Cape Verde Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can visit Cape Verde visa-free for up to 30 days. Cape Verde is a Portuguese-speaking Atlantic archipelago with a unique blend of African and European culture.
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Cape Verde without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No visa is required for US citizens for stays up to 30 days. Present your valid US passport on arrival at Amilcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) or Nelson Mandela International Airport (Santiago/Praia), or Aristides Pereira Airport (Boa Vista). All visitors must complete a EASE (Electronic Authorization of Stay) health and entry declaration at ease.gov.cv before departure. This is free and takes a few minutes. Onward travel confirmation and accommodation booking will be requested.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
EASE (Electronic Authorization of Stay)
Complete online at ease.gov.cv before departure; free registration
Proof of Return Travel
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel or resort booking
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 3-6 months beyond your planned departure date (varies by country)
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from the country, such as a return flight or onward travel booking
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover expenses during your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for all international travel covering medical emergencies
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Cape Verde is one of Africa's safest countries with a stable democracy. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas - take normal precautions. Some islands are more developed than others for tourism. Mountain hiking should be done with guides on islands like Santo Antão. Strong currents exist on some beaches.
Money & Costs
Currency
$ Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $50 · Mid: $100 · Luxury: $250+
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10% in restaurants is generous. Small tips for hotel staff and guides are welcome.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, F, 220V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
132 (Police), 131 (Fire), 130 (Ambulance)
Getting There
Main Airports
Sal (SID) · Boa Vista (BVC) · Praia (RAI)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cape Verde is from November to June during the dry season. January to March has perfect weather for beach activities and water sports. July to October is hotter with occasional rain and the Harmattan wind can bring dust from the Sahara. Water temperatures are pleasant year-round (22-26°C), making it always good for swimming.
Cultural Notes
Cape Verde has a unique Creole culture blending African and Portuguese influences. Music is central to identity - morna (soulful ballads), coladeira (upbeat rhythms), and funaná are popular genres. Cesária Évora, the "barefoot diva," brought Cape Verdean music to world fame. Hospitality (morabeza) is highly valued. The diaspora connection is strong, with more Cape Verdeans abroad than at home.
Insider Tips
Portuguese is the official language, but Cape Verdean Creole is widely spoken. The Cape Verdean Escudo is the currency, fixed to the euro. Credit cards are accepted in tourist areas but cash is needed elsewhere. Island hopping is done by domestic flights (TACV) or ferry. Each island has its own character - try to visit multiple islands.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Cape Verde: What You Need to Know
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is an archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 570km off the coast of Senegal. US citizens enjoy visa-free access. The islands were uninhabited when Portuguese explorers arrived in 1456, creating a unique Creole culture blending African and Portuguese influences. The archipelago divides into the Barlavento (Windward) islands to the north and Sotavento (Leeward) islands to the south. Sal and Boa Vista are the resort islands with excellent beaches and all-inclusive hotels; Santiago (the capital, Praia) is the most populated and historically rich; Santo Antao is a hiker's paradise with dramatic volcanic scenery; and Sao Vicente (Mindelo) is the cultural capital with a vibrant music scene (Cape Verde is the birthplace of morna music, associated with the late Cesaria Evora).
How to Get There
Senegal (1.5 hours by air to Dakar) and The Gambia are the nearest African mainland destinations. Canary Islands (Spain) are 3 hours north by air. Cape Verde is the only accessible Portuguese-speaking African destination for Americans who find West African mainland travel too challenging. It is often marketed as an easy entry to Africa for first-time African visitors.
Money & Banking
Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) pegged to the euro (1 EUR = 110 CVE). Euros and USD are accepted at hotels and resort areas. Card acceptance is good at tourist businesses; cash preferred in local shops and markets. Cape Verde is moderately affordable, especially compared to European beach destinations , comparable to Morocco or Tunisia pricing. Accommodation on Sal (resort island) can be expensive at peak season ($100-300/night for resorts); local guesthouses $40-80.
Practical Tips
Cape Verde has a unique climate , Sal and Boa Vista are desert islands with year-round sunshine (ideal for beach holidays, May-November); Santo Antao and Sao Vicente have more rain and green mountains (better for hiking October-June). The morna music (UNESCO Intangible Heritage) and funana (faster Creole rhythm) are intrinsic to Cape Verdean culture. Excellent tuna fishing, windsurfing (Sal is a world windsurfing championship venue), and diving with whale sharks (Sal, seasonal). The islands have minimal crime and are very safe for tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Cape Verde?
No. US citizens can visit Cape Verde visa-free for 30 days. Complete the free EASE pre-registration at ease.gov.cv before departure.
Which Cape Verde island is best for beaches?
Sal and Boa Vista are the main beach resort islands with long sandy beaches and consistent sunshine. Santa Maria on Sal is the most developed beach resort. For windsurfing, Sal's Ponta Preta is world-famous.