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

Welcome to Cabo Verde — ten stunning volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, known for their dramatic landscapes, sunny weather, and warm Creole hospitality. Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on São Vicente’s golden or black sand beaches, hiking the lush mountains of Santo Antão, or enjoying live music and dancing in Mindelo, Green Line Tours is here to help you plan and explore the best of our islands.Here’s your complete guide on how to get to Cabo Verde, including flights, visas, travel tips, and the best time to visit.

✈️ Getting to Cabo Verde by Air

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

Airport name	IATA	Island	City / town served	Type
Amílcar Cabral International Airport	SID	Sal	Espargos	International
Nelson Mandela International Airport (Praia)	RAI	Santiago	Praia	International
Aristides Pereira International Airport (Rabil)	BVC	Boa Vista	Rabil / Sal Rei	International
Cesária Évora (São Pedro) Airport	VXE	São Vicente	São Pedro / Mindelo	International
São Filipe Airport	SFL	Fogo	São Filipe	Domestic-only
Maio Airport	MMO	Maio	Vila do Maio / Porto Inglês	Domestic-only
São Nicolau Airport (Preguiça)	SNE	São Nicolau	Preguiça	Domestic-only

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:

Check out our Shore Excursions: 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:

1.     Register online before arrival → www.ease.gov.cv

2.     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, airport transfers: 1 500–2 000 CVE (15 to 20 Euros) per transfer on São Vicente. In 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, creating hazy skies — but 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!