Tourism is a key sector of the Cape Verde economy. To facilitate entry to the country while strengthening security, The Cape Verdean authorities have introduced the EASE approach, which includes the payment of an airport tax.. This official document is often required for travellers arriving by plane and wishing to visit the archipelago. But what about people arriving by boat? Is it possible to apply for your Cape Verde EASE online before docking, or is there another procedure? In this article, we explain how to go about it.
EASE Cape Verde: what you need to know
Since November 2019, EASE pre-registration has been introduced to replace the traditional tourist visa. However, certain countries are exempt from the visa requirement, including residents of the European Union and several other countries, including the United States, Canada and Switzerland. For these nationalities, an EASE is compulsory for a stay of 30 or 90 days maximum. The online EASE application must be submitted at least four working days before your planned date of arrival in the archipelago. If you miss this deadline, you can also pay the airport tax when you arrive in Cape Verde, with an immigration officer. Your passport must be valid for at least 2 months from the date of departure from Cape Verde.
How do I obtain an EASE for arrival by boat?
Travellers arriving by boat do not need to apply for the EASE online. The procedure is different for arrivals by sea and air. If you are arriving by boat, all you need to do is go to a border post at one of Cape Verde's main seaports, i.e. Praia, Sal or Mindelo, to prove that you have arrived in the country. . You will need to provide information about your identity, your travel itinerary and the practical details of your stay.
Find out if I am eligible to arrive by boat
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- Arrival by boat must take place in the following ports: Port of Praia (Santiago Island); Port of Mindelo (São Vicente); Port of Palmeira (Sal Island).
- Travelling with a valid passport : It is advisable to travel with a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure from Cape Verde. However, a validity of 2 months after the date of departure may be accepted by the authorities. Depending on your situation, don't hesitate to contact a Cape Verde embassy to confirm that you can travel with your current passport.
- Follow the procedure on arrival with immigration: Generally, a visa is not necessary, but it will be up to the authorities to decide once you arrive. Factors that may determine whether you need a visa include the length of your stay or the reason for your trip.
It is important to note that local authorities have the power to refuse access to certain people, in particular where there is a risk to national security.
Precautions to take when arriving in Cape Verde
If you're arriving by boat, it's important to find out everything you need to know:
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- A valid passport : your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned date of entry into Cape Verde. You should also ensure that it is accepted by the local authorities (for example, some countries require a biometric passport).
- Bank details: Charges may apply. Make sure you have a means of payment (cash or credit card).
- Information about your boat: for passengers arriving by sea, the name of the ship, the registration number, the type of boat and its length must be specified.
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Find out more at a Cape Verde embassy
It is advisable to contact a Cape Verdean embassy if you have any doubts about arriving by boat. If you are taking a cruise, your cruise company can also advise you on all matters relating to travel formalities and arrival in Cape Verde. Indeed, Certain factors need to be taken into account, such as the validity of your passport, the length of your stay and your type of accommodation. It is therefore advisable to start preparing for your arrival and take all the necessary information so that you are not refused access to the territory when you arrive by sea.
Once in Cape Verde: the procedure to follow
Identity and document checks are carried out when you enter Cape Verde. In general, you will need to present :
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- Your passport : valid or with the validity required by the authorities
- A reason for staying: The reason for your trip must be clear. It could be for tourism, business or simply transit.
- A defined length of stay : In order to prove to the local authorities that you do not intend to settle illegally in Cape Verde, you are often asked to produce your cruise line reservation or travel itinerary. Make sure you have all the documents you need for your stay in Cape Verde.
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In a nutshell, It is perfectly possible to arrive in Cape Verde by sea, without having to complete an online procedure prior to departure, and provided you comply with the requirements of the authorities once you arrive. Don't hesitate to contact a Cape Verde embassy for more information and to check that you meet all the requirements before embarking on this wonderful trip to the Cape Verde archipelago.
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