Cape Verde Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
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Planning a trip from the United States to the "African Caribbean" requires navigating updated border protocols.
US citizens do not need a visa for Cape Verde for stays up to 30 days. However, you must complete a mandatory Cape Verde Pre-Arrival Registration (TSA) and pay the Airport Security Tax at least five days before departure to ensure entry.
US-to-Cape Verde Entry Requirements
Our expert audit verifies your US passport data against Cape Verde’s digital manifest to ensure your 30-day exemption is active before you board your flight.
Do Americans Need a Visa for Cape Verde?
No. For stays of 30 days or less, United States citizens do not require a traditional tourist visa.
The 2026 protocol classifies US travelers as visa-exempt. However, the Cape Verdean government has replaced the old visa-on-arrival system with a mandatory Arrival Card. This digital authorization must be linked to your US passport before departure.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a formal temporary visa through the Cape Verdean Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the Consulate in Boston.
Documents Needed from US Visitors for the Cape Verde Arrival Card
To complete your 2026 filing, you must provide the following:
- Identity: A valid US passport (Passport Cards are not accepted for international air travel to Cape Verde)
- Validity: Minimum 6 months of remaining life on the document
- Flight data: Confirmed arrival flight number and date
- Lodging: Confirmed hotel name or residential address (Mandatory for the 2026 security manifest)
- Passport bio-page: A clear digital scan or photo for data verification
How to Apply for the Arrival Card from the USA
The process for US citizens is entirely online, removing any need for physical mail or embassy visits.
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Digital intake: Submit your passport details and US contact information via our encrypted portal.
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Itinerary mapping: Enter your arrival airport (Sal, Praia, or Boa Vista are the primary hubs for US connections via Lisbon).
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TSA settlement: Pay the Airport Security Tax in USD.
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Security review: Our travel experts verify that your middle names and passport codes match the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).
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Electronic delivery: Your validated Arrival Card is emailed as a PDF. We recommend keeping a digital copy on your phone.
The Cape Verde TSA Tax vs. US TSA: What’s the Difference?
It is common for American travelers to confuse the Cape Verdean TSA (Taxa de Segurança Aeroportuária) with the United States Transportation Security Administration.
- US TSA: Refers to the government agency and "TSA PreCheck" security screenings
- Cape Verde TSA: Is a mandatory Airport Security Tax of 3,400 CVE (~$32.00 USD)
This fee is not for expedited screening; it is a government-mandated tax that funds border technology and airport infrastructure. Every US traveler must pay this as part of their Arrival Card registration.
As of 2026, airline policies prioritize passengers who have prepaid Cape Verde Arrival Cards, often making it a requirement for receiving a boarding pass.
Our secure payment gateway accepts all major US-based credit cards, bypassing the frequent 3D Secure failures that occur when Americans try to pay on local Cape Verdean government sites.
FAQs for Traveling to Cape Verde From the U.S.
Can I pay the TSA fee with a US credit card at the airport? Toggle faqs
Yes, but it is highly discouraged in 2026. Payment kiosks at SID or RAI often suffer from connectivity issues with US banks. Furthermore, if you haven't pre-registered, you may face significant delays or be required to pay in local Escudos, which are difficult to obtain before clearing customs.
Are American children under 2 years old exempt? Toggle faqs
Children under the age of 2 are exempt from the tax payment. However, they are not exempt from registration. Every infant must have an Arrival Card filed to ensure they are on the legal passenger manifest.
What if I am a Green Card holder but not a US citizen? Toggle faqs
Your entry requirements are determined by your passport’s nationality, not your US residency. If you hold a passport from one of the 96 countries whose visa-on-arrival privileges were suspended in 2026 (such as India or Egypt), you must obtain a physical visa at an embassy before traveling, regardless of your Green Card status.
Do U.S. citizens need to meet any health requirements before entering Cape Verde? Toggle faqs
While there's no requirement for US citizens to provide a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for some. If you're traveling to Cape Verde from the US 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).