This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Cape Verde’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Cape Verde set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cape Verdean Consulate-General in Rotterdam(in Portuguese) or through the Cape Verde Consular Portal email address (in English).
\n\nTo enter Cape Verde, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost, stolen or is damaged.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nYou can enter Cape Verde as a visitor for up to 30 days without a visa.
\n\nTo stay longer or to travel for other reasons, you must meet the Cape Verde government’s entry requirements.
\n\nYou must fill in a traveller entry form at least 5 days before you arrive in the country. Complete the pre-registration and pay the airport security fee (‘TSA’) on the official online platform. Bring proof of confirmation to show when you arrive.
\n\nFrom 1 July 2026, if you do not complete the pre-registration or cannot show proof, you will have to pay double the TSA fee at border control.
\n\nIf you’re travelling with a tour operator, check if they can do this for you.
\n\nSee more information on the traveller entry form.
\n\nChildren aged one and under do not need to have a completed form and are exempt from the TSA fee.
\n\nChildren aged 17 and under travelling to Cape Verde alone, or with a person who is not their parent or legal guardian, must carry a letter of authorisation to travel from their parent or guardian. The letter must be in Portuguese and the signature must be certified by a solicitor or notary
\n\nThe letter should include:
\n\nIf you are not the parent or guardian and you bring a child to Cape Verde without a legally certified letter of authorisation, you may be refused entry.
\n\nTo enter Cape Verde, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations see TravelHealthPro’s Cape Verde guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Cape Verde. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in Cape Verde, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThe crime rate in Cape Verde is generally low, but can include pickpocketing, bag snatching, burglary and muggings, particularly in the capital city of Praia and on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Sexual assaults are rare but have been reported.
\n\nYou can take steps to protect yourself and your belongings, including:
\n\nThere are severe penalties for possessing, using or trafficking drugs. Penalties include fines and long prison sentences.
\n\nBritish nationals have experienced problems when buying property in Cape Verde. Before buying property on the islands, get independent qualified legal advice. See FCDO’s list of English-speaking lawyers in Cape Verde.
\n\nIf you are going into the water, always use beaches where there is a lifeguard on duty.
\n\nTides and currents around the islands are very strong. Take care when walking close to the water’s edge, especially along unsupervised stretches of beach. Waves can be unpredictable and have a strong undertow. Follow the lifeguard’s instructions and respect the warning flags:
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Cape Verde, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a valid UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cape Verde for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you should update it to a photocard licence, or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and carry it with your licence. You will be arrested if you are found driving without a licence.
\n\nIf you hire a car, scooter or quad bike, make sure it’s in good condition and that it’s fully insured. Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nQuad biking is considered an extreme sport. It is unlikely that it will be included in your travel insurance policy. Check whether you need additional insurance to cover extreme sports and make sure it covers you for the cost of medical care and repatriation. Medical facilities are very basic in Cape Verde so it is highly likely that following a quad bike accident you will need to be medically evacuated.
\n\nIt’s a legal requirement to wear a crash helmet when riding a scooter or quad bike. Your insurance policy may be invalidated if you have an accident and you’re not wearing a helmet.
\n\nOnly hire authorised taxis from taxi ranks or by asking your hotel to call one. On the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, authorised taxis are coloured blue and yellow.
\n\nIntercity bus services can be dangerous because of poor driving.
\n\nSea conditions around Cape Verde can be dangerous. Follow local advice before travelling by sea. Travel by sea to the southern islands of Brava and Fogo in particular can often be disrupted.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe rainy season in Cape Verde is from mid-August to mid-October. Torrential rains on some of the islands can cause floodings and landslides. Monitor local weather reports and expect difficulties when travelling to affected areas during this season.
\n\nSeismic activity and tremors can be felt occasionally, mostly on the islands of Brava and Fogo. This is usually within the bounds of normal activity but can sometimes be dangerous. Check with your travel provider before travelling to the islands of Brava or Fogo.
\n\nSandstorms (‘bruma seca’) can happen between December and February. When intense, they can disrupt air travel, especially on the island of Boa Vista. If a sandstorm happens while you’re on one of the islands, contact your tour operator or airline.
\n\n","customs_snippets":["Bring proof of confirmation to show when you arrive.","If you are not the parent or guardian and you bring a child to Cape Verde without a legally certified letter of authorisation, you may be refused entry.","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","not carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery"]}