Visa

Apply for a visa

In most cases, foreign citizens need a visa to enter and remain in Cape Verde. However, there are exceptions:

1. Who is Exempt from a Visa?
   • Foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit in Cape Verde;
   • Citizens of countries that have agreements with Cape Verde for visa exemption or waiver, such as free movement or visa abolition agreements;
   • Holders of laissez-passer issued by states or international organizations recognized by Cape Verde, or identification issued to officials or agents of foreign missions or international organizations by the government department responsible for foreign affairs;
   • Persons born in Cape Verde who have acquired foreign nationality, as well as their spouses and descendants, provided they present documents proving this connection (passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate).
2. Visa-Exempt Countries:

   Consult the list of countries whose citizens:

   • Are exempt from a visa to enter Cape Verde; or;
   • May obtain a visa upon arrival in Cape Verdean territory;
   • If you reside in a country where Cape Verde has no diplomatic representation, you may apply for a visa directly upon entry at national borders.
3. Required Documents:

   The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of stay in Cape Verde.

4. Types of Visa:

   Transit:
   Citizens in transit to another country may remain in Cape Verde for up to 4 days, with the possibility of a one-time extension.
    

   Official, diplomatic or courtesy:
   The visa must be used within 90 days after issuance and allows a stay of up to 30 days in Cape Verde. It may be valid for multiple entries within that period.
    

   Tourist:
   Visa for recreational activities and cruises, which must be used within 60 days after issuance. It allows a stay of up to 90 days and may be extended once for an additional 90 days.
    

   Temporary:
   The temporary visa is intended for cultural trips, business missions, short-term professional activities, medical treatment, family visits, or other valid reasons. It must be used within a maximum of 180 days after issuance. It may be ordinary, allowing a stay of up to 180 days, or multiple-entry, allowing several entries and a total stay of 90 days over one year from the date of issuance. 
    

   Residence:

   The residence visa is granted to foreign nationals who intend to establish habitual residence in Cape Verde to carry out professional activity, invest, study for more than one year, or for family reunification with residents (spouse, minor children, or dependents). It allows the holder to remain in the country for 6 months, extendable until a final decision is made on the residence permit application.
   Requirements to obtain a residence visa:

   • Valid transport ticket for entry to and exit from Cape Verde;
   • Sufficient means of subsistence for the period of stay;
   • Travel document valid beyond the authorized stay; 
   • Legal entry into the country (with a visa or in cases of exemption);
   • Health certificate or equivalent;
   • International vaccination certificate;
   • Proof of the reason for residence (e.g., employment contract, enrollment in an educational institution, etc.);
   • Adequate accommodation in Cape Verde;
   • No criminal convictions exceeding 1 year under Cape Verdean law;
   • If requested: criminal record certificate (or equivalent) valid for 6 months, with a Portuguese translation authenticated by consular services.
5. Make Payment:

   Make the payment using the available digital options: MBWay, Multibanco, Visa, Vinti4, Paypal, MasterCard, or American Express.