Cape Verde entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Good news: as a Madagascar passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival in Cape Verde. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Cape Verde eVisaOfficial portal: Cape Verde EASE Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Cape Verde airports | Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Sal, Boa Vista, and Praia airports. The fee is approximately €25–€40 depending on the visa type. Have the exact amount in euros ready — the ATM at Sal airport often runs out of cash.Check visa details | 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 at departure check this strictly — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Cape Verde | Immigration officers at Sal and Praia airports ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. A printed boarding pass or e-ticket works. If you are island-hopping, show your inter-island flight or ferry booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration at Sal airport sometimes asks for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked tour package. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least €100–€150 in cash or a credit card statement. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if you look under-prepared they may request proof of sufficient funds for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or Cape Verdean escudos. Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa validity
The visa on arrival is typically valid for up to 30 days. Check the dates on the sticker before leaving the counter. It cannot be extended.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia, Santiago). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the visa-on-arrival desk. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa — expect 5-15 minutes.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (Euros or CVE). As of 2026, the fee is around €25-35 for most nationalities. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. You're now free to enter Cape Verde.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€30 (approx. $33 USD)
Apply online or at embassy; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€45 (approx. $49 USD)
Good for multiple visits; extension possible per stay.
Long-stay visa (residence permit)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $109 USD)
Requires proof of income, accommodation, and purpose (work/study).
digital nomad visa
Cape Verde Digital Nomad Visa
6 months, renewable up to 1 year
€30 (approx. $33 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (€1,500+/month) and health insurance. Allows stay up to 6 months, extendable. No local tax liability.
Apply retirement visa
Residence Permit for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $109 USD) + proof of pension
For retirees with stable pension income (€1,000+/month). Requires criminal record check and local accommodation. Can lead to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $163 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Cape Verde. Employer must prove no local candidate available. Includes residence permit.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $545 USD) + investment of €25,000+
For investors in real estate or business. Minimum investment €25,000. Fast-track processing. Family included.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) upon arrival at airports or borders. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Available online via eVisa portal; may be cheaper than VoA. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity; apply online. | €45 (approx. $49 USD) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at immigration office before current stay expires. | €25 (approx. $27 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration or airport exit; avoid overstay. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Cape Verde airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., overnight layover), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Schengen, or UK visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours (must stay airside).
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 yellow fever risk (e.g., Madagascar). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season (August–October).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and undercooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, mainly on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, 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 extensions and 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 for visitors in São Vicente; similar requirements.
Practical information for MG 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 €25-35 (or equivalent in Cape Verdean escudos). Pay in cash at the airport — no cards accepted. Exact amount is best, as change may be limited.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Cape Verde requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Madagascar is not on that list, so you likely won't need it. But check with your airline or the Cape Verde embassy if you've recently travelled elsewhere.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel — no exceptions.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Amílcar Cabral International (Sal), Nelson Mandela International (Praia, Santiago), and São Pedro Airport (São Vicente). The process is the same at each.
No online pre-registration is required for the visa on arrival. Just show up with your documents and cash. However, some airlines may ask for an onward ticket at check-in.
Immigration will likely deny entry. You must show proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to another country. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
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.