Cape Verde is a popular destination for travellers looking for a change of scenery and authenticity. To best prepare for your stay in this archipelago off the coast of West Africa, it's a good idea to find out about the various formalities to be completed before you leave. Here's a complete guide to what you need to do for your visa, passport, return and other important details.
Entry requirements for Cape Verde
To enter Cape Verde, European nationals must be in possession of a valid passport at least 2 months after the planned date of return. Nationals of other countries may also be subject to similar conditions. It is therefore advisable to check the specific requirements according to your nationality with the Cape Verde consulate or embassy.
Visa or EASE for Cape Verde
Until January 2019, it was necessary to obtain a visa to travel to Cape Verde. Since then, the Cape Verdean government has introduced an online pre-registration system called EASE (Electronic Authorization System Entry), which allows travellers to apply for entry clearance without needing a visa.
To make this request, simply visit the official Cape Verdean government website and follow the instructions. The pre-registration process must be carried out at least 5 days before the departure date. Once the application has been approved, you will receive an electronic document that you will need to present at the arrival airport.
It is important to note that this entry permit is valid for a maximum of 30 days (for most nationalities, 60 or 90 days for others) and cannot be extended on the spot. If your stay in Cape Verde exceeds this period, you will need to apply for a visa from the Cape Verde consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
Vaccinations and health
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travelling to Cape Verde. However, it is recommended that you are up to date with your universal vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis). It may also be advisable to have vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever, depending on the length and conditions of your stay.
Although the risk of malaria is low in Cape Verde, it is advisable to protect yourself against mosquito bites by using appropriate skin repellents, long, insecticide-impregnated clothing and insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets for sleeping.
Insurance and medical assistance
Before travelling to Cape Verde, it is advisable to take out a travel insurance covering medical and hospitalisation costs abroad, as well as repatriation if necessary. Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, and some treatments or operations may require transfer to another country.
It's also important to check whether your travel insurance includes 24/7 assistance to help you in the event of a problem at your destination.
Customs and regulations
When it comes to personal items and imported products, here are a few rules to follow when travelling to Cape Verde:
- The amount of cash carried must not exceed €10,000 (or the equivalent in another currency).
- Items subject to customs duties must be declared on arrival.
- It is forbidden to import firearms, explosives, drugs and narcotics.
Finally, don't forget that Cape Verde is subject to certain restrictions concerning environmental protection and illegal trade in protected species. It is therefore forbidden to export live animals, endemic plants or objects made from local natural materials without prior authorisation. As is the case in most countries around the world.
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