Cape Verde has suspended its visa-on-arrival programme for citizens of 96 countries, introducing stricter entry rules as part of a major immigration reform.

The new policy, introduced under Decree-Law No. 13/2025 and Decree No. 244/GMAI/2025, replaces the visa-on-arrival option and the digital EASE entry system with a compulsory consular visa process for affected travellers.

According to Federal Character, the Cape Verdean government said the new move is aimed at strengthening national security, tightening immigration checks and reducing irregular migration.

Under the new rules, travellers from the affected countries must now apply for visas through Cape Verde’s embassies or consulates before travelling. This means they can no longer get entry approval on arrival.

In a statement, Cape Verde’s Directorate of Foreigners and Borders (DEF) said travellers previously had the option of getting entry clearance through the digital EASE platform or at selected airports on arrival, but the system needed stronger verification measures.

Authorities explained that automated approvals would now be replaced with formal visa screening at diplomatic missions, including mandatory face-to-face interviews before visas are granted.

The government said the new policy follows a growing global trend of stricter border controls and stronger identity checks for international travellers.

Under the revised regulations, anyone who arrives in Cape Verde without a valid visa stamped in their passport could be denied entry, deported or made to pay for their return trip to their country of departure.

The changes are expected to affect tourism, airline operations and last-minute travel plans across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, especially for travellers who previously depended on easier or short-notice travel options.

The 96 affected countries are spread across four regions:

Africa (28): Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Tunisia.

Asia and the Middle East (31): Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.

The Americas and Caribbean (22): Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

Europe and Oceania (10): Belarus, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Tuvalu. (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news