The government of Cabo Verde has announced that citizens of 91 countries who require a visa to enter the country will once again be able to apply online. This decision was made through a decree published in the Official Bulletin, which amends the regulation on entries into the archipelago. The new decree allows for online applications and grants, while maintaining a prior and reinforced evaluation of security and migratory risk.
According to the decree-law 49/2026, after submitting their application online, applicants will still be subject to a thorough analysis, which may include a face-to-face interview or other forms of scrutiny. Additional controls will be triggered when necessary to safeguard public order, national security, and prevent irregular immigration, human trafficking, and transnational crime. This move aims to improve the applicable regime for nationals of countries subject to the obligation of obtaining a visa before arriving in Cabo Verde.
In January, Cabo Verde began requiring prior face-to-face visas for citizens of 91 countries and territories, based on a risk assessment. This measure aimed to reinforce security through direct interviews, preventing automatic online issuance. The list of countries includes one European country, Belarus, as well as influential Asian economies such as Indonesia. African countries on the list include Egypt, Algeria, and Ethiopia.
The list of countries also includes Mexico as the only North American country, along with small territories in Central America and the Caribbean. In South America, countries such as Colombia, Chile, and Venezuela are included. Exceptions to this rule apply to nationals of the 91 listed countries who are residents in Cabo Verde, the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City, Brazil, Canada, or the United States.
The decision to resume online visa applications is seen as a way to improve the process for nationals of countries subject to prior screening. The evaluation of risks will continue to be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of visa applications. This measure is expected to facilitate the entry process for travelers while maintaining security and migratory risk assessments.
The online visa application process will be carried out through a digital platform, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined experience for applicants. The authorities have emphasized that the resumption of online applications does not compromise the security measures in place. The goal is to balance the facilitation of travel with the need to maintain public safety and prevent potential security threats.
The Expresso das Ilhas reported that the decree was published on November 4, 2026, and that the change aims to improve the applicable regime for nationals of countries subject to the obligation of obtaining a visa before arriving in Cabo Verde. The new regulations will come into effect immediately, allowing citizens of the 91 countries to apply for visas online.
Key points
- The government of Cabo Verde has resumed online visa applications for citizens of 91 countries requiring prior screening.
- The online application process will be carried out through a digital platform, ensuring a more efficient experience for applicants.
- The authorities have emphasized that the resumption of online applications does not compromise the security measures in place.
