Cape Verde Hikes Airport Security Fees for Emergency Funds
Cape Verde is set to raise its airport security tax (TSA) starting Wednesday, with the additional revenue earmarked to bolster the country’s emergency services and firefighting capabilities.
New Rates and Funding Allocation
According to Decree-Law 49/2026, published today in the Official Gazette, the tax for domestic flights will rise from 150 to 200 escudos (€1.82), a 33% increase. International travelers will see a 29% hike, with the fee climbing from 3,400 to 4,400 escudos (approximately €40).
For the first time, the National Civil Protection and Fire Service will be included as a primary beneficiary of this revenue. The service is slated to receive 20% of the total TSA collections. Government officials stated that these funds are “intended exclusively for strengthening operational capacity and emergency prevention and response.”
Strengthening Border Security
The government justified the price adjustment by citing the need to ensure the “financial sustainability” of essential security services. Beyond firefighting, the tax funds airport and border security, surveillance, search and rescue operations, and emergency evacuations.
Updated Exemptions and Visa Rules
The new legislation also introduces significant policy changes for travelers and the Cape Verdean diaspora:
- Expanded Exemptions: The government has eliminated the 18-year age limit for TSA exemptions previously applied to children of Cape Verdean natives on international flights.
- Digital Visa Access: Citizens from 91 countries—identified through a recent risk assessment—are now eligible to apply for visas online. Belarus is the only European nation currently included on this specific list.
These updates reflect Cape Verde’s broader strategy to modernize its border management while ensuring its emergency infrastructure keeps pace with growing tourism and transit demands.
Image: Pexels – Gert Bronkhorst
