The End of Visa-on-Arrival for Many
In a significant policy shift that took effect at the beginning of 2026, Cabo Verde has suspended its visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 96 countries. Previously, many travellers could simply arrive, pay a fee, and get their visa at the airport.
That is no longer the case. The government has implemented this change to strengthen border security and improve immigration controls, moving from an automated digital approval to a more formal consular visa process for affected nationalities. This means that travellers from these specified countries must now secure a visa from a Cabo Verdean embassy or consulate before they travel. Airlines are expected to enforce this rule at check-in, and may deny boarding to passengers who do not have the required visa.
Who Is Affected and What About Indian Travellers?
The new rule impacts a wide range of nationalities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. One of the countries explicitly mentioned as now requiring a pre-arrival visa is India. This is a major change for Indian passport holders who previously had easier access. On the other hand, travellers from European Union member states, the UK, the United States, and Canada, among others, remain visa-exempt for short stays of up to 30 days. However, it is crucial to understand that even visa-exempt travellers are not entirely free from pre-travel formalities. Everyone is still required to complete a pre-arrival registration.
The Mandatory EASE Pre-Registration for All
Regardless of your visa status, every foreign traveller flying to Cabo Verde must complete an online pre-arrival registration on the EASE (Efficient, Automatic and Secure Entry) platform. This system collects your personal details, passport information, flight number, and accommodation details. As part of this process, you must also pay the mandatory Airport Security Tax (TSA), which is approximately 3,400 Cape Verdean Escudos (around ₹2,600). This registration should be completed at least five days before your departure. Upon successful completion, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code, which you should keep accessible for airline staff and immigration officers upon arrival. Failure to pre-register can result in delays or even penalty fees at the airport.
How to Comply: A Step-by-Step Guide
To ensure a smooth journey, follow these steps carefully. First, determine your visa status. If you hold a passport from one of the 96 countries, including India, you must apply for a visa at the nearest Cabo Verdean embassy or consulate well in advance of your trip. Second, regardless of whether you need a visa or not, go to the official government portal, ease.gov.cv, to complete the mandatory pre-registration. Have your passport, flight details, and hotel information ready. Third, pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA) online during the registration process. Be aware that some users report issues with international payment systems on the government portal, so it's wise to do this early. Finally, save or print the confirmation email and QR code you receive. Present this, along with your passport and visa (if applicable), at check-in and upon arrival in Cabo Verde.
What Happens If You Arrive Unprepared?
The warning from Cabo Verdean authorities is clear: arriving without the necessary pre-approved visa will result in being denied entry. Travellers risk being deported, potentially at their own expense. The responsibility has been shifted firmly to the traveller and the airline before departure. For those who are visa-exempt but fail to complete the EASE pre-registration, while entry refusal is less likely, you can expect significant delays and may be subject to fines or having to pay double the TSA fee upon arrival. Essentially, the era of sorting out your entry requirements upon landing in Cabo Verde is over for most. Proper planning is no longer just recommended; it is mandatory.
