Destination guide
Last updated: June 15, 2026Morabeza, 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.
| Passport | Entry rule | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal · Spain · France · United Kingdom | Visa-free · EASE + TSA required | 30 days |
| Guinea-Bissau · Nigeria · Ghana · Senegal · Angola | Visa-free (ECOWAS + Angola) · EASE + TSA required | 30 days |
⚠️ 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
Cabo Verde is generally safe (Level 1, US). The capital, Praia, has a heightened advisory (Level 2) for crime — theft and, less often, mugging. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and don’t flash cash. On beaches, respect the flags: currents can be strong.
⚠️ Border rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source (consulate, immigration, travel.state.gov, gov.uk, Portal das Comunidades) before travelling.
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.
WhatsApp, social media and VoIP work normally in urban and tourist areas. On smaller, remote islands, expect some latency.