Cape Verde Visa Guide - How Filipinos Can Enter Visa On Arrival to Cape Verde

The smallest country in Africa, Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago. You can get here by plane or ferry. The official language here is Portuguese due to them being under the Portuguese Empire until 1975. Expect a lot of stunning beaches and picturesque mountains here.

Philippine Passport Holders can get a Visa on Arrival for Cape Verde. It’s one of the easiest countries to visit for any nationality. You won’t regret coming to a small but magnificent country!

Visa Free Countries

Almost all nationalities can enter Cape Verde without getting a visa (except Morocco), however, you MUST REGISTER ONLINE before arriving and pay a fee of CVE 3,400. The list is based on this document.

Visa Exempt - 90 days

Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cote d’Ivoire
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea

Guinea-Bissau
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Niger
Nigeria

Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Togo
Hong Kong
Macao

Visa Exempt - 30 days

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece

Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland

Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Vatican
Singapore
South Africa (present supporting documents when traveling for tourism)

Step by Step Guide on Registering Online for Cape Verde

It is advised to register 5 days before the travel date.

STEP 1: Go to this website.

1. Click “Traveller Pre-Registration”

2. Enter all the information needed.

3. Review before submitting it.

STEP 3: Pay the visa fee using your credit or debit card or when you arrive at Cape Verde.Fee is CVE 3,400

Visa on Arrival

Who can get: All nationalities except those from Morocco

Where to get: International Airports - Sal (SID), Santiago/Praia (RAI), Boa Vista (BVC) and São Vicente/Mindelo (VXE)

Visa Fee: EURO 25

Validity: 30 days

Requirements for Entering Cape Verde

Valid Passport - valid for at least 6 months from date of departure
Visa Fee Payment

Overview of Cape Verde

Capital: Praia
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Cape Verden Escudo (1 EURO = 110 CVE)

Cape Verde or Cabo Verde is an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Atlantic Oceans. It was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century and gained its independence in 1974. They have 10 islands and eight islets that are V-shaped. Due to their locations, seaports and airports are convenient for traveling to and different islands.

Cuisine in Cape Verde is mostly seafood like fish. Staples, fruits, and vegetables like rice, corn, potatoes, onions, bananas, and mangoes. The culture in this country is a mix of European and African influences. With a lot of Portuguese cultures though, buildings, religion, and practices from Portugal are practiced. It’s quite an interesting place to be.

Going to Cape Verde

You can go to Cape Verde usually through European Countries like UK, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy or Luxembourg. There are also flights from the US (Boston) or Africa (Morocco).

From the Philippines, you need to stop by Turkey, a European Country like Portugal before arriving at Cape Verde.

What to do in Cape Verde

1. Hike Monte Verde

Monte Verde is the highest mountain in Cape Verde and is located in Sao Vicente. Hikers and non-hikers will really enjoy this place as the trek is worth it. You will get a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding towns.

2. Relax at Praia de Santa Maria

In the south of Sal, relax at the white sandy beaches of Praia de Santa Maria. Enjoy the crystal clear waters along with fellow tourists and locals. You could also witness fishermen from the sea with their fresh catch. It’s a great place to either walk, swim, snorkel or finds peace and quiet!

3. Float at Pedra Lume Salt Crater

The Dead Sea isn’t the only place where you can float, but Pedra Lume Salt Center in Cape Verde will also let you! It’s saltier than the Dead Sea and it’s a Volcanic Crater. It’s going to be a memorable experience, but be very careful as it could burn your eyes due to high concentration. Expect soft and smooth skin after dipping!

4. Have a blast at Deserto de Viana

Have fun and ride a 4x4 across the white sand dunes in Deserto de Viana in Boa Vista. It’s going to a thrilling adventure especially if you try sandboarding. Don’t forget to stop by the beach to see turtles or their nests. You won’t regret going!

5. Spot the Blue Eye

Take a dip at Buracona or Olho Azul. It is a natural pool that has clear blue waters. It’s a stunning place with a view of the sea and volcanoes. If you come in at the right time, you may see a blue eye through the cave, it’s definitely enchanting and mysterious.

6. Walk around colonial towns

Walk around the towns in Cape Verde and appreciate the architecture of their buildings that have been influenced by the Portuguese. Talk to locals, learn their history, eat local dishes and speak some Portuguese. It’s going to be a blast!

Frequently Asked Questions for your travel to Cape Verde

1. Is Cape Verde Visa-free?

For Philippine Passport Holders, you can get a visa on arrival when you go to Cape Verde. For other nationalities, see the list above!

2. Is it safe to travel to Cape Verde?

Cape Verde is a safe place to travel and people are friendly and helpful. Crime rates are low but always be vigilant when traveling. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don’t know what will happen on the road. Check out Safetywing, the insurance provider that I personally use.

3. Is it expensive in Cape Verde for tourists?

Cape Verde is not that expensive if you compare it with holidays in Europe but definitely a bit pricier than of West Africa. Private resorts may tend to be pricey, so if you want to stay on the budget find some affordable accommodation.

4. When is the best time to visit Cape Verde?

Cape Verde’s peak season is from November to March. It’s warm all-year-round, however, July to October has more possibility of raining.

5. Where should I stay in Cape Verde?

Sal and Boa Vista are top picks of where to stay in Cape Verde. They both offer gorgeous beaches, tourist spots, safety, and have airports.

A getaway in Cape Verde sure is a dream holiday. You’ll get unlimited crystal clear waters, adventure, stunning mountains or volcanoes, and scenic views. You would not want to go home afterward! It’s easy to enter too, as you can get a visa on arrival!