Cape Verde’s 30% Airport Tax Hike Sparks Travel Industry Outcry
Portugal’s National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAV) has issued a sharp warning following the Cape Verdean government’s decision to hike its airport security tax by nearly 30%. The association claims the move creates an unfair burden for tourists and risks damaging one of Cape Verde’s most vital tourism markets.
A Steep Price Hike for Travelers
The security tax, which applies to international passengers visiting the archipelago, rose from 3,400 to 4,400 Cape Verdean escudos. In practical terms, this increases the cost from approximately 30.83 euros to 39.90 euros per person—a 9.07 euro jump that ANAV says was implemented without adequate warning for those who had already booked their vacations.
“Cape Verde is one of the premier destinations for Portuguese travelers, and an increase of this magnitude represents a significant additional cost,” said Miguel Quintas, president of ANAV. “The situation is particularly difficult for those who booked their trips under certain conditions and are now faced with an unforeseen charge.”
Demand for “Grandfathering” Old Bookings
The new rates officially took effect on November 4, but ANAV notes that the current legislation lacks a “transitional regime.” This means a passenger who booked a trip months ago but has yet to pay the fee could be forced to pay the higher rate upon arrival.
ANAV is calling on the Cape Verdean government to honor the original tax rates for all bookings confirmed before November 4. Furthermore, the association is demanding a guarantee that any advance payments made through the EASE online registration platform be accepted at their original value without additional surcharges.
Hidden Costs and Registration Risks
Beyond the tax increase itself, ANAV expressed concern over the “punitive” nature of the mandatory pre-registration system. If a passenger arrives without a valid pre-registration or makes an error in the filing, they face a surcharge of 3,400 escudos. When combined with the new security tax, the total cost at the border can soar to 7,800 escudos, or roughly 70.74 euros per person.
“An issue with pre-registration should not result in a charge exceeding 70 euros for a passenger who attempted to comply with the rules,” Quintas argued. He urged the Cape Verdean government to improve the EASE platform to allow travelers to identify and correct errors before their departure, rather than facing heavy fines at the airport.
Call for Transparency
The association is urging for better communication and clearer instructions at border posts and for travel agencies. ANAV emphasizes that predictability is essential for the travel industry, and that travelers need to know exactly how much they will be charged before they leave home.
Image: Pexels – Jermaine Lewis
