Cape Verde entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a pre-approved electronic visa (SEAVISA) to enter Cape Verde. Apply online at least 5 days before departure, pay the €55 fee, and receive a QR code by email. Show this QR code at passport control upon arrival in 2026.
Apply for Cape Verde eVisaOfficial portal: Cape Verde EASE Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for eVisa before travel | Cape Verde offers a visa on arrival at Sal and Praia airports, but you must pre-apply online through the SEA eVisa portal at seavisa.cv. The eVisa costs €30–€60 depending on nationality and is valid for single entry up to 30 days. Submit your application at least 5 business days before departure — last-minute applications often get rejected.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Cape Verde. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will 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. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they will not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | 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 arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least €100–€150 per day of stay available in cash or on a card. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show bank statements or a credit card with sufficient limit. | Recommended |
Apply for SEAVISA at least 5 days before departure
The online application can take a few days to process. Don't leave it to the last minute. If you arrive without the QR code, you'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight.
ATMs are scarce on smaller islands
While Praia and Mindelo have reliable ATMs, smaller islands like Sal, Boa Vista, and São Nicolau have limited cash machines. Carry enough cash (Euros or Cape Verdean escudos) for your stay, especially if you're heading to remote areas.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised
Medical facilities in Cape Verde are basic, especially outside the main cities. A serious injury or illness may require evacuation to Europe or South Africa, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A good travel insurance policy covers this.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the SEAVISA online
Go to seavisa.cv and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight information, and accommodation address. Pay the €55 fee by credit card. You'll receive a QR code by email within a few days — save it on your phone and print a copy.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: passport (valid 6+ months), printed QR code, return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds (bank statement or cash). Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreigners' or 'Visas'.
4
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and the QR code. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer questions clearly. They'll stamp your passport — you're in.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare unless you're carrying large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Cape Verde Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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€40 (~$44 USD)
Apply at Cape Verde embassy or online; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity; useful for island hopping.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Requires sponsor or strong ties; for longer stays or work/study.
work visa
Trabalhador Estrangeiro (Foreign Worker Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Cape Verde. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Estudante (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€50 (~$55 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Cape Verdean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investidor (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$550 USD) application fee
For investors making a minimum investment of ~€50,000 in Cape Verde (e.g., business, real estate). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or CVE) upon arrival at Sal or Praia airport. | €40 (~$44 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)For those planning multiple entries within the validity period. | €60 (~$66 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or airport exit. | €5 (~$5.50 USD) per day, max €200 (~$220 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Must apply before current visa expires; not always granted. | €25 (~$27.50 USD) per 30 days |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete/expired 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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Cape Verde (e.g., at Sal or Praia airports) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa-on-arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsAmílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) · Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)
Health & vaccines for Cape Verde
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas and during rainy season (August–October).
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food or water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in Cape Verde, primarily on Santiago Island. Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for most travelers, but use insect repellent and mosquito nets.
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 residency permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Mindelo
SEF – Mindelo
Rua de Lisboa, Mindelo, São Vicente
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern islands. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for VN 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
No, if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours at Sal or Praia airports. If you need to enter the country — for example, to change airports or stay overnight — you must have the SEAVISA pre-approved. Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours if staying airside.
The SEAVISA application fee is €55 (~$60 USD) for most nationalities. You pay online when you apply. There's no additional fee at the airport.
Yes, but you must apply before your current visa expires. Go to the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) office in Praia, Mindelo, or Sal. The extension costs €25 per 30 days. It's not always granted, so don't count on it.
You'll be fined €5 per day, up to a maximum of €200. Pay at the immigration office or at the airport when you leave. Overstaying can also affect future visa applications.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (parts of Africa or South America). Otherwise, it's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid). Malaria risk is low, but use insect repellent.
First, check the email for the reason. Common issues: incorrect passport details, missing flight info, or payment failure. You can reapply with corrected information. If it's still denied, contact the Cape Verde embassy in Hanoi or the nearest one (e.g., in Beijing or Tokyo) for guidance.
No. The SEAVISA is mandatory for all nationalities. You must apply online before you travel. There is no option to get a visa at the airport without it.
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.