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Cape Verde Entry Requirements in 2026: EASE, Airport Security Tax and Travel Documents
14 Jul 2026
What global travelers need to know before visiting the Atlantic archipelago
As global interest in Cape Verde continues to grow, travel planning is becoming more important.
Many visitors are discovering the country through football, culture, music, beaches, remote work and the Cape Verdean diaspora. But before booking accommodation or choosing an island, travelers should understand the basic entry requirements.
Cape Verde, officially Cabo Verde, uses an electronic pre-registration system known as EASE. Many foreign travelers arriving by air must complete pre-registration and pay the Airport Security Tax, known as TSA, before arrival. Depending on nationality, some travelers may also need a visa before reaching the country.
This article explains the main Cape Verde entry requirements in 2026, including EASE, airport tax, visas, passport validity and practical documents to prepare before traveling.
It is intended as a practical overview, not legal advice. Travelers should always verify their own requirements through official government sources, their airline or the nearest Cape Verde embassy or consulate.
Why entry requirements matter
For travelers, entry requirements are often treated as a final detail.
In reality, they are one of the first things to check.
Cape Verde is an island country with multiple international airports across different islands. Travelers may arrive in Praia, Sal, Boa Vista or São Vicente, depending on their itinerary. Before arrival, many visitors must complete digital pre-registration, confirm whether they need a visa and prepare the correct travel documents.
Failure to complete the right process can lead to delays, extra costs or problems at border control.
This matters even more in 2026 because Cape Verde introduced stricter visa requirements for nationals of certain countries from 1 January 2026.
Travelers should not rely only on old blogs, informal advice or outdated travel forums. Official sources should be checked close to the travel date.
What is EASE?
EASE is Cape Verde’s official electronic pre-registration platform for travelers.
It is designed to support a more efficient, automatic and secure entry process. Through EASE, eligible travelers provide personal information, passport details, travel information and contact information before arriving in the country.
For many visitors, EASE is part of the standard travel process.
It is important to understand that EASE is not always the same as a visa. For travelers from visa-exempt countries, it may serve as pre-registration and airport tax payment. For travelers who require a visa, EASE does not remove the visa requirement.
The key question is therefore not only “Do I need EASE?”
It is also: “Do I need a visa before I travel?”
Airport Security Tax: what is TSA?
TSA stands for Airport Security Tax.
Many non-resident visitors arriving in Cape Verde by air must pay this tax. In most cases, it is handled through the EASE pre-registration process before arrival.
Some travelers are exempt from paying the TSA, including certain Cape Verdean travelers, children under two years old, passengers in transit and specific official or exceptional categories.
Because rules and fees can change, travelers should confirm the current amount and exemptions directly through official sources before departure.
The practical advice is simple: if you are required to complete EASE, complete it before travel and save proof of payment.
Who needs EASE?
In general, foreign citizens who intend to travel to Cape Verde are required to pre-register online and pay the TSA unless they are exempt.
Travelers who may be exempt from pre-registration include:
Cape Verdean nationals
People born in Cape Verde
Foreigners legally residing in Cape Verde
Some travelers may also be exempt from paying the TSA, including:
Cape Verdean passport holders on international flights
Cape Verdeans, spouses and descendants who can prove the relevant relationship
Children under two years old
Passengers in transit at Cape Verdean airports
Certain official missions or exceptional flight situations
The details matter. A traveler’s nationality, residence status, age and purpose of travel can change what is required.
Before traveling, check your own situation through official sources.
Visa requirements in 2026
Cape Verde’s visa rules depend on nationality, passport, length of stay and travel purpose.
Many travelers from visa-exempt countries can enter Cape Verde for short stays without a traditional tourist visa, but may still need EASE pre-registration and TSA payment.
However, from 1 January 2026, nationals of certain countries are required to obtain a visa before arrival for entry, transit or airport stopovers in Cape Verde.
This is an important change for international travelers.
If a traveler is a national of one of the listed countries, they should contact the nearest Cape Verde embassy or consulate before departure. Arriving without the correct visa may result in refusal of entry, transit or stopover.
Travelers should pay special attention if they are:
From a country listed under the 2026 visa requirement
Traveling through Cape Verde in transit
Stopping over at a Cape Verde airport
Holding multiple passports
Using a residence permit from another country
Traveling for work, study or long-term stay
Visa exemption, EASE and TSA are connected but separate concepts. Travelers should verify each one.
When should travelers complete EASE?
Travelers should complete EASE before arriving in Cape Verde.
Many official travel advisories recommend completing the traveler entry form at least five days before arrival. This gives time to submit the information, pay the TSA if required and save confirmation before boarding.
Completing the process early also reduces the risk of airport delays.
From July 2026, travelers who do not complete pre-registration or cannot show proof may face higher charges at border control.
For this reason, EASE should be treated as part of the travel booking process, not as something to do at the last minute.
What information is needed?
Travelers completing EASE should prepare:
Passport details
Personal information
Nationality
Date of birth
Travel dates
Flight details
Arrival airport
Accommodation address or hotel name
Contact information
Email address
Payment method
The accommodation field is important. Travelers should have the name or address of their first accommodation in Cape Verde ready before completing the form.
This applies whether they are staying in a hotel, apartment, guesthouse, resort or private accommodation.
Passport validity
A valid passport is essential for entry into Cape Verde.
Many official sources indicate that the passport should be valid for at least six months at the time of stay or arrival. Travelers should verify the specific requirement for their nationality and trip.
A damaged passport, an expired passport or a passport that does not meet validity rules can lead to denied boarding or refused entry.
