First landing in the Cape Verdes must be at one of the 3 official sea borders posts, that is: Palmeira (Ilha do Sal) and Mindelo (Sao Vicente) - in the northern group - or Praia (Santiago) in the southern group. It is an offence to make landfall elsewhere and fines are steep.
Yachts must fly the “Q” flag until cleared in, after which the courtesy flag must be flown.
Generally, formalities in the Cape Verdes appear to have been simplified in an effort to attract more cruising boats to visit the archipelago.
Actual details vary from port to port, but generally, it is necessary to report to the Port Captain/Maritime Police first on arrival at one of the Ports of Entry.
In Mindelo and Praia, visit Immigration (Policia de Fronteira) first.
Immigration are normally located in the same office as the Police.
There are normally quite a few forms to complete, so bring a pen!
Ship’s papers will be held by the Authorities while in the harbor. However, they will accept a laminated copy.
Passports are stamped and then returned. Visas are no longer necessary for visiting yachts arriving for short stays (see Immigration for more details). A small country entry fee will be payable to Immigration and a receipt given.
It is possible to clear in and out the same day if only staying for a short period.
Visiting Customs is only required if you have dutiable goods or pets on board.
Note that offices are closed Saturday and Sunday and tend to close early (16:00) on weekdays. Therefore, be sure to arrive no later than 15:00 for clearance and be aware that Fridays are often busy.
At each new harbor, skippers must report to the authorities on arrival and departure with ships papers, passports and a crew list.
In most cases the boat's registration papers will be held by the Port Captain/Maritime Police until departure and paperwork issued to give in at the next Cape Verde port you visit. This is standard procedure and they do look after the boat papers.
The majority of ports are happy for just the skipper to visit with the documents and get his/her passport stamped, however in Boa Vista all the crew are required to visit the port captain and get passports stamped. Cruisers have reported authorities to be very slow in Sal.
Permits are no longer necessary to visit Fogo and/or Brava islands.
This is only possible at the 3 official entry ports listed at the top of the page.
On leaving the county, visit Immigration must for an exit stamp and the port office to collect the ship's papers. There is a fee for clearing out irrespective of the length of your stay. This is payable to the Capitania and is separate to any berthing/anchoring fees.
Note: Yachts cannot officially leave the country from Fogo or Brava (downwind ports), and must return to Praia, Sal or Mindelo to collect the ship’s papers and clear out. However, once 'officially' cleared out, it is possible to request permission to call in at these islands on the way past.
Last updated: August 2025
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