Cape Verde just flipped a switch that frequent flyers and last-minute holiday planners will feel immediately.
Starting January 1, 2026, the Cabo Verde government updated its entry rules so that nationals of 96 countries must obtain an entry visa before travel—including for transit and airport stopovers. The message is blunt: arrive without the correct visa, and you risk being refused entry, transit, or even a stopover.
For a destination that built a reputation on “easy beach escape” logistics, this is a meaningful pivot.
What changed—and why it matters!
Until the end of 2025, many travelers relied on a relatively simple arrival pathway. From 2026 onward, Cape Verde’s official travel registration channel now clearly states that a defined set of passports are no longer eligible to sort it out at the airport.
That matters because it pushes the entire process upstream:
- Airlines will check compliance at check-in more aggressively,
- Passengers will need to plan earlier,
- And anyone connecting through Cape Verde should treat the new rule as a transit requirement, not just a tourism formality.
Who is affected?
The rule applies to nationals of the countries listed by Cape Verde’s official portal—a total of 96 nationalities.
If you’re writing this for a global audience, the key takeaway is simple: don’t assume your passport is “fine” because it was fine last year. Cape Verde’s 2026 list is the deciding factor.
A crucial nuance: visa-on-arrival isn’t “dead” for everyone
Here’s where travelers get confused—and where the fine print saves headaches.
Cape Verde’s consular guidance also indicates that people living in countries where Cape Verde has no diplomatic representation may still be able to request a visa upon entry at the border.
In practical terms: the government is tightening the standard path for many passports, but it still acknowledges that some travelers can’t realistically access an embassy or consulate. That exception can matter a lot—yet it’s not a loophole you should gamble on without verifying your situation before flying.
What Travelers Should do Right Now?
If you’re planning a trip in 2026 (or advising someone who is), here’s the safe playbook:
- Check your nationality against the 2026 list on Cape Verde’s official portal materials.
- If your country is included, apply in advance via the appropriate Cape Verde embassy/consulate route.
- If you live in a country without Cape Verde diplomatic representation, review the consular guidance for border-application eligibility—and confirm requirements well before your departure date.
- If you’re only connecting, treat Cape Verde as a transit jurisdiction that can still require documentation.
Reference: https://portalconsular.mnec.gov.cv/en/vistos.