Travellers to Cape Verde Face US$44 Airport Fee as Online Visa Awaits Launch

Cape Verde has changed both its visa procedures and its airport security fee under Decree-Law No. 49/2026, published in the Boletim Oficial on 3 November 2026 and effective the following day. The decree lets nationals of 91 countries and territories apply for a visa through a digital platform, while raising the Airport Security Tax (TSA) charged on arrival at the country's airports.

The two measures affect different travellers: the visa change concerns nationalities that need a visa in advance, while the higher fee also hits American, British, Canadian and European visitors who still enter visa-free for short stays.

Key facts

• Decree-Law No. 49/2026 took effect on 4 November 2026.
• Nationals of 91 countries and territories will be able to apply for a visa online.
• The international airport security fee rose from 3,400 to 4,400 Cape Verdean escudos (about US$44 / €39.90).
• The listed visa fee is 4,898 escudos (about US$49), separate from the airport tax.
• US, UK and Canadian passport holders still enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days.

What is changing for visa applicants?

Under Article 14 of the decree, nationals of countries subject to advance visa requirements may apply for and obtain their visas through a digital platform. This is a full online application process, not simply a way to pay visa-on-arrival fees in advance. Visas on arrival remain expressly prohibited for these nationalities.

Applications stay subject to security and immigration risk assessments. Depending on the case, authorities may ask for additional supporting documents, interview applicants, or seek input from the Directorate of Foreigners and Borders (DEF).

The affected list covers 91 countries and territories, including Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Mexico, Colombia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan and Vietnam. The original list published on 24 November 2025 named 96 countries and territories, but a correction issued on 23 January 2026, retroactive to 1 January, removed Cameroon, India, Rwanda, Taiwan and Turkey. Travellers from those five can pay visa-on-arrival fees through the EASE portal during pre-registration. Exceptions also remain for certain travellers holding valid residence permits issued by European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Canada or the United States, subject to regulatory conditions.

When will the online visa system start?

No launch date has been announced. The decree refers to a digital platform but does not name EASE or set a date. The GOV.CV portal still says applications must go through Cape Verdean embassies and consular offices, while noting online applications through EASE may be available where applicable. Authorities say work is under way on an online service through GOV.CV.

As of 12 November 2026, EASE still warns travellers from the 91 countries that they must apply at embassies or consular offices and hold a valid visa on arrival, under penalty of refusal of entry. No official announcement has confirmed that the full online process is available.

How much does it cost?

The listed visa fee is 4,898 escudos (about US$49), separate from the Airport Security Tax. Applicants generally need a valid passport and a compliant photograph, with further documents possible depending on the visa category. Passports must generally remain valid at least three months beyond the intended stay, subject to exceptions.

For tourist visas, travellers must enter Cape Verde within 60 days of issuance. Stays of up to 90 days are possible, with a possible extension for an equivalent period subject to approval.

What is happening with the airport security fee?

The international TSA has risen from 3,400 to 4,400 escudos, an increase of about 29.4%, and is now charged through EASE, which displays €39.90 (about US$44). The domestic flight tax increased from 150 to 200 escudos. The government will allocate 20% of TSA revenue to the National Civil Protection and Fire Service for equipment, emergency vehicles and warning systems.

The reform also removes the previous age limit of 18 for the TSA exemption granted to children of people born in Cape Verde, extending it to children of any age and to spouses of people born in the archipelago, subject to legal conditions.

What this means for travellers

Travellers from the 91 affected countries should continue to obtain a valid visa before departure until the online service is launched. Visitors from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada can still enter visa-free for up to 30 days, but must complete EASE pre-registration at least five days before arrival and pay the airport security tax unless exempt. Pre-registration requires passport details, travel dates, flight number and accommodation address. Tourist stays beyond 30 days require a visa through Cape Verdean consular services.

Travellers should now budget about US$44 for the international airport security fee. The next development to watch is an official announcement setting out when the online visa application service will become available.