Cape Verde EASE Registration & TSA Tax: Step-by-Step Guide

Cape Verde EASE Registration & Tourist Tax (TSA) Explained: Step-by-Step Guide

(Disclaimer: While the entry requirements, the existence of the EASE system, the Airport Security Tax (TSA), and the new 2026 airport penalty rules are based directly on gov. sources, specific monetary values—such as the €31 TSA fee, the €64 airport penalty, and the €2.50 daily hotel tourist tax—as well as the exact official government web address and detailed step-by-step portal instructions are drawn from outside information to provide you with a comprehensive and practical guide. We recommend independently verifying exact fees on the official Cape Verde government portal before your trip.

Booking a holiday to the sun-drenched islands of Cape Verde is the first step toward an unforgettable tropical escape. Whether you are heading to the vibrant beachfront of Santa Maria in Sal or the untouched desert dunes of Boa Vista, the national motto of "No Stress" promises a deeply relaxing experience. However, before you can strap on your all-inclusive wristband and head to the pool, there is one crucial piece of travel bureaucracy you must navigate: the mandatory entry requirements.

For many first-time visitors, the entry paperwork is a major source of pre-holiday anxiety. Understanding the passport and visa requirements for Cape Verde is essential to ensure a smooth arrival. While the rules are relatively straightforward once explained, confusion often arises around the government's digital border platforms. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the EASE registration, how to pay the mandatory Airport Security Tax (TSA), and how to avoid the expensive new 2026 airport penalties.

Visa Exemptions vs. Mandatory Entry Requirements

The biggest point of confusion for travelers is the difference between a traditional visa and a pre-arrival registration.

If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, the European Union, or Brazil, you do not need to apply for a traditional tourist visa for holiday stays of up to 30 days. This visa exemption makes traveling to the archipelago incredibly appealing for European winter sun seekers.

However, being exempt from a visa does not mean you can simply board the plane with just your passport. The Cape Verdean government has strict entry conditions. In lieu of a visa, all visa-exempt foreign travelers are legally required to complete a digital pre-registration before they depart. Failing to understand this distinction is the most common mistake first-timers make, and it can lead to massive delays at immigration.

What is the EASE Platform and the TSA Tax?

To enter the country smoothly, you must familiarize yourself with two key acronyms: EASE and TSA.

EASE (Efficient Automatic and Safe Entry): EASE is the official electronic border control platform used by the Cape Verdean government,. It functions as a digital travel authorization system, similar in concept to the ESTA used in the United States. You must input your passport details, flight numbers, and accommodation information into this system so the authorities know who is arriving on the islands.

TSA (Taxa de Segurança Aeroportuária): The TSA is the Airport Security Tax. This is a mandatory fee levied on passengers disembarking at the country's international airports. The revenue generated by the TSA is used by the government to fund border security, modernize airport infrastructure, and improve the overall safety of the tourism sector. Currently, the TSA costs 3,400 CVE (approximately €31 or £26). You are required to pay this tax at the end of your EASE registration process.

Who needs to register? (And who is exempt?)

The general rule is that all foreign nationals arriving in Cape Verde must complete the EASE form and pay the TSA tax.

However, there are a few important exemptions to be aware of. The most notable exemption applies to families traveling with infants: children under 2 years of age are completely exempt from both the EASE pre-registration requirement and the TSA fee. Furthermore, Cape Verdean citizens, foreigners legally residing in Cape Verde, and transit passengers who do not leave the airport international zone are also exempt from paying the Airport Security Tax.

Warning: How to Avoid EASE Scam Websites

Unfortunately, as tourism to the islands has boomed, so too have travel scams targeting unsuspecting tourists.

A highly prevalent issue involves third-party "agency" websites that mimic the official government portal. These websites use official-looking flags and logos to trick travelers into believing they are on the correct site. While they will usually process your EASE registration successfully, they will charge you exorbitant hidden "service fees" on top of the standard €31 tax, sometimes pushing the total cost to €60 or even €80 per person.

