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Cape Verde Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

South African citizens can obtain an easy entry visa on arrival or pre-apply online under Cape Verde's simplified visa system.

Guide last updated October 21, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival
  • Proof of accommodation and onward/return travel
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Completed arrival form (often provided on the flight or at the airport)
  • Cash (Euros or Cape Verdean Escudos) for the visa fee if paying on arrival, or card if pre-applying online
  • Travel health insurance recommended

Visa types

  • EASE (Electronic Advanced Stamp Enrollment) visa: Cape Verde's simplified entry authorization, replacing the traditional visa-on-arrival stamp, applied for online before travel or completed on arrival in some cases
  • Standard tourist/business entry authorization: valid for stays of up to 30-90 days depending on purpose and approval

Visa on arrival

  • If not pre-applied online, travelers can obtain the EASE entry stamp on arrival at the airport
  • Present passport, accommodation details, and pay the applicable fee at the immigration counter
  • Processing at the airport is generally efficient for travelers with complete documentation
  • It is recommended to complete the EASE application online in advance (via Cape Verde's official EASE portal) to speed up arrival processing

Fees & processing time

  • EASE visa fee: approximately EUR 30-34 (around USD 33-37) per person
  • Online pre-application processing time: typically 24-48 hours for approval confirmation
  • On-arrival processing (if not pre-applied): usually takes 15-30 minutes depending on airport traffic

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Pre-apply online through the official EASE portal before travel to reduce time spent at immigration on arrival
  • Carry a printed or digital copy of your EASE approval and accommodation confirmation
  • South Africa does not have a resident embassy in Cape Verde; the nearest South African mission is typically in Dakar, Senegal, or Lisbon, Portugal
  • Portuguese is the official language, with Cape Verdean Creole widely spoken
  • Flights to Cape Verde from South Africa are limited and often require connections via Europe or West Africa; plan accordingly

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.