Cape Verde for Indians in 2026: EASE Pre-Registration, Airport Security Tax and Visa Rules
By Ananya Singh (Ananya Singh writes step-by-step first-international-trip guides for Indians — passport rules, e-visa portals, visa-on-arrival counters, and the unglamorous immigration logistics that decide whether a long-haul Africa trip starts smoothly or badly.) · Published · Last updated · 11 min read
Cape Verde swapped airport visas for an online EASE pre-registration and a security tax — but a 2026 reform changed the rules for many nationalities. Here's what Indians must check.
Quick answer
For short stays, Cape Verde replaced the old airport visa with a mandatory online EASE pre-registration (at ease.gov.cv) plus an Airport Security Tax (TSA) of about CVE 3,400 (around EUR 31, ~₹2,900), which you complete before flying. However, a 2026 entry reform ended the previous pre-registration-then-visa-on-arrival path for nationals of dozens of countries, who must now obtain a visa before travel. Because India's exact status under the 2026 reform can vary, verify on ease.gov.cv and with a Cape Verde mission before you book — do not assume EASE alone is enough.
What EASE is — and what changed in 2026
EASE (the Electronic Authorisation System for Entry) is Cape Verde's online pre-registration platform. For nationalities covered by the visa exemption, you register on ease.gov.cv at least 5 days before departure, pay the airport security tax, and travel without a sticker visa.
The 2026 reform is the catch. From 1 January 2026, Cape Verde reformed its entry rules and ended the arrangement that let nationals of many countries get a visa on arrival after pre-registering — for those (reportedly dozens of) nationalities, a visa must now be obtained before travel. Whether an Indian passport falls under visa-exempt-with-EASE or visa-required-in-advance is exactly the kind of detail that the reform reshuffled, so check the live position on FlightGPT's Cape Verde visa page and, more importantly, on the official portal before relying on it.
How to complete EASE pre-registration
If your nationality is eligible for visa-free entry with EASE:
- Go to the official portal ease.gov.cv at least 5 days before departure.
- Enter passport and travel details.
- Pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA) online by card.
- Save/print the EASE confirmation to show at check-in and on arrival.
One EASE registration covers one entry. If, under the 2026 rules, your passport instead needs a visa in advance, EASE pre-registration is not a substitute — you'd apply for the visa through a Cape Verde consulate/mission and may still need EASE for the tax. Sort the entry rule first, then book flights and compare routings in the FlightGPT chat.
The Airport Security Tax (TSA)
| Item | Approx (June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Airport Security Tax (TSA) via EASE | CVE 3,400 (~EUR 31, ~₹2,900) |
| Pre-register by | At least 5 days before departure |
| Portal | ease.gov.cv |
There were proposals in early 2026 to change how/where the tax is charged (including a higher amount if paid at the airport rather than online), and some of those plans were reportedly suspended. Because the amount and the at-airport surcharge have been in flux, confirm the current tax on ease.gov.cv before you pay.
Documents and practicalities
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry.
- EASE confirmation (and/or pre-arranged visa, depending on your status under the 2026 rules).
- Return / onward ticket and accommodation proof.
- Card for the online TSA payment.
Cape Verde is a Portuguese-speaking Atlantic archipelago off West Africa; Indians usually route via Lisbon, Dakar or a European hub. There is no direct India service, so build the connection into your planning — see FlightGPT's flight routes and destination guides.
Bottom line for Indian travellers
Treat Cape Verde as a verify-before-you-book destination in 2026. The EASE pre-registration + airport security tax model is real and online, but the January 2026 reform moved several nationalities to visa-required-in-advance, and India's precise classification under that reform should be confirmed directly. Do two things before committing: (1) check the official ease.gov.cv portal for your nationality's status, and (2) confirm with a Cape Verde diplomatic mission if anything is ambiguous. Once the entry rule is settled, run live fares in the FlightGPT chat.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Cape Verde in 2026?
It depends on your status under Cape Verde's January 2026 entry reform. Some nationalities travel visa-free with EASE pre-registration; others must now get a visa before travel. Verify on ease.gov.cv before booking.
What is EASE for Cape Verde?
EASE (ease.gov.cv) is the official online pre-registration system. Eligible visitors register at least 5 days before departure and pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA) online instead of getting a visa on arrival.
How much is the Cape Verde airport security tax?
Around CVE 3,400 (about EUR 31, ~₹2,900) as of June 2026, paid online via EASE. Proposals to change the amount/at-airport charge have fluctuated, so confirm on ease.gov.cv.
Is EASE the same as a visa?
No. EASE is a pre-registration plus the airport security tax. If your nationality needs a visa in advance under the 2026 rules, EASE does not replace that visa.
When should I complete EASE pre-registration?
At least 5 days before departure on the official ease.gov.cv portal. Save or print the confirmation to show at check-in and arrival.
Is there a direct flight from India to Cape Verde?
No direct service. Indians typically connect via Lisbon, Dakar or another European hub. Compare routings in the FlightGPT chat once your entry rule is confirmed.