Cape Verde has announced that, effective January 1, 2026, travelers from 96 countries will be required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in the country. This new regulation applies to all entry visas as well as transit or airport stopover visas for nationals of the specified countries. The previous system allowed travelers to secure their visas upon arrival after online pre-registration and payment through the EASE (Efficient Automatic and Safe Entry) portal; this option will no longer be available.

The official list of affected nationalities includes citizens from Afghanistan, Algeria, India, and others. Visa applications must be completed online and require biometric data along with trip details. Applicants should have information regarding their stay dates, accommodation details, and outbound flight numbers ready when applying. The total application fee is €53.50 ($57.00), which includes an airport security tax of €30.83 ($32.80) and a tourist visa fee of €22.67 ($24.40).

All visitors must complete mandatory online registration via the EASE platform before arriving in Cape Verde, which includes paying an Airport Security Tax (TSA) of approximately 3,400 Cape Verdean escudos (about $34 USD) for stays up to 30 days; this tax applies to all travelers entering by air regardless of visa requirements.

Certain exemptions apply under Decree No. 244/GMAI/2025 published on November 24, 2025: airline crew members, holders of valid residence permits from European Union member states ensuring readmission, foreign residents in Cape Verde, some diplomatic document holders, and individuals born in Cape Verde who later acquired foreign nationality may still enter without a visa under specific conditions.

Travelers are advised that failure to comply with these new regulations may result in denial of entry into Cape Verde starting January 1, 2026.

Original Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (afghanistan)

The article provides a significant amount of actionable information regarding the changes to visa regulations for travelers to Cape Verde, which can be useful for individuals planning to visit the country. Here’s a breakdown of its value across various criteria:

Actionable Information: The article clearly outlines that starting January 1, 2026, citizens from 96 countries will need to obtain visas prior to traveling to Cape Verde. It specifies that these visas must be acquired from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate and emphasizes the importance of this change for affected travelers. Additionally, it mentions mandatory online registration via the EASE platform and payment of an Airport Security Tax before arrival. This gives readers clear steps they need to take if they are planning a trip.

Educational Depth: While the article provides essential details about new visa requirements and exemptions, it lacks deeper educational context about why these changes are being implemented or how they might affect travel patterns or tourism in Cape Verde. It does not explain any underlying reasons for the policy shift or provide statistics that could help readers understand its implications better.

Personal Relevance: The information is highly relevant for individuals from the specified countries who plan on visiting Cape Verde. It directly impacts their travel plans, requiring them to adjust their preparations accordingly by obtaining visas beforehand.

Public Service Function: The article serves an important public service by informing travelers about critical changes in entry requirements that could affect their ability to enter Cape Verde. This type of guidance is essential for responsible travel planning.

Practical Advice: The guidance provided is straightforward; however, it could benefit from more detailed instructions on how exactly one can apply for a visa through a consulate or embassy and what documents may be required during this process.

Long-Term Impact: The changes outlined have long-term implications as they alter how travelers approach trips to Cape Verde moving forward. Understanding these new regulations can help individuals plan better and avoid issues at entry points in the future.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: While informative, there is little emotional support offered in terms of easing concerns about navigating these new regulations. Travelers may feel anxious about potential complications due to stricter entry requirements without reassurance or guidance on managing those feelings.

Clickbait or Ad-Driven Language: The article maintains a professional tone without resorting to sensationalism or clickbait tactics; it focuses on delivering factual information rather than dramatizing the situation unnecessarily.

Missed Chances to Teach or Guide: Although it presents important facts regarding visa acquisition and registration processes, it misses opportunities to elaborate on how travelers can prepare effectively—such as tips on gathering necessary documentation ahead of time or understanding potential delays in processing times at embassies/consulates.

To add value beyond what the article offers: If you are planning travel under these new regulations, start by researching your nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate well ahead of your intended departure date. Gather all necessary documents such as your passport (valid for at least six months), proof of accommodation in Cape Verde, return flight details, and any required financial statements showing you can support yourself during your stay. Consider reaching out directly via phone or email with any questions regarding specific documentation needed for your visa application process—this proactive approach will help ensure you meet all requirements smoothly before your trip begins.

