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Cape Verde Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for Cape Verde for tourism; stay up to 30 days (extendable by border authorities); visa fee is EUR 60 payable in cash at entry, with processing at the port typically 15–30 minutes.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
  • Specific forms: No pre-entry visa application required; you will complete a short visa-on-arrival form at the port of entry.
  • Financial proof: You should have enough funds for the stay; typical guideline is at least EUR 50 per day of stay, in cash or with a credit/debit card.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Proof of onward or return ticket and confirmed accommodation for the entire stay may be requested.
  • Photo spec: One recent passport photo (35x45 mm) with a white background if requested at border.
  • Biometrics: Border officers may collect biometric data on arrival (photo and fingerprints).
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory, but strongly recommended; ensure coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: Visto de turismo (on arrival) — usually issued at entry; typical duration up to 30 days per visit; single entry; fee EUR 60.
  • Business visa: Visto de negócios — for official/business travel; validity up to 90 days; stay up to 30 days; single entry; fee EUR 120.
  • Student visa: Visto de estudo — for study programs; validity varies with course; single or multiple entry; fee EUR 150.
  • Work visa: Visto de trabalho — for paid employment; validity tied to contract; single entry; fee EUR 180.
  • Note: UK citizens should verify current policy with the Cape Verdean Embassy/Consulate as policies can change.

How to apply

  • Visa on arrival: No pre-application required. Arrive at the airport (Praia or Sal). At the border, present your passport, onward/return ticket, hotel booking, sufficient funds, and the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD).
  • Steps: 1) Proceed to border control; 2) Complete any visa-on-arrival form if provided; 3) Pay the visa fee; 4) Wait for visa stamp to be issued; 5) Proceed to immigration.
  • Fee and payment: EUR 60 in cash; USD sometimes accepted depending on port.
  • Duration: Visa is valid from the date of issue; entry should occur within the visa validity window.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: EUR 60 (~USD 65).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for visa on arrival; no third-party pre-processing.
  • Total cost estimate: EUR 60.
  • Standard processing time: At the port of entry, typically 15–30 minutes after submission.
  • Express/priority: Not available for visa on arrival.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Apply in good time for peak travel periods; there is no pre-approval for visa-on-arrival, so plan for potential queues.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants: Passport validity less than 6 months, insufficient funds, lack of return/onward ticket, unconfirmed accommodation, or incomplete form.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Cape Verde currently handles visa on arrival directly at border; there is no standard VFS/BLS pre-processing for visa-on-arrival; verify with the local Cape Verdean embassy/consulate before travel.
  • Travel advisories: Check UK government travel advisory for Cape Verde prior to travel; stay updated on health advisories and safety guidance.
  • Extension options inside Cape Verde: Extensions of stay beyond the initial 30 days may be requested at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF); extension decisions are at their discretion and can take several days.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.