Cape Verde
United States
United States visa for Cape Verdean citizens
Entry requirement
Cape Verdean citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at cv.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Cape Verde
- Embassy of the United States in Praia
Rua Abílio Macedo 6, Praia
The United States has 1 mission in Cape Verde, with its embassy in Praia.
US visas issued to citizens of Cape Verde
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 3,543 | 2,775 |
| Student (F, M) | 31 | 25 |
| Exchange (J) | 17 | 18 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 52 | 33 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 43 | 5 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 108 | 86 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 179 | 115 |
| Other | 0 | 8 |
| Total | 3,973 | 3,065 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 52.0% | 53.9% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 3,065 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Cape Verde, the 125th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 91%, fiancé(e) visas 4% and diplomatic and official visas 3%. That is 23% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (3,973).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Cape Verde received 218, 88% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 53.9% for citizens of Cape Verde in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 52.0%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Cape Verde anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Cape Verde.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Cape Verde
United StatesCape Verde Visa-free, 30 days Cape Verde visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from Cape Verde to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Cape Verdean citizens can stay in the United States
How long Cape Verdean citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Cape Verdean citizens apply
In Cape Verde, applications go to the US embassy in Praia, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Cape Verdean citizens
Canada and Mexico require Cape Verdean citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Cape Verde
US citizens can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Cape Verdean citizens need a visa for the United States?
Cape Verdean citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in Cape Verde?
The US embassy in Cape Verde is in Praia.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Cape Verde?
US citizens can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 30 days.
Can Cape Verdean citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Cape Verdean citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.