Morabeza, morna and dream beaches — but also the most digital entry process in the corridor. Arrive knowing about EASE, the airport tax and the reality of each island. Here is the essential, verified.

Travel essentials

Cabo Verde abolished visas for Europeans in 2019. You don’t need a visa, but ALL travellers must complete the online EASE pre-registration (at least 5 days ahead) and pay the airport security tax (TSA, ~3400 CVE ≈ €30). Tourist stay up to 30 days. Since 1 January 2026, visa-on-arrival has ended for non-exempt nationalities — those who need a visa must obtain it in advance.

⚠️ Border rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source (consulate, immigration, travel.state.gov, gov.uk, Portal das Comunidades) before travelling.

💡 Dual nationals: it is often simpler to enter on your Cabo Verde passport. Confirm your situation with the consulate.

Health

There is no endemic yellow fever risk. A certificate is only required if arriving from a country with risk (e.g. a connection via West/Central Africa) — confirm with your airline. Other vaccines are a clinical recommendation, not a border requirement.

Passport

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.

Arrival & Safety

Airport

Four international airports: Amílcar Cabral (SID, Sal), Nelson Mandela (RAI, Praia), Aristides Pereira (BVC, Boa Vista) and Cesária Évora (VXE, São Vicente). Sal and Boa Vista concentrate beach tourism; Praia and São Vicente have more urban and cultural life.

Getting in

Official taxis and hotel transfers are the norm; there are also “aluguers” (shared minivans) between towns. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are not widespread. Agree the taxi fare upfront.

Safety

Money

Currency: Cabo Verdean escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro (€1 ≈ 110 CVE). Euros are widely accepted in resorts and hotels; cards work in tourist areas, but carry cash for villages and more rural islands. ATMs in the main towns.

Connectivity

Two main operators: Unitel T+ and Alou (the new name for CV Móvel). Good 3G/4G coverage across the tourist and urban islands (Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, São Vicente); 5G is in development.

A local SIM requires registration (sometimes a local tax number) and a trip to a store. The Verde Wave eSIM gives you data the moment you step off the plane, no paperwork — ideal for short stays.

WhatsApp, social media and VoIP work normally in urban and tourist areas. On smaller, remote islands, expect some latency.

Sending money Cabo Verde

Sending money to Cabo Verde is part of diaspora life. The usual options: bank transfer (slower and sometimes with hidden FX margins), specialist apps like Wise, Remitly and WorldRemit (fast and transparent on fees), and cash pickup via Western Union or MoneyGram. In Cabo Verde, the escudo (CVE) is pegged to the euro, which keeps the maths predictable; there are bank transfers and cash pickup. Always compare the total cost — fee plus exchange-rate margin — and the speed before sending. Verde Wave never handles money; we just point you to the tools.

Sending boxes / cargo Cabo Verde

Sending boxes, barrels or drums to Cabo Verde is a diaspora tradition — food, clothes, electronics and gifts for family. Shipping is almost always by sea (cheaper but slow — typically several weeks to a couple of months), with an air option (faster, pricier) for urgent items. The essentials: make a packing list with values for customs, clearly identify sender and recipient with a local contact, and check import duties — used personal effects may have allowances, but new or bulk goods are taxed. For Cabo Verde, check the allowances for unaccompanied baggage and the duties on electronics and appliances, plus the destination island (inter-island logistics can add time). Declare the contents honestly, avoid prohibited or poorly protected perishable items, and keep your receipts. Compare freight forwarders on reputation and insurance, not just price.

Message us on WhatsApp if you need a hand.

Practical tips

Best time

Mild climate year-round. The driest, most stable season runs November to June (ideal for beaches and kite/windsurf); the short rainy season is August to October.

Languages

Portuguese is the official language, but Cabo Verdean Kriolu is the everyday language. Many Cabo Verdeans are deeply connected to the diaspora and understand European Portuguese well. See the phrasebook →

Etiquette

Relaxed and welcoming, especially on the tourist islands, but with strong respect for family and community. Morabeza — warmth and hospitality — is the soul of the country; meet it with patience and an unhurried pace. Dress modestly away from the beaches.

What to see & culture

Places

Pico do Fogo (active volcano), the Pedra de Lume salt pans (Sal), Mindelo (the cultural capital, on São Vicente) and Cidade Velha (Santiago) — the first European city in the tropics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Culture

Cabo Verde is synonymous with morna — a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — immortalized by Cesária Évora, the “barefoot diva”. Mindelo is the cradle of morna, coladeira and Cabo Verdean jazz.

Food

The national dish is cachupa (a stew of corn, beans and meat or fish). Add fresh fish and seafood (lobster, moray eel) and grogue, the sugarcane spirit — strong, drink with respect.

Sources

1. EASE Cabo Verde — registo de entrada oficial
2. Portal Consular (MNEC Cabo Verde) — vistos
3. EEAS (UE) — Cabo Verde: pré-registo e taxa de segurança aeroportuária
4. US State Department — Cabo Verde Travel Advisory (Nível 1; Praia Nível 2)
5. UK FCDO — Cape Verde foreign travel advice