Do I need a visa if I'm only transiting through Cape Verde?

If your transit involves passing through immigration at one of Cape Verde's international airports (Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, or Santiago), you will generally need to apply for the EASE. Verify this requirement based on your specific itinerary.

Can I get a visa on arrival instead of the EASE?

The EASE largely replaced the visa-on-arrival system for many nationalities, including Irish. It is strongly recommended to obtain the EASE in advance to avoid potential entry issues.

What if my EASE application is rejected?

If your EASE application is rejected, you should contact the nearest Cape Verdean Embassy or Consulate immediately to inquire about alternative visa application procedures.

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Current DossierSubject · Irish (EU) passportFile · CAPE-VERDE

Does Cape Verde require a visa for Irish (EU) citizens?

Straight answer, official source, and how long it takes.

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Last checked 23 Jul 2026Source · Irish DFA – Cape Verde travel adviceHow we source this →

Visa Panic answer

ETA/ESTA requiredMedium paperwork

Do Irish (EU) citizens need a visa for Cape Verde?

Irish passport holders need an EASE (Electronic Travel Authorization) for short tourist visits to Cape Verde.

Apply on the official siteIrish DFA – Cape Verde travel advice — last checked 23 July 2026

Always confirm with the official source before you travel.

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Colour KeyCalm— no visaMedium— ETA / eVisaPanic— full visa

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Irish citizens traveling to Cape Verde for tourism purposes require a pre-arrival electronic travel authorization (EASE). This authorization can be obtained online and simplifies entry into the country for stays up to 30 days. It replaces the previous visa-on-arrival system.

Key facts

For Irish (EU) passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

Passport	Regular passport
Purpose	Tourism
Visa required	Yes — ETA/ESTA
Maximum stay	30 days (extendable locally)
Passport validity	6 months beyond your intended departure date
Return/onward ticket	Yes, proof of onward travel may be requested
Arrival form	None required (EASE handles pre-arrival info)
Last checked	23 July 2026

You may need a visa if…

The EASE is formally known as 'Security Surcharge and Airport Fee' (TSA) but serves as an electronic travel authorization.
While 30 days is the standard, extensions are possible locally by applying to the immigration authorities.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Cape Verde.
Travelers transiting through Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, or Santiago airports are required to apply for the EASE.
Verify the most up-to-date information on the official Cape Verdean government immigration website before travel.

Before you travel

Apply for your EASE online at least 5 days before your travel date.
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your proposed departure date.
Have proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay.
Have a return or onward ticket ready to present upon arrival.
Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cape Verde.

Common questions

The EASE (Electronic Travel Authorization, sometimes referred to as the 'Security Surcharge and Airport Fee' or TSA) is an online authorization system. You apply through the official Cape Verde EASE platform by providing personal and travel details and paying the associated fee.

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