Cape Verde Reinstates Online Visa Process for 91 Nations
Cape Verde has reintroduced online visa applications for citizens of 91 countries, reversing a policy that previously required in-person visits to embassies or consulates. The change, detailed in a decree published today in the Official Gazette, aims to streamline entry for travelers while maintaining rigorous security standards.
A Balanced Approach to Border Security
The new legislation, Decree-Law 49/2026, marks the third major update to the archipelago’s entry regulations. While the digital platform makes the initial stages of the application process more accessible, the government emphasized that security remains a top priority. Applications will undergo a “prior and reinforced assessment” to evaluate potential migratory risks.
Following an online application, authorities may still require applicants to attend an in-person interview or undergo further scrutiny. These additional controls are designed to safeguard public order and national security, as well as to combat irregular immigration, human trafficking, and transnational crime.
Who is Affected?
In January, Cape Verde tightened its borders by requiring citizens from 91 specific countries to obtain visas in person. This move was intended to prevent the “automatic” issuance of entry permits. While the new decree moves the process back to the digital realm, the ban on obtaining a visa upon arrival remains in place for these specific nationalities.
The list of countries subject to these regulations spans several continents:
- Europe: Only Belarus is included on the list.
- Americas: Mexico is the sole North American nation, joined by South American countries including Colombia, Chile, and Venezuela.
- Africa and Asia: Major economies such as Egypt, Algeria, Ethiopia, and Indonesia are also included.
Exemptions for Residents
While the visa requirements are strict for several regions, the government has provided broad exemptions for residents of major international hubs. Citizens of the 91 listed countries do not need to apply for a prior visa if they hold valid residency in Cape Verde, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, the United States, Switzerland, or several other European territories.
By digitizing the process, Cape Verde hopes to balance its reputation as a welcoming tourism destination with the necessary vigilance required to manage modern migration challenges.
Image: Pexels – Sandro Lopes Art
