Entry Cape Verde – General Provisions (Covid-19)

The good news: As of today, there are no longer any restrictions or mask requirements due to the Covid 19 coronavirus in Cape Verde. The pandemic is also over in Cape Verde! So you can enjoy your vacation without any worries.

Below, you will find all the information you need to enter Cape Verde. We try to keep the entry information as up-to-date as possible. However, you should check the official websites or contact your travel agent before departure. All relevant contact details are listed below.

Travel to Cape Verde – Visa for Cape Verde

Cape Verde does not require a visa for Germans for stays of up to 30 days. In this case, a passport valid for at least six months at the time of return is sufficient. Please note that an identity card is not enough for entry. All you need to do is register online and enter the travel details of all persons traveling with you. More on this below. 

If you plan a longer stay, you will still need a visa. German citizens can apply for a visa for Cape Verde at the Embassy of Cape Verde in Berlin or at the respective consulates.

Visa Kapverden

The following types of visas are available:

  • The simple tourist family visa is for married couples with minor children and costs 57 euros. It is valid for three months for one entry.
  • The multiple entry tourist family visa (costs 110 euros) is also valid for married couples with minor children. The multiple entry family visa is valid for 2 to 3 years if the passport is still valid. The maximum stay in Cabo Verde is three months. The 1st entry must occur within six months from the date of issue of the visa.
  • The single and simple tourist visa is valid for single persons, married couples without children, divorced persons, widowed persons, and adult children. The cost is €45.00/person.
  • The single and multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for single persons, married couples without children, divorced persons, widowed persons and adult children. The cost is €87.00/person.
  • The multiple entry visa is valid for 2-3 years if the passport is valid for the same period. The 1st entry must be within six months from the date of visa issuance. The maximum stay in Cabo Verde is three months from the entry date. 

For more information on visa requirements for extended stays and how to apply, please visit the website of the Cape Verdean Embassy in Berlin.

Special Visa for Digital Nomads

In December 2020, the Cape Verdean government introduced a special visa for digital nomads, also known as the “Remote Working Program”. This program is intended to attract mobile workers to Sal or Boa Vista, for example, and establish the beautiful archipelago as a popular destination. The program has many advantages. Here is a brief overview: 

  1. Duration of the visa: 6 months (with the option to extend for another six months)
  2. 0% income tax liability
  3. Low visa fee
  4. Low minimum income required
  5. No registration or local payroll is required

As you can see, digital nomads enjoy many benefits rarely available elsewhere. For more information on visa options for remote workers, check out this article from CaboWork.

Entering Cape Verde for Air Travel – Airport Tax Cape Verde

In 2019, an airport tax (Taxa de Segurança Aeroportuária – TSA) was introduced – the amount is 3,400 ECV / 30.83 EUR. The tax must be paid in advance by each traveler individually. The big tour operators usually take care of the pre-registration. During our last stay on Sal, we had to fill out an Excel form for TUI.

The airport security fee for domestic flights remains at 150 CVE and will be charged at the time of ticketing.

If you have booked an individual trip, you should register at least one week before the flight on the government’s website, www.ease.gov.cv. EASE stands for Efficient, Automatic, and Safe Entry for Visitors to Cabo Verde. The fee can be paid by credit card. Registration includes submitting passport data and other relevant information such as arrival and departure dates, flight number, and place of accommodation. 

In exceptional cases, the TSA may be paid in cash or by credit card upon arrival, but an additional fee will be charged. Waiting times can also be expected when entering Cape Verde. This affected some travelers on our flight. At the Robinson Club, the fee was refunded at the front desk.

Is Online Registration required?

Yes, except for travelers who are exempt from registration. The form must be completed separately for each traveler on the Internet platform. Who is exempt from registration?

  • Children under the age of 2
  • Passengers traveling on official business on private aircraft in the service of Cabo Verde or other countries based on reciprocity.
  • Passengers of aircraft have to return due to airport, technical, or meteorological reasons or force majeure.
  • Transfer passengers
  • Cape Verdean passport holders, their children under 18, and their spouses. 

Entry to Cape Verde by Cruise Ship

Recently, more and more cruise lines have discovered Cape Verde to be a worthwhile destination. In most cases, Cape Verde is combined with the Canary Islands or Morocco. Important to know: Travelers arriving and departing by cruise ship are currently exempt from registration. Only those arriving and departing by air are required to register in advance.

What is the Airport Security Charge?

The Airport Security Charge (TSA) is levied as compensation for the services provided to passengers. It covers the personnel and material costs incurred in providing border security. This includes preventing and combating illegal activities and improving the security of the civil aviation system. It must be paid before departure. 

Entering Cape Verde by Boat (private)

If you arrive by private boat, please note that entry is only possible through the ports of Palmeira (Sal Island), Praia (Santiago Island) and Mindelo (Sao Vicente Island). Violation of this regulation is punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 Escudos (approx. EUR 900). You are responsible for compliance! Changes are possible; please check the current regulations before you travel. Source:  https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/

Currency Exchange for Cape Verde

Currency exchange is only permitted in Cape Verde. Visa cards are widely accepted on the islands. You should keep the receipts with your travel documents to easily exchange the remaining money. According to the International Air Transport Association, the following regulations apply: 

Currency – Foreign Exchange Import Regulations Cabo Verde:

Local currency (Cape Verde Escudo – CVE): Prohibited.
Foreign Currency: No restrictions if imported amounts are declared on arrival.

Currency – Foreign Exchange Export Regulations Cabo Verde:

Local currency (Cape Verde Escudo – CVE): Prohibited.
Foreign currency is allowed up to the equivalent of CVE 20,000.

Any amount in excess of this must be declared on arrival. There are no other exit regulations.

Source: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/CV-Cape-Verde-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm#Import%20regulations

What Vaccinations are required for Entry into Cabo Verde?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into the Republic of Cape Verde. However, you should have the standard vaccinations required in Germany, especially a current tetanus vaccination.

First Aid Kit

You should always carry a first aid kit with you. We recommend the following for Cape Verde:

  • Sunscreen (for children with a high sun protection factor)
  • Bandages
  • Insect repellent
  • Clinical thermometer
  • Medicine for nausea and vomiting
  • Pain relievers
  • Medicine for stomach and intestinal problems

Please note: To be on the safe side, you should pack twice the amount of medication you take regularly, divided evenly between your carry-on and checked baggage. Include the package insert with your travel documents. Follow local hygiene regulations to avoid diarrhea. So you can travel safely! 

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