Praia Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Cape Verde requires all international visitors to complete a mandatory pre-arrival registration (EASE) and pay a Tourist Security Tax, regardless of nationality. Traditional visas are generally not required for short tourist stays, but the pre-registration system is mandatory.
All nationalities must complete online pre-arrival registration. This applies to citizens of ECOWAS countries and all other nationalities visiting for tourism or business.
Cost: Approximately €31 (about $34 USD) Tourist Security Tax, valid for 30 days
You will receive a confirmation receipt via email that must be presented upon arrival. Keep both digital and printed copies. The registration is linked to your passport number.
Citizens of Economic Community of West African States member countries
Cost: €31 Tourist Security Tax
ECOWAS passport or national ID card required. Pre-registration still mandatory.
Some nationalities or specific travel purposes may require a traditional visa obtained through Cape Verdean embassy or consulate
Required for employment, study, or residence purposes. Tourist visitors should use the EASE system instead.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia, travelers proceed through a standard immigration and customs process. The airport is modern and well-organized, with clear signage in Portuguese, English, and French.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Cape Verde customs regulations are designed to prevent the importation of prohibited goods while allowing reasonable personal items. All travelers must pass through customs control after collecting baggage, and officers may conduct random inspections regardless of which channel you use.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Cape Verde has strict drug laws with severe penalties
- Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and authorization
- Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items and pirated media
- Pornographic materials - strict regulations on adult content
- Certain plants and plant products - without phytosanitary certificates
- Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants under CITES
- Toxic or hazardous materials - unless properly documented and authorized
Restricted Items
- Medications - Prescription drugs should be in original packaging with prescription. Quantities exceeding personal use for trip duration may require documentation
- Drones and aerial photography equipment - May require special permits; declare upon arrival and check with local authorities
- Professional camera and video equipment - May be questioned if appearing to be for commercial use; bring documentation of ownership
- Live animals and pets - Require import permits, health certificates, and rabies vaccination documentation
- Fresh food products - Meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables may be restricted; declare all food items
- Radio communication equipment - May require authorization from telecommunications authority
Health Requirements
Cape Verde has specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Health regulations should be verified before travel as they can change based on global health situations.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required for travelers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with yellow fever risk. Valid certificate must show vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to food and water safety considerations
- Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on MMR, DTP, varicella, polio, and annual flu vaccine
- Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or contact with animals
- Tetanus - Ensure booster is current if traveling to rural areas
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry. Medical facilities in Praia are limited, and serious conditions may require evacuation to Europe or the United States. Ensure your policy covers Cape Verde and includes emergency medical evacuation. Keep insurance documentation accessible during your trip.
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Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s), including contact information and authorizing the child to travel. This letter should be in Portuguese or English. If traveling with only one parent, carry the child's birth certificate and consent letter from the other parent. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Children are also subject to the EASE pre-registration requirement.
Pets entering Cape Verde require an import permit obtained in advance from the Cape Verdean veterinary authorities. Required documentation includes: valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, proof of microchip identification, and treatment for parasites. Some breeds may be restricted. Contact the Direção Nacional de Pecuária well in advance of travel (at least 30 days) to obtain permits. Airlines have specific requirements for pet travel that must also be met.
Tourist stays are initially granted for up to 30 days. Extensions can be requested from the immigration office (Direcção Nacional de Imigração e Fronteiras) in Praia before your authorized stay expires. You'll need to provide justification, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and pay extension fees. For stays longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism (work, study, residence), you must apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit. Employment requires a work permit obtained by your employer. Student visas require acceptance from a Cape Verdean educational institution. Long-term residence permits have specific requirements based on purpose of stay.
Business visitors use the same EASE pre-registration system as tourists. Select 'business' as purpose of visit. Carry documentation supporting your business activities: invitation letter from Cape Verdean company or organization, company registration documents, proof of business relationship, and return ticket. Business stays are typically limited to 30 days. For extended business activities or employment, a work permit and appropriate visa are required. Attending conferences or meetings is generally acceptable under tourist/business registration.
Passengers transiting through Praia to another destination may not need to complete immigration if staying airside and departing on the same calendar day. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, full entry requirements apply including EASE registration. Check with your airline about transit requirements. If you plan to leave the airport during a layover to visit Praia, complete the EASE registration and meet all entry requirements.
Travelers holding dual nationality including Cape Verdean citizenship must enter and exit Cape Verde using their Cape Verdean passport. This is strictly enforced. If you have Cape Verdean citizenship (including by descent), contact the Cape Verdean embassy about passport requirements before travel. Using a foreign passport when you hold Cape Verdean nationality may result in entry complications.