Cape Verde e-Visa plans have been written into law for 91 countries and territories, but the online system has not yet been confirmed as active. Separately, the Airport Security Tax has risen to about US$44.
Cape Verde has created a legal basis for online visa applications for nationals of 91 countries and territories, but affected travellers are still being directed to embassies and consulates until the digital process is formally launched. The country’s international Airport Security Tax is already higher, at about US$44 through EASE.
New decree changes visa procedures and airport tax
Travellers heading to Cape Verde face several updates to the country’s entry rules after Decree-Law No. 49/2026 was published in the Boletim Oficial on November 3, 2026, and took effect the next day. The measure changes both visa issuance procedures and the Airport Security Tax, known as the TSA.
The two changes apply to different groups. The visa reform concerns nationals who are required to obtain a visa before travelling, while the airport security fee increase also affects visa-exempt visitors, including many American, British, Canadian and European tourists.
Online visa route planned for 91 nationalities
Cape Verde intends to introduce an electronic visa process for nationals of countries subject to advance visa requirements. This would partly ease restrictions introduced on January 1, 2026, when dozens of nationalities lost access to visas on arrival.
Before those restrictions, eligible travellers could use the EASE portal to complete pre-registration, pay applicable fees online and receive a visa at the airport. That option was removed for the restricted nationalities, requiring them to obtain a visa before departure, usually through a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate.
Article 14 of the new decree allows affected nationals to apply for and receive visas through a digital platform. This is intended as a full online visa application process, not simply advance payment for a visa on arrival. Applications may still be reviewed for security and immigration risk, and authorities may request additional documents, interviews or input from the Directorate of Foreigners and Borders. Visas on arrival remain prohibited for these nationalities.
Restricted list reduced from 96 to 91
The rules now cover nationals of 91 countries and territories, including Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Mexico, Colombia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan and Vietnam. The number is lower than the 96 countries and territories first listed when the restrictions were announced in late 2025.
A correction issued on January 23, 2026, retroactive to January 1, removed Cameroon, India, Rwanda, Taiwan and Turkey from the stricter advance visa list. Their removal does not automatically make their nationals visa-exempt; rather, they are no longer covered by the tougher rules applied to the remaining 91 countries and territories. Travellers from those five places can pay visa-on-arrival fees through EASE when completing pre-registration.
Exceptions also continue for some travellers who hold valid residence permits issued by European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Canada or the United States, provided they meet the relevant regulatory conditions.
Launch timing remains unclear
Although the legal framework now permits electronic visa applications, Cape Verde has not clarified when the system will be operational. The decree refers to a digital platform but does not expressly name EASE or provide a start date.
The GOV.CV portal currently says visa applications must be filed through Cape Verdean embassies and consular offices, while noting that EASE online applications may be available where applicable. Authorities also say work is underway to provide an online visa application service through GOV.CV.
As of November 12, 2026, EASE still warned nationals of the 91 affected countries that they must apply at Cape Verdean embassies or consular offices and hold a valid visa on arrival, or risk refusal of entry. Until officials confirm the full online process is live, affected travellers should continue securing visas before departure.
Visa fee and airport tax amounts
Official information lists the current Cape Verde visa fee at 4,898 Cape Verdean escudos, or about US$49. This is separate from the Airport Security Tax, which some travellers must also pay during EASE pre-registration. Applicants generally need a valid passport and compliant photograph, with additional documents depending on visa type. Passports usually must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay, subject to exceptions.
- Tourist visas must generally be used to enter Cape Verde within 60 days of issuance.
- Tourist visas may allow stays of up to 90 days, with a possible extension for an equivalent period if approved.
For international arrivals, the Airport Security Tax has increased from 3,400 to 4,400 Cape Verdean escudos, a rise of about 29.4%. EASE displays the international charge as €39.90, approximately US$44, matching the new 4,400 CVE amount. The domestic-flight tax has also risen, from 150 to 200 CVE.
The government will allocate 20% of TSA revenue to the National Civil Protection and Fire Service to support equipment, emergency vehicles, warning systems and other response resources. The reform also removes the previous age limit of 18 for the TSA exemption for children of people born in Cape Verde; the exemption can now cover those children regardless of age, as well as spouses of people born in the archipelago, subject to legal conditions.
Visa-free visitors still need EASE registration
U.S., British and Canadian passport holders remain eligible to visit Cape Verde for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. They must still complete EASE pre-registration at least five days before arrival and pay the Airport Security Tax unless exempt. The process typically asks for passport details, travel dates, flight number and accommodation address. Stays beyond 30 days require an appropriate visa through Cape Verdean consular services.
For travellers, the key point is timing: the higher airport fee is already in effect, while the new online visa route is not yet confirmed as available. Airlines, agents and visitors should check official Cape Verdean instructions before departure and budget for the updated EASE charge where it applies.
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