit visa for Cape Verde. They can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in rural areas on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists, but consider 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, photos, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF - Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the northern islands; appointments recommended.
Practical information for LU 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Cape Verde and re-enter, or apply for a visa before travel. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the same visa-free entry or a visa.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline. Cape Verde immigration strictly enforces the 6-month rule. Renew your passport before you travel.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance at check-in. More importantly, medical costs in Cape Verde can be very high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of euros.
The 30-day visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only. Remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated, but if you plan to stay longer or work for a local company, you need a proper work visa.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering Cape Verde for a period. Always leave before your stamp expires.
No mandatory vaccinations for Luxembourg passport holders. But yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check with your doctor for routine vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid.
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.