Cape Verde: visa and entry rules

Cape Verde's borders: every crossing point

Cape Verde is a group of islands in the Atlantic; there are no land borders.

The main airports are Sal and Boa Vista for holiday flights, and Praia on the island of Santiago.

Ferries and domestic flights run between the islands, with no border formalities inside the country.

The EASE form is filled in for every international arrival, whichever island you land on.

Cruise ships call at Mindelo and Praia.

Driving to Cape Verde

You cannot reach the islands under your own steam - there are no land borders.

Visitors get around in rental cars, and on Santiago and Santo Antao that is the main way to travel.

An International Driving Permit is required.

Roads on some of the islands are cobbled, and average speeds there are lower than you would expect.

Check the procedure for bringing a car into Cape Verde before you set off. It differs from the neighbouring countries and changes from time to time.

Travelling to Cape Verde with a pet

You need an international veterinary certificate, endorsed by the state veterinary service of the country you are leaving.

The rabies vaccination must be valid on the date of entry.

An import permit is arranged in advance.

Before bringing an animal into Cape Verde, check with two authorities: the country's veterinary service and your carrier. Either of the two lists can keep the animal off the plane.

Overstaying your visa in Cape Verde

A fine is charged for exceeding your permitted stay and is paid on departure.

The amount is calculated at the moment you leave. Published rates for Cape Verde contradict one another and go out of date - count on paying cash and on an extra hour at the border.

Extensions are arranged in advance with the immigration service.

Not having filled in the EASE form causes problems at check-in, not at the border.