To avoid these scams, you must ensure you only use the official government portal. The only secure, legitimate web address for this process ends in .gov.cv (www.ease.gov.cv). Never pay an external agency to do this for you; the form takes less than ten minutes to complete yourself.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the EASE Form

To help reduce your pre-travel anxiety, here is a simple step-by-step walkthrough of the EASE registration process:

1. Preparation

Before you sit down at your computer, gather all the necessary documents. You will need your passport (which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry), your flight itinerary including inbound and outbound flight numbers, the exact dates of your trip, and the name and address of your hotel or resort. Have a valid credit or debit card ready for payment.

2. The 5-Day Rule

Timing is critical. The government requires travelers to complete their EASE registration preferably up to 5 days before departure. This window allows the border authorities sufficient time to process your data and clear you for arrival. While the system will sometimes accept later registrations, leaving it to the last minute is highly discouraged.

3. Completing the Form & Payment

Navigate to the official EASE portal and select the option to register a new arrival. Carefully input your personal information. It is absolutely vital that you enter your names exactly as they appear in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport's photo page. Even a small typo can cause your registration to be flagged. After entering your flight and hotel details, you will be directed to a secure payment gateway to pay the €31 TSA fee via credit card. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation document via email.

What happens if I forget to register? (The 2026 Airport Penalty)

In previous years, border authorities were relatively lenient, allowing tourists who forgot to register online to simply pay the standard TSA fee in cash at the immigration desk upon arrival. However, this has recently changed drastically.

As of 2026, the government has cracked down on unregistered arrivals to reduce airport congestion. The cost of paying the Airport Security Tax directly at the airport has now doubled. If you fail to complete the EASE pre-registration and try to handle it upon landing, you will be hit with a severe "regularization penalty," bringing the cost to 6,800 CVE (approximately €64 or £55) per person.

Not only will you pay double, but you will also be forced into a significantly longer administrative queue, drastically delaying the start of your holiday. Pre-registering online is no longer just highly recommended; it is financially essential.

Package Holidays: Is my EASE already paid for?

If you have booked a traditional all-inclusive package holiday through a major European tour operator (such as TUI), you might not need to pay the TSA fee yourself.

Many large tour operators automatically include the cost of the Airport Security Tax within the total price of your package. In these cases, the agency will handle the EASE registration on your behalf. However, for them to do this, you must provide the agency with your passport details well in advance (usually through their dedicated app or customer portal). Always check the fine print of your booking confirmation. If it states that the TSA is included, you do not need to visit the EASE website. If you are unsure, contact your travel agent immediately.

The Nightly Tourist Tax Explained

It is important to differentiate the Airport Security Tax (TSA) from the local Tourist Tax (Taxa Turística), as they are two entirely separate fees.

While the TSA is paid online before you fly to cover border control, the Tourist Tax is a local municipal fee designed to fund local infrastructure, sustainability projects, and community development. This tax is charged by your hotel or resort at a rate of €2.50 (276 CVE) per person, per night. It applies to all guests aged 16 and over and is capped at a maximum of 10 nights (meaning you will never pay more than €25 per person, even if you stay for two weeks). You will pay this tax locally at your resort's reception desk, either when you check in or when you check out.

FAQs

Do I need to print the EASE confirmation?

While your EASE registration is linked electronically to your passport in the border control system, it is highly recommended that you print a physical copy of your confirmation PDF or save it for offline viewing on your smartphone. Airport Wi-Fi can occasionally be unreliable, and having proof of payment readily available can quickly resolve any technical glitches at the immigration desk.

How long does the EASE registration last?

our EASE registration and TSA payment are valid for a single entry into Cape Verde. If you leave the country and plan to return at a later date, you must submit a new registration and pay the tax again.

I made a mistake on my EASE form, what do I do?

If you realize you have made a typographical error regarding your passport number or name after submitting the form, you should use the contact or support function on the official EASE website to request an amendment as soon as possible. Minor errors can usually be corrected by border officials upon arrival, provided you have your confirmation receipt, but significant errors may require you to re-register.

Lead capture: Don't forget a thing! Download our free Printable Cape Verde Pre-Travel Checklist (Includes direct links to official forms, emergency numbers, and exactly what to pack for the island weather).

Internal links: Read more in our [Cape Verde for First-Timers] guide, learn how to navigate your local budget on our [Tipping, Money & Euros] page (including how to pay the hotel tourist tax), and find out exactly [What's Included in a Cape Verde All-Inclusive] package.

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