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Cape Verde to End Visa-On-Arrival for 96 Nationalities Starting 2026

January 7, 2026 6:26 am

Cape Verde to End Visa-On-Arrival for 96 Nationalities Starting 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Cape Verde will no longer offer visa-on-arrival access for travelers from 96 countries. This change in entry regulations means that visitors must obtain a visa before their journey, even if just passing through. If you’re considering a trip to Cape Verde, this visa update is crucial.

What Changed?

From the start of 2026, many travelers will no longer enjoy the convenience of obtaining a visa upon arrival. Instead, they must apply for a visa in advance. If you arrive without a valid visa, you risk being denied entry or transit at the airport.

Previously, travelers could register online via the EASE portal, pay applicable fees, and receive their tourist visa upon arrival. This option is now eliminated. All prospective visitors from the affected nations must ensure they have a visa prior to travel.

Mandatory EASE Registration

Even with the new visa requirements, all visitors must still register through the EASE platform before their departure. This process includes:

Submitting personal and travel details online.
Paying the Airport Security Tax (around 3,400 Cape Verdean escudos for stays of up to 30 days).
The ability to pay for and receive a visa upon arrival is what has changed, not the requirement for EASE registration.

Rationale Behind the Change

The new regulation comes from Decree No. 244/GMAI/2025, enacted in November 2025. This decree specifies that travelers from certain countries must secure entry, transit, or airport stopover visas before their trip. Ultimately, this decision aims to strengthen border controls, transferring the responsibility back to embassies and consulates.

Who Is Exempt?

Some individuals remain exempt from this new rule, even if they hold passports from affected countries. Exemptions include:

Airline crew members on duty.
Foreign residents living legally in Cape Verde.
Holders of valid residence permits from EU countries.
Certain diplomatic and official passport holders.
Individuals born in Cape Verde with a different nationality, under specific conditions.

Those falling under these categories should still consult with a Cape Verde consulate to confirm details.

List of Affected Countries

Travelers from the following 96 countries must apply for a visa ahead of their trip:

Afghanistan
Guatemala
Panama
Algeria
Guyana
Papua New Guinea
Armenia
Haiti
Paraguay
Azerbaijan
Honduras
Peru
Bahrain
India
Philippines
Bangladesh
Indonesia
Puerto Rico
Belarus
Iran
Rwanda
Bhutan
Iraq
Samoa
Bolivia
Jamaica
Somalia
Botswana
Jordan
South Sudan
Brunei
Kazakhstan
Sri Lanka
Burundi
Kiribati
Sudan
Cambodia
Kyrgyzstan
Suriname
Cameroon
Laos
Syria
Central African Republic
Lebanon
Taiwan
Chad
Lesotho
Tajikistan
Chile
Libya
Tanzania
Colombia
Madagascar
Tokelau
Comoros
Malawi
Tonga
Congo
Mauritania
Trinidad and Tobago
Costa Rica
Mexico
Tunisia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mongolia
Turkey
Djibouti
Myanmar
Turkmenistan
Dominica
Namibia
Tuvalu
Dominican Republic
Nauru
Uganda
Ecuador
Nepal
Uzbekistan
Egypt
Nicaragua
Vanuatu
El Salvador
North Korea
Venezuela
Eritrea
Oman
Vietnam
Eswatini
Pakistan
Yemen
Ethiopia
Palau
Zambia
Gabon
Palestine
Zimbabwe

If your nation is on this list, you’ll need to plan ahead.

Visa Application Process

For most affected travelers, the only path forward is to secure a consular visa. This involves:

Applying through a Cape Verde embassy or consulate.
Providing necessary documents, such as hotel bookings and proof of funds.
Awaiting approval before confirming travel arrangements.

For those who relied on last-minute trips, this shift complicates travel plans. Some may explore alternative routes through countries with easier entry requirements, but keep in mind that a visa is still necessary if Cape Verde remains your final destination.

Conclusion

Cape Verde continues to welcome visitors, but the new visa requirements necessitate careful planning. If you’re considering a trip for leisure, business, or transit, be sure to verify your nationality, check embassy processing times, and complete your EASE registration well in advance. Avoid being caught off guard at the airport—proper documentation is essential to ensuring a smooth travel experience.