Cape Verde's announcement about visa changes uses strong language that may create fear or concern. The phrase "failure to comply may lead to denial of entry" suggests a harsh consequence for travelers who do not follow the new rules. This wording can make readers feel anxious about their travel plans, emphasizing strictness rather than providing a balanced view of the situation. It highlights the power of the government in controlling entry without discussing any potential support systems for affected travelers.

The text mentions that "certain exemptions apply under this decree," but it does not elaborate on what these exemptions entail or how individuals can qualify for them. This lack of detail might mislead readers into thinking that there are fewer options available than there actually are. By not providing full information, it creates a sense of exclusion and could foster misunderstanding among those who might be eligible for exemptions.

The use of "mandatory online registration" implies that all visitors have no choice but to comply with this requirement before arriving in Cape Verde. This phrasing removes any sense of agency from travelers and presents the process as an unavoidable burden rather than an administrative step. It frames compliance as necessary, which could lead readers to feel resigned rather than empowered to seek clarity on their travel arrangements.

The phrase “the option for nationals from the affected countries” subtly emphasizes a divide between those who will be impacted by these changes and others who may not face such restrictions. By focusing on “affected countries,” it hints at a broader narrative about immigration control without discussing why these specific nations were chosen or how they are perceived differently from others. This could reinforce stereotypes or biases against certain nationalities without providing context.

When stating that "travelers from Afghanistan and various other nations are now required to anticipate consular procedures," the text implies that citizens from these countries are less trustworthy or more problematic compared to others. This wording can foster negative perceptions about people from Afghanistan specifically, suggesting they pose greater risks or challenges when traveling, which is misleading and unfairly stigmatizes them based on nationality alone.

The text regarding Cape Verde's new visa regulations expresses a range of emotions that can significantly influence the reader's perception and response to the changes. One prominent emotion is concern, particularly for travelers from the 96 affected countries who must now navigate more complicated entry requirements. The phrase "failure to comply may lead to denial of entry" conveys a sense of urgency and fear, highlighting the potential consequences of not adhering to the new rules. This concern serves to alert readers about the seriousness of the situation, encouraging them to take immediate action in securing their visas before traveling.

Another emotion present is frustration, which can be inferred from the abruptness of this policy change. The text states that travelers previously enjoyed a more accessible system allowing visa-on-arrival services after online pre-registration and payment. The shift away from this convenience could evoke feelings of annoyance among those who now face additional hurdles in their travel plans. This frustration may resonate with readers who value ease and accessibility in travel, prompting them to reflect on how such regulations impact their freedom and mobility.

Additionally, there is an element of reassurance embedded within specific exemptions mentioned for airline crew members and certain other groups. Phrases like "may still enter without a visa under specific conditions" provide a glimmer of hope amidst stricter regulations, suggesting that not all travelers are equally affected by these changes. This reassurance aims to alleviate some anxiety while also emphasizing fairness in how different groups are treated under the new law.

The emotional landscape created by these sentiments guides readers toward sympathy for those impacted by stricter visa requirements while simultaneously fostering a sense of responsibility among potential travelers. By highlighting both concern and frustration alongside reassurances for certain individuals, the message encourages readers to take proactive steps—such as obtaining visas ahead of time—to avoid any negative experiences when traveling.

The writer employs several persuasive techniques that enhance emotional impact throughout the text. For instance, using phrases like "significant change" emphasizes the gravity of this policy shift, making it sound more extreme than routine updates typically would be perceived. Additionally, repeating key ideas about compliance and consequences reinforces urgency; thus steering attention toward necessary actions required by travelers.

Overall, through carefully chosen language that evokes concern and frustration while offering reassurances where applicable, the writer effectively shapes reader reactions towards understanding both personal responsibility in light of changing regulations as well as empathy for those facing challenges due to these new policies.