How to Travel to Cabo Verde Islands: The Complete Guide by Green Line Tours

Green Line Tours
Oct 6, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 7

# Welcome to Cabo Verde: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Islands!

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✈️ Getting to Cabo Verde by Air

Cabo Verde has four main international airports that connect directly with Europe, Africa, and beyond!

|------------------|----------|------------|----------------------|----------|

Airlines Flying to Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV)
TUI Fly (Germany, Belgium, Netherlands)
TAP Air Portugal
Royal Air Maroc
Transavia
Iberia
Vueling
Neos Air (Italy)

🆕 Travel Update (October 2025): São Vicente will receive 20 new international flights weekly, operated by Cabo Verde Airlines, TUI, TAP, Transavia, easyJet, and Edelweiss — excellent news for travelers visiting the northern islands, especially São Vicente and Santo Antão!

Approximate Flight Times to Cabo Verde

| Origin | Duration |

|------------|--------------|

| Lisbon, Portugal | 4 h |

| Paris, France | 5 h 30 m |

| Amsterdam, Netherlands | 6 h |

| Dakar, Senegal | 1 h |

| New York, USA | 7 h |

⚓ Arriving by Cruise Ship or Yacht

Cabo Verde welcomes cruise ships, yachts, and cargo vessels from around the world! Major ports include:

https://www.greenlinetourscv.com/cape-verde-shore-excursions

| Harbor | Island | City |

|------------|------------|----------|

| Porto Grande | São Vicente | Mindelo |

| Porto da Praia | Santiago | Praia |

| Porto da Palmeira | Sal | Espargos |

Many European and transatlantic cruises include Cabo Verde as a stopover, and entry formalities can usually be handled directly at the port.

🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa-free (up to 30 days) for citizens of EU countries, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Canada, and the USA.

These travelers must:

Register online before arrival → www.ease.gov.cv
Pay the TSA Airport Security Fee

All other nationalities may apply for a visa on arrival or obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) through www.ease.gov.cv.

| Visa Type | Validity | Approx. Cost |

|---------------|--------------|------------------|

| Tourist Visa | 30 days | €25 |

| Multiple Entry Visa | Up to 90 days | €45 |

💳 Entry Fees — TSA (Airport Security Fee)

Mandatory for all travelers (except Cabo Verdean citizens and residents).

| Flight Type | TSA Fee |

|------------------|-------------|

| International Flights | 3,400 CVE (≈ €31) |

| Domestic Flights | 150 CVE (≈ €1.35) |

💡 Tip: Pay online before departure for smoother airport processing. Note: the system is not always compliant; in this case, you will make your payment upon arrival.

🧳 Travel Documentation & Health Advice

Passport valid for at least 6 months
Proof of accommodation & return ticket
Travel insurance (recommended)
Vaccination certificate (if required)

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory only if arriving from an endemic area. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, and Typhoid.

🚖 Getting Around the Islands

Taxis are available at airports and ports. Typical fares for airport transfers range from 1,500 to 2,000 CVE (15 to 20 Euros) per transfer on São Vicente. In the city, taxi transfers are from 200 to 500 CVE (2 to 5 Euros). Car and motorbike rentals are available via local providers.

Inter-island ferries operated by CV Interilhas connect the main inhabited islands, including São Vicente, Santo Antão, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava. Also, São Vicente and Santo Antão have another great option for daily ferry travel, Nos Ferry, Armas.

See our Blog Post on travel between São Vicente and Santo Antão: https://www.greenlinetourscv.com/post/são-vicente-to-santo-antão-ferry-guide-cape-verde-travel

Green Line Tours offers assistance with local transfers and personalized day trips, especially between São Vicente and Santo Antão!

☀️ Best Time to Visit Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde is a year-round destination thanks to its mild, sunny climate!

Dry Season (November – June): Ideal for beach holidays, hiking, and sightseeing.
Rainy Season (August – October): Short tropical showers, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds.
Harmattan Season (January – March): Occasional sandstorms carried by Sahara winds create hazy skies — but it’s still warm and pleasant.

With more than 350 days of sunshine per year, there’s never a bad time to visit!

🗓️ Quick Facts for Travelers

| Category | Detail |

|--------------|------------|

| Visa | Exempt for EU, UK, USA, Canada (up to 30 days) |

| TSA Fee | €31 (mandatory) |

| Currency | Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) |

| Languages | Portuguese & Creole (English and French widely understood) |

| Best Time to Visit | Year-round |

| Time Zone | GMT-1 (no daylight saving) |

🌋 Plan Your Adventure with Green Line Tours

At Green Line Tours, we’re proud to be your local trusted partner in Cabo Verde — based in São Vicente, with deep roots on Santo Antão! We help travelers discover the authentic side of the islands through private and open group tours, cultural experiences, and nature adventures designed to fit your desired experience.

Whether you’re arriving by plane or ferry, our team can assist with transfers, excursions, and island-to-island planning. 🌍 Contact Green Line Tours today to plan your perfect Cabo Verde adventure — and experience the hospitality of our islands!