Before flying to Cape Verde, most international visitors need to check three separate things: whether their nationality needs a visa, whether they must complete the EASE traveller pre-registration, and whether the Airport Security Fee — usually called the TSA — has been paid. These are related, but they are not the same requirement.
This practical guide explains the process in plain English, including passport validity, EASE timing, common TSA exemptions and what to carry for immigration. Rules can change by nationality, so always use the official Cabo Verde portals for the final decision.
Cape Verde visa and entry requirements: quick facts
| Passport | The official consular portal states that a passport should be valid for at least six months for the stay. |
| EASE | Foreign visitors are generally asked to pre-register online before travel. |
| TSA | The international Airport Security Fee is currently listed as 3,400 CVE (€30.83). |
| Visa check | Visa exemption depends on nationality; some nationalities need a visa before travel. |
| Best timing | Complete the online checks several days before departure, not at the airport. |
Do you need a visa for Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has visa exemptions for a number of nationalities, while other travellers must obtain a visa before arrival or may be eligible to apply at the border in specific circumstances. Do not assume that an EASE registration is a visa: EASE is a traveller pre-registration and TSA payment platform. Your visa position is a separate nationality-based question.
How to check your nationality
Use the official Cabo Verde consular visa page and the latest notice on the EASE platform. A rule change effective from 1 January 2026 means nationals of countries on a published list must obtain an entry visa — including for transit or airport stopovers — before arriving.
Visa-free does not mean form-free
Even when your nationality is exempt from a short-stay visa, you may still need EASE pre-registration and the TSA payment.
Longer stays and non-tourist travel
Work, study, residence and some business trips can require a different visa or permit. The short tourist exemption rules should not be used for long-term stays.
Passport validity and documents to carry
The official consular information says visitors should have a passport valid for at least six months at the time of their stay. Border officers can also ask for evidence that you can leave the country, where you are staying and how you will support yourself during the trip.
Carry the essentials
Keep your passport, return or onward ticket, hotel or accommodation details and travel insurance information easy to reach.
Children need their own document
Every traveller, including babies and children, should have their own valid travel document.
Names must match
Use the same spelling on your flight booking, accommodation, EASE form and passport. Small inconsistencies can create delays.
How to complete the Cape Verde EASE pre-registration
EASE is the official online platform used to submit traveller and trip details before arrival. The form normally asks for passport data, travel dates, flight information and your accommodation in Cape Verde.
When to complete EASE
The consular portal asks foreign visitors to pre-register online up to five days before the start of the trip. In practice, completing it several days before departure gives you time to fix payment or data-entry problems.
What information you need
Have your passport, flight number, arrival date, departure date and hotel or host address ready before starting.
Save proof
Download or screenshot the confirmation and payment receipt. Keep a copy offline in case mobile data is unavailable on arrival.
Package holidays
Some tour operators or travel agents complete the registration or collect the fee as part of the booking. Confirm this in writing rather than paying twice.
What is the TSA airport security fee?
The TSA is an airport security charge for passengers disembarking at Cape Verdean airports. The official consular FAQ currently lists the international fee as 3,400 CVE (€30.83). Domestic air tickets also include separate domestic passenger and security charges.
Who normally pays
International visitors arriving by air usually pay through the EASE platform unless an exemption applies or the fee has already been handled by a travel provider.
Common exemptions
Official exemptions include children under two, passengers remaining in airport transit, certain official missions and qualifying Cape Verdean citizens or family members who can document their status.
If you miss pre-registration
The official FAQ says travellers may be registered and charged on arrival, but doing it beforehand is safer, faster and reduces the risk of administrative problems.
Validity after a cancelled trip
The official consular FAQ states that a completed pre-registration and payment may remain valid for one year, but confirm your own case through the official portal before reusing it.
What happens at immigration on arrival?
After landing, follow signs for passport control. Present your passport and, if requested, your EASE or TSA confirmation, accommodation details and onward travel evidence. Airport processing is usually straightforward when all names and dates match.
Allow time at the airport
Queues can build when several holiday flights arrive close together, particularly on Sal and Boa Vista.
Do not rely on a screenshot alone for visa status
A payment confirmation does not override a visa requirement. Carry the actual visa or approval if your nationality needs one.
Keep records until departure
Retain confirmations throughout the trip in case an airline or official asks for them later.
Official links to check before you fly
Because entry rules can change quickly, treat this page as a planning guide rather than permission to travel.
EASE traveller registration
Complete or verify pre-registration on the official EASE platform.
Visa rules by nationality
Check the official Cabo Verde Consular Portal.
Airline document check
Your airline can deny boarding if your documents do not satisfy the destination rules, so confirm requirements with the carrier as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need EASE if I do not need a Cape Verde visa?
Usually yes. Visa exemption and EASE pre-registration are separate requirements for foreign visitors.
How much is the Cape Verde TSA fee?
The official consular FAQ currently lists the international TSA at 3,400 CVE, equivalent to €30.83.
When should I register on EASE?
Complete it several days before departure. The official guidance refers to pre-registration up to five days before the trip.
Can I pay the TSA at the airport?
The official FAQ describes registration and payment on arrival when it was not completed beforehand, but advance online registration is the safer option.
Do children pay the TSA?
Children under two are listed among the TSA exemptions.
Is EASE the same as a visa?
No. EASE records traveller details and facilitates TSA payment; a visa is separate permission to enter for nationalities that require one.
Checked July 2026. Schedules, fees and entry rules can change; verify again before booking or travel.
Practical checklist
- Check nationality-specific visa rules before buying a non-refundable flight.
- Use only the official EASE domain and save your receipt offline.
- Make sure names and passport numbers are entered exactly.
- Ask your tour operator whether TSA is already included before paying.