Complete Guide to Cape Verde (Cabo Verde): Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
Unlock the Complete Guide to Cape Verde (Cabo Verde): Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts for your perfect Atlantic island escape. From hassle-free visa-on-arrival to exploring Sal’s endless beaches, hiking Fogo’s active volcano, and dancing at Mindelo Carnival, this 2025 guide covers all ten islands. Discover booming investment in tourism, blue economy & renewables, key facts on independence, President José Maria Neves, plus practical tips on SIM cards and safety. With 1.1 million tourists in 2024 and 5.7% GDP growth forecast for 2025, Cape Verde is Africa’s rising star.
Introduction to Cape Verde: The Atlantic’s Creole Paradise
Ten volcanic islands 600 km off Senegal — Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente, Santo Antão, Brava, Maio, São Nicolau, Santa Luzia (uninhabited). 580,000 inhabitants, 99% literate, famous for morna music (Cesária Évora) and no-stress vibe.
Cape Verde Independence Date: July 5, 1975
From Portugal after 500 years. Celebrated with music festivals across all islands.
How to Apply for Cape Verde Visa (2025)
Visa-on-arrival (€25 cash/card) at Sal, Praia, Boa Vista, São Vicente airports OR pre-register free eVisa at ease.gov.cv (recommended to skip lines). Valid 30 days, extendable.
Top Islands & Places to Visit
- Sal & Boa Vista — endless white beaches & kitesurfing
- Fogo — active volcano & black-wine vineyards
- Santo Antão — dramatic hiking & rum groves
- São Vicente — Mindelo Carnival (Feb) & live music
- Santiago — historic Cidade Velha (UNESCO)
How to Invest in Cape Verde 2025
TradeInvest one-stop shop, 100% foreign ownership, 10-year tax exemption in tourism & renewables. Hilton, RIU, Meliá expanding; desalination & offshore wind booming.
Cape Verde Economy 2025
Tourism 25% GDP, 5.7% growth forecast, upper-middle-income status.
How to Buy SIM Card
Unitel T+ or CVMovel at airports. 10 GB ≈ 800 CVE (~€7). Passport registration.
President of Cape Verde
José Maria Neves (since 2021), centre-left MPD party.
Is Cape Verde Safe?
Safest country in Africa (Level 1). Petty theft rare; no terrorism risk.
Plan Your Cape Verde Escape
Fly via Lisbon, Boston, or direct from several European cities. KiliFlying Air connects via Dakar or Casablanca for East African travelers.