Cape Verde Ends 96 Nationalities' Visa-On-Arrival Policy In 2026,
Cape Verde strengthened its immigration regulations, requiring visitors from 96 countries to obtain a visa upon arrival. Even for transit, visitors now need to obtain a visa before departing.
There is a crucial visa update that you cannot overlook if Cape Verde has been on your itinerary.
Cape Verde formally ended its long-standing visa-on-arrival policy for visitors from 96 countries on January 1, 2026. Preparation is now necessary for what was once a pretty easy admission process.
This is what has changed, who is impacted, and what travelers can do in its place.
What Specifically Has Changed?
The majority of travelers might register online via the EASE portal, pay the required fees, and obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport until the end of 2025.
That choice is no longer available.
Even if they are merely passing through or making a stop at an airport in Cape Verde, visitors from 96 countries must obtain a visa before departing. You may be denied entry or transit if you arrive without a valid visa.
There is minimal opportunity for misunderstanding because the update is made explicit on the official EASE pre-registration page.
Everyone Is Still Required to Register for EASE
All visitors must continue complete online registration using the EASE platform before to travel, despite this modification in the visa regulations. This comprises:
Entering travel and personal information online
For stays up to 30 days, the required Airport Security Tax (TSA) is approximately 3,400 Cape Verdean escudos.
If you are from one of the impacted nations, you can no longer apply for and obtain a tourist visa upon arrival.
Why This Change Was Made in Cape Verde
Decree No. 244/GMAI/2025, which was released in November 2025, is the basis for this action. The regulation formally identifies the nations whose nationals are required to obtain airport stopover, transit, or entrance visas prior to departure.
To put it simply, Cape Verde is strengthening border security and returning authority to its embassies and consulates.
Who Is Not Affected by the New Rule?
Even if they have a passport from one of the impacted nations, some travelers are nonetheless excluded.
Among the exemptions are:
On-duty airline employees who are legally residents of Cape Verde
Those with legitimate residency permits from EU nations that ensure readmission
Some holders of official and diplomatic passports
Individuals who were born in Cape Verde and subsequently obtained a different nationality under certain circumstances
It is nevertheless advisable to check information with a Cape Verde consulate prior to travel if you fit into any of these categories.
Complete List of the 96 Affected Countries
Passport holders from the following nations are now required to apply for a visa in advance:
Afghanistan
Guatemala
Panama
Algeria
Guyana
Papua New Guinea
Armenia
Haiti
Paraguay
Honduras
Peru
Bahrain
Philippines
Bangladesh
Indonesia
Puerto Rico
Belarus
Iran
Rwanda
Bhutan
Iraq
Samoa
Bolivia
Jamaica
Somalia
Botswana
Jordan
South Sudan
Brunei
Kazakhstan
Sri Lanka
Burund
Tokelau
Comoros
Malawi
Tonga
Congo
Mauritania
Trinidad
Tobago
Costa Rica
Mexico
Tunisia
Mongolia
Turkey
Djibouti
Myanmar
Turkmenistan
Dominica
Namibia
Tuvalu
Dominican Republic
Nauru
Uganda
Ecuador
Nepal
Egypt
Nicaragua
El Salvador
Preparation is now required if your nation is on this list.
Which Visa Options Are Available to Travelers Right Now?
A consular visa is the only choice for the majority of impacted travelers. This implies:
Applying via the consulate or embassy of Cape Verde
submitting paperwork, including proof of finances, return tickets, and hotel reservations
Awaiting approval before making a non-refundable travel reservation
This is a significant change for travelers who used to rely on last-minute getaways or flexible schedules.
If Cape Verde is the ultimate goal, some travelers may consider taking a different route, such as passing through nations where their passport permits easier entrance. However, this does not eliminate the requirement for a Cape Verde visa.
Cape Verde is still accessible to tourists, but many nationalities now find it more difficult to make impromptu journeys. Now, getting a visa is the first step if you are planning a vacation, a transit stop, or a business trip.
Verify your nationality, confirm embassy deadlines, finish EASE registration ahead of time, and make sure you don't arrive at the airport with the incorrect documentation. Your trip could finish before it starts if you make just one mistake.
