Cape Verde Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

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Traveling to the Cape Verde archipelago from the UK is straightforward, as British nationals are visa-exempt under bilateral agreements. However, the entry process is now fully digital.

It's essential to understand the difference between a visa and the mandatory security registration, known as the Cape Verde Arrival Card (TSA), to avoid delays at UK departure gates, such as London Gatwick or Manchester.

2026 UK-to-Cape Verde Entry Rules

Requirement Detail for British Passport Holders
Visa Necessity Exempt (up to 30 days)
Mandatory Document Arrival Card / TSA Pre-registration
Passport Type British Citizen / BN(O) / BOTC
Passport Validity 6 Months minimum from entry date
Processing Window Minimum 5 days before departure

Do UK Passport Holders Need a Visa for Cape Verde?

The short answer is no, provided your stay is for tourism and does not exceed 30 consecutive days.

Under the 2026 bilateral agreements, British Citizens, British National (Overseas), and British Overseas Territories Citizens are exempt from the standard visa sticker.

However, this exemption is strictly contingent on the completion of a Pre-Arrival Registration. This digital "Arrival Card" allows Cape Verdean authorities to vet passengers and collect the Airport Security Tax (TSA) before you land in Sal, Boa Vista, or Santiago.

What British citizens must know before visiting Cape Verde:

  • Visa-exempt: Tourism and business visits up to 30 days.
  • Registration is mandatory: Every British visitor must register online.
  • TSA payment: The security tax must be settled as part of the registration.

Mandatory Documents for British Citizens Entering Cabo Verde

To pass through border control in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), UK travelers must satisfy three primary technical pillars. Failure to have these digitally linked to your passport often results in being held at secondary inspection.

  1. Valid UK passport

    Your British passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date you arrive in the archipelago. Even if your flight is a short holiday, the ‘Rule of 6’ is strictly enforced by airlines at UK departure gates.

  2. Pre-arrival registration (Airport Security Tax - TSA)

    This is the most critical technical requirement. The Cape Verdean government uses this system to fund airport safety and border infrastructure.

  3. Receive your QR code

    Your verified Arrival Card is sent directly to your email in a mobile-optimized format.

    • Data requirements: Full name (matching the machine-readable zone), passport number, flight numbers, and dates of stay.
    • The "EASE" clarification: While the official government portal is known as EASE (currently integrating into the SITESE), many UK travelers report that the interface is prone to transaction failures with UK-issued credit cards. Our agency service acts as a professional intermediary to bypass these technical hurdles.

    At Cape Verde Travel Info, we offer an easy-to-follow application form so you can focus on enjoying your trip while we handle your Arrival Card.

  4. Return flight ticket & accommodation proof

    In 2026, border officials frequently request proof of ‘Exit Intent.’

    • Onward travel: A confirmed return flight to the UK or a third country.
    • Lodging: A printed or digital hotel voucher or a specific residential address if staying with family in Praia or Mindelo.

How to Apply for the Cape Verde Arrival Card from the UK

Applying from London, Manchester, or Birmingham is 100% remote. There is no requirement to visit the Cape Verdean Embassy in London.

  1. Digital upload: Provide a scan of your UK passport bio-page.
  2. Itinerary sync: Enter your flight details (e.g., direct flights from the UK often arrive in Sal or Boa Vista) and other general, personal information.
  3. Security fee payment: Pay the TSA tax via our secure portal.
  4. Verification: Our experts verify the data against the Cape Verdean Border Force database.
  5. Receipt delivery: Receive your digital Arrival Card via email.

We eliminate the timezone gap by providing 24/7 support, ensuring your application moves forward even when government offices in Praia are closed for local holidays.

Arrival Card Application

Frequently Asked Questions British Passport Holders Traveling to Cape Verde

Can I pay the TSA tax at the airport in Sal or Boa Vista? Toggle faqs

The 2026 directive strongly discourages "at-border" payments. UK airlines are now instructed to check for the Arrival Card confirmation before issuing a boarding pass. Relying on arrival-side payment is a high-risk strategy that can lead to being denied boarding in the UK.

Do British children and infants need a Cape Verde Arrival Card? Toggle faqs

Yes. Every traveler, including infants, must be registered. However, children under the age of 2 are exempt from paying tax. They still require the registration paperwork to be completed to be included on the flight manifest.

What if I have a British Overseas Territories passport for entry into Cape Verde? Toggle faqs

Citizens with British Overseas Territories passports (e.g., Gibraltar, Bermuda, Cayman Islands) follow the same 30-day visa-exempt rules as mainland UK citizens. You must still complete the Pre-Arrival Registration and pay the TSA tax.

Are there any health requirements for British citizens entering Cape Verde? Toggle faqs

A vital requirement for some is the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. If you're traveling to Cape Verde from the UK via a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission, or if you've spent more than 12 hours in transit in such a country, you must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). It's important to check your flight itinerary, as many indirect routes from the UK involve layovers in West African hubs where this rule is strictly enforced by Cape Verdean border authorities.