Travelers should check passport validity before booking flights.
Documents to prepare before traveling
A well-prepared traveler should carry both digital and printed copies of key documents.
Recommended documents include:
Passport
Flight booking
Accommodation confirmation
EASE confirmation
TSA payment confirmation
Visa, if required
Travel insurance
Return or onward ticket if required
Emergency contacts
Documents for children, if applicable
Travelers should save these documents offline because airport Wi-Fi or mobile data may not always be available at the right moment.
Printed copies can also be useful during check-in and border control.
Children and minors
Families should pay close attention to entry requirements for children.
Children may need to be included in travel documentation depending on age and circumstances. Children under two may be exempt from the TSA, but families should confirm official requirements before traveling.
Minors traveling alone, with one parent or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian may need additional authorization.
Parents or guardians should prepare:
Child’s passport
Birth certificate if needed
Parental authorization if applicable
Certified authorization letter if required
Accommodation information
Responsible adult contact details in Cape Verde
Rules for minors can be strict. Families should verify requirements before departure.
Travelers using tour operators or agencies
Some tour operators and travel agencies may complete the EASE registration and TSA payment process for their clients.
This can be convenient, but travelers should still request proof.
Before departure, confirm:
Registration was completed
TSA was paid if required
Passport details are correct
Flight details are correct
Accommodation details are correct
Confirmation documents are available
Responsibility ultimately affects the traveler at the border. Do not assume the process has been completed without documentation.
Arrival airports in Cape Verde
Cape Verde has several international airports, and the arrival airport depends on the island.
Major arrival airports include:
Praia International Airport – Nelson Mandela, Santiago Island
Amílcar Cabral International Airport, Sal Island
Aristides Pereira International Airport, Boa Vista Island
Cesária Évora International Airport, São Vicente Island
Travelers should make sure that their EASE and flight details match the correct arrival airport.
This is especially important because Cape Verde is an archipelago. A flight to “Cape Verde” may arrive on different islands.
Why island choice matters
Entry documents are only one part of planning a Cape Verde trip.
The arrival island also matters.
A traveler going to Tarrafal should usually arrive at Praia International Airport on Santiago Island. A traveler going to Santa Maria should usually arrive on Sal. A traveler going to Boa Vista resorts should arrive on Boa Vista. A traveler going to Mindelo or Santo Antão should look at São Vicente.
Choosing the wrong island can add domestic flights, ferry connections, additional accommodation and travel stress.
Clear entry planning and clear route planning should happen together.
Cape Verde as a more visible destination
In 2026, Cape Verde has gained increased global visibility.
As more people search for the country, many will be planning a trip for the first time. This creates an opportunity for more responsible and better-informed travel.
Understanding EASE, TSA, visa requirements and airport choice helps travelers avoid confusion and arrive with realistic expectations.
It also supports a better visitor experience. A traveler who arrives prepared can spend less time solving paperwork problems and more time experiencing Cape Verde’s islands, culture, landscapes and communities.
Practical checklist for travelers
Before booking:
Check whether your nationality requires a visa
Check passport validity
Choose the correct island and airport
Confirm accommodation details
Check flight and connection options
Before departure:
Complete EASE if required
Pay the TSA if required
Save confirmation documents
Print key documents
Confirm airport transfer or onward transport
Carry travel insurance details
Prepare minor travel authorization if applicable
On arrival:
Show passport and documents if requested
Keep EASE confirmation accessible
Follow border control instructions
Collect luggage
Continue to your accommodation or onward island connection
Preparation makes arrival easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EASE in Cape Verde?
EASE is the official electronic pre-registration system used by many travelers before arriving in Cape Verde.
Is EASE a visa?
No, not necessarily. For many travelers, EASE is pre-registration and TSA payment. If your nationality requires a visa, you must obtain the visa separately before traveling.
What is TSA in Cape Verde?
TSA is the Airport Security Tax. Many non-resident visitors arriving by air must pay it, often through the EASE process.
Who is exempt from EASE?
Cape Verdean nationals, people born in Cape Verde and foreigners legally residing in Cape Verde may be exempt from pre-registration. Some categories are also exempt from paying the TSA.
When should travelers complete EASE?
Travelers should complete EASE before arrival, ideally several days before the flight. Many official advisories recommend doing it at least five days before arrival.
What happens if I do not complete EASE?
You may face delays, additional costs or difficulties at border control. From July 2026, travelers without pre-registration or proof may be required to pay double the TSA fee.
Do all travelers need a visa for Cape Verde?
No. Visa requirements depend on nationality, travel purpose and length of stay. Some travelers are visa-exempt for short stays, while others must obtain a visa before arrival.
What changed in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, nationals of certain countries must obtain a visa before arrival for entry, transit or airport stopovers in Cape Verde.
What documents should I carry?
Carry your passport, EASE confirmation, TSA payment proof, visa if required, accommodation confirmation, flight itinerary, travel insurance and return or onward ticket if required.
Do children need documents?
Yes. Children need valid travel documents, and minors traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian may need additional authorization.
Final perspective
Cape Verde is easier to enjoy when the arrival process is understood in advance.
EASE, TSA, visa rules and passport validity are not just administrative details. They are part of responsible travel planning.
As more visitors discover Cape Verde in 2026, the most important advice is simple: check official sources, prepare documents early, choose the correct island and arrive with enough clarity to enjoy the journey.
Cape Verde is an archipelago of different islands, rhythms and experiences.
Good preparation helps travelers reach the right island — and begin their stay with confidence.
