Embassy
Embassy of France, Praia
Praia
28 Rua Tenente Valadim
Cape Verde visa requirements for French citizens
French citizens do not need a visa for Cape Verde. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 30 days.
Passport
FRA
France
Going to
CPV
Cape Verde
No visa needed
People from listed countries can visit without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Visa
- Not required
- Max stay
- 30 days
- Fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it.
Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
Note the maximum stay and count your days in Cape Verde.
Ways into Cape Verde
Visit without a visa if you qualify; otherwise, get a visa.
Visa not required For your passport30-day visa-free stayPeople from listed countries can visit without a visa for up to 30 days.
- Stay
- 30 days
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Check your passport country on the official list.
- Complete EASE registration 5 days before arrival unless exempt.
- Pay the airport fee unless exempt.
Documents required
- Passport
- EASE confirmation unless exempt
- The international airport fee is 4,400 CVE unless exempt.
- Do not assume this allows work or living in Cabo Verde.
eVisaOnline tourist visaApply online for a tourist visa if the official platform accepts your application.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- CVE 2,500
How to apply
- Open EASE and check the visa route offered.
- Submit your passport, travel details and supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee and any airport fee.
- Get approval before travel if a prior visa is required.
Documents required
- Passport details
- Recent colour photo or biometric scan
- Return ticket
- Travel insurance
- Proof of funds
- Registration or payment receipts are not visa approval; the airport fee is 4,400 CVE.
- Check your visa's first-use deadline; bring insurance and funds proof for arrival.
Visa on arrivalVisa on arrivalEligible travellers can get a tourist or transit visa at an approved border post.
- Fee
- CVE 5,000
How to apply
- Confirm your eligibility with the consulate or border service.
- Complete EASE registration before departure unless exempt.
- Show your documents at an approved border post.
- Pay the visa fee and any airport fee.
Documents required
- Passport
- Return ticket
- Proof of funds
- Travel insurance
- Onward ticket for transit
- Destination visa or proof none needed
- Tourist stay: up to 90 days. Transit: 4 days, single entry.
- Airport fee: 4,400 CVE; missing required EASE registration adds 3,400 CVE.
Other routeEASE travel registrationRegister your trip through EASE unless exempt, even when you need no visa.
- Fee
- CVE 4,400
How to apply
- Enter passport, flight, travel dates and lodging details.
- Pay the airport fee unless exempt.
- Keep your confirmation for arrival.
Documents required
- Passport details
- Flight and travel details
- Lodging details
- Register 5 days before arrival; registration does not give you a visa.
- Domestic flight airport fee: 200 CVE. Separate registration and airport fee exemptions apply.
Other routeOrganised cruise visaPassengers on organised cruises pay no tourist visa fee but may need a visa.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Check the cruise arrangements with your operator.
- Follow the visa rules for your passport country.
Documents required
- Passport valid 3 months
- No visa fee does not mean you can enter without a visa.
- The fee exemption gives no separate stay limit.
Sources (16)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Government of Cabo Verde: visa applications and EASE
- Government: visa-free nationalities and stay limits
- Government: nationalities requiring a visa before arrival
- Foreign ministry consular portal: visas
- Foreign ministry consular portal: visa and EASE questions
- Foreign ministry consular directory, including the US, London and New Delhi; separate UK and India visa pages were not located
- EASE official portal: prior-visa nationality list, airport transit and exceptions
- High Authority for Immigration: visa types and Directorate of Foreigners and Borders responsibilities
- High Authority for Immigration: transit and official visas
- High Authority for Immigration: tourist visa
- High Authority for Immigration: temporary visa
- High Authority for Immigration: residence visa
- Cabo Verde embassy in the United States: visa information; some provisions differ from newer legislation
- Official Gazette: Decree-Law 13/2025, including republished entry and residence regulations
- Official Gazette: Portaria 40/2025, fees effective 1 February 2026
- Official Gazette: Decree-Law 49/2026, effective 4 November 2026
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Coming from France
- Plugs C FAdapter for some
- MoneyCVE Esc
- Time+9h
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguagePortuguese
- Emergency132 police130 ambulance
Planning your Cape Verde trip
- Cidade VelhaVisit the first European city in the tropics. It is a World Heritage Site recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
- Cova ValleyThis valley on Santo Antão sits inside the crater of an extinct volcano.
- PraiaThe capital has a town hall, cathedral and Palace of Justice to see.
- Island landscapesThe islands range from white-sand beaches to green, mountainous peaks.
Scams to watch for in Cape Verde
- Pickpocketing in crowdsThieves steal belongings in crowded places. Praia's Mercado Municipal and Mercado de Sucupira have specific pickpocket warnings.
- Purse and bag snatchingA thief grabs a purse or bag and takes it. Visible valuables can also make you a target for theft.
- Street and beach robberyRobbers take belongings through force or threats. Tourists have been robbed on beaches. Walking alone at night increases your exposure.
About Cape Verde
Cabo Verde is an Atlantic archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the west coast of Africa.
- Capital
- Praia
- Money
- Cape Verdean escudo (Esc)
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Time zone
- UTC-01:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +238
Other Europe passports
Going to Cape Verde
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Cape Verde with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do french citizens need a visa for Cape Verde?
French citizens do not need a visa for Cape Verde. Show your passport at the border and stay up to 30 days.
How long can french citizens stay in Cape Verde?
Up to 30 days each visit with the no visa needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Do cape verdean citizens need a visa for France?
Cape Verdean citizens need a visa for France, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Europe passports get easier entry to Cape Verde?
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria Croatia, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Cape Verde are easier for french citizens?
Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone Angola, and 3 more let french citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Cape Verde?
Check your passport is valid for the whole stay, ideally six months beyond it. Carry proof of onward travel and of funds; border officers can ask for both.
What money is used in Cape Verde?
Cape Verdean escudo (Esc). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Cape Verde?
Portuguese.
How strong is the France passport?
It ranks #7 and reaches 155 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck