Are you planning a trip to Cape Verde for 2026? Whether you are drawn to the white sandy beaches of Sal, the colonial charm of Mindelo, or the mountainous landscapes of Santo Antão, there is one essential aspect to put on your agenda long before booking your flight: the entry bureaucracy.
In recent years, the Cape Verdean government has digitized and simplified entry procedures for tourists. The goal is to make arrival in the archipelago as smooth as possible. The key word to remember isEASE, the platform that unifies customs declaration and visa.
In this comprehensive guide, updated for 2026, we explain step by step what documents are needed, how to obtain the visa, how to fill out the EASE form, and what the updates are to avoid queues and surprises at the airport.
Complete guide on what to do in Cape Verde
Visa for Cape Verde: Who needs to apply?
The first question to ask is: do I need a visa? The answer depends on your nationality.
Italian and European Union Citizens
Italian citizens and those from all Schengen area countriesdo not need a traditional tourist visafor stays of up to 30 days. However, there is a mandatory and essential step that many confuse with the visa: theEASE Declaration.
Other nationalities
If you are coming from non-European countries (e.g. United States, Canada, Brazil), it is always advisable to check with the nearest Cape Verdean embassy, as specific entry visas may be required depending on bilateral agreements.
Stays longer than 30 days
If you plan to stay longer for work, study, or long-term tourism, you will need to contact the Cape Verdean embassy in your country to apply for a national visa (residence visa) well before your departure.
The EASE Platform: Your digital ticket to Cape Verde
Even though a visa is not required, all travelers (including Italians and Europeans) must register on the platform.EASE. Introduced to streamline airport procedures, this form replaces the old paper entry card and serves as a customs declaration.
What is EASE?
EASE stands forElectronic Authorization System for Entry. It is an online portal managed by the Cape Verdean border police and customs.
What do you need?
Passport:It must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Cape Verde.
Round trip flight:You may be required to provide the number of your outbound and return flight.
Accommodation address:The name of the hotel, resort, or establishment where you will be staying.
When to fill it out?
We recommend that you fill out the formno earlier than 30 days before departure and no later than 24 hours before boarding.. Filling it out well in advance allows you to travel more peacefully, but doing it just before departure is still valid.
Cost
At the time of filling out, you will be asked to pay a TSA airport security fee (Airport Security Fee) and a customs declaration fee. The total cost is around2,500 CVE (about 22-25 Euros)per person. Payment is made online with a credit card.
Note: this payment is often a source of confusion. It is not the "visa", but the mandatory entry fee for those who are visa-exempt.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out EASE
To avoid errors that could slow down entry, follow this procedure:
Go to the official website:Look for the "EASE" portal of the Cape Verdean authorities (usually managed by theNational Police Directorate).
Click on "Pre-registration":You will find the form in Portuguese and English.
Enter your passport details:Double-check the number, expiration date, and your personal information. They must match perfectly with the document.
Travel information:Enter your arrival and departure dates. The platform will ask for the address of your accommodation. If you have multiple stops, indicate the first place where you will stay.
Payment:Proceed with the online payment. The site is secure and protected.
Save the QR Code:At the end, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code.Save it on your phone and print a hard copy.to keep in your carry-on luggage. This QR code will be scanned upon arrival at the airport, allowing you to skip the lines for completing paperwork.
Other essential documents for 2026
In addition to your passport and the EASE QR code, there are other documents that may be required:
Return ticket
Cape Verdean authorities, like many nations, require proof that you will leave the country within the allowed timeframe. Always keep a printout of your reservation or a digital copy of your return flight handy.
Travel health insurance
Although it is not always legally required upon entry (unlike in other countries), it ishighly recommended. The healthcare system in Cape Verde is limited, especially on the more remote islands. Good insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation will save you from potentially very high costs in case of an emergency.
Return certificate (if traveling with minors)
If you are traveling with minor children, especially if accompanied by only one parent, you may be asked for a custody declaration or a signed authorization from the other parent. It is a precaution to avoid international disputes.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions for a worry-free entry
This section is designed to address the most common doubts and voice searches that users make on Google and AI assistants.
1. I read that a visa is required. My cousin went last year and didn't get one. Who is right?
You are probably both right, but with a substantial difference.Until a few years ago, the procedures were less stringent or varied depending on the arrival airport. Today, for European citizens, a "visa" in the form of a sticker on the passport is not required, but registration is mandatory.EASE registrationwith the payment of the security fee. If your cousin entered without paying anything, he probably traveled before the mandatory implementation of this system. From 2026, the EASE procedure will be the standard and mandatory method.
2. Can I fill out the EASE form at the last minute, maybe sitting at the airport before boarding?
Technically yes, but it's a risk.The platform requires a stable internet connection and a validation that can sometimes take a few minutes. If you have connection or payment issues, you risk missing your flight or having to deal with stressed staff at check-in. The recommendation is to do itat least 48 hours in advance, calmly.
3. What happens if I arrive in Sal and my QR code doesn't work?
Don't worry. There are stations and staff at the airport who can help you verify your status. However, if you have never paid the fee, you will be asked to do so there, possibly with longer lines. If you have paid but the QR code is not read, show the confirmation email (preferably printed) and the issue will be resolved in a few seconds.
4. My passport expires 5 months from the departure date. Can I still leave?
No.Cape Verdean authorities require that your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of entry. If it expires in 5 months, you will be denied boarding by the airlines, which risk a fine if they transport you without the required documents. Renew your passport before booking.
5. I am traveling to Cape Verde for 10 days, but I plan to visit two different islands. Do I need to register all addresses on EASE?
No. The EASE form requires the address of stay, but it is sufficient to indicate thefirst accommodationwhere you will be staying. Domestic flights between the islands are considered domestic flights and do not require additional customs or immigration checks.
6. I have booked an all-inclusive package. Does my travel agency fill out EASE for me?
It depends. Some tour operators and agencies include this assistance service, but it is not the norm. Always ask your agency. In most cases, even if you have a package, filling out EASE remains the responsibility of the traveler, as it requires personal and passport data that the agency may not have in a secure digital format. It is safer to do it yourself.
7. I have more than one passport (e.g., dual citizenship). Which one do I use for EASE?
You must use the passport with which you intend to travel and with which you purchased the airline ticket. Make sure the airline has recorded the same passport number that you will enter on the EASE form.
8. Do I need to pay EASE for my 2-year-old children as well?
Yes, EASE registration is mandatory for every passenger, regardless of age. You will need to fill out a form for each family member, including infants and children. The security fee is generally the same for all ages, unless regulatory changes occur.
9. I am bringing professional photography equipment. Do I need to declare it?
The EASE form also serves as a customs declaration. If you are bringing valuable equipment (professional cameras, drones, musical instruments), you may need to declare them to avoid issues upon exit. For normal tourist use (high-end DSLR camera), there are usually no problems, but if you have very bulky or new equipment, bring the purchase invoices to prove that you do not intend to sell them in Cape Verde.
Final tips for 2026
Technology simplifies travel, but it requires a bit more attention before departure. Here’s a brief summary to ensure you don’t forget anything:
Passport:Check the expiration date (6 months).
EASE:Fill it out calmly, pay online, and save the QR code (digital and paper).
Supporting documents:Keep your return flight ticket and hotel booking confirmation handy.
Health:Purchase an insurance policy.
By following this guide, your entry into Cape Verde will truly be "EASE" and you will be able to enjoy the sun and music of the African archipelago as soon as possible.
Revision date:March 2026
(Note: The information contained here is updated to the regulations in effect at the time of revision. It is always advisable to check for any last-minute updates on the official website of the government of Cape Verde before departure).