Cape Verde, a small island nation with a population of around 500,000, has withdrawn its visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistan and 95 other countries, requiring affected travelers to obtain a visa before traveling. The new immigration rules came into effect on January 1, 2026, significantly changing entry requirements for visitors from dozens of previously eligible nations.
Until the end of 2025, citizens of many countries were able to pre-register through Cape Verde’s EASE online portal, pay the applicable fee, and receive a visa upon arrival at the country’s airports. This system has now been discontinued for nationals of 96 countries, including Pakistan, meaning travelers must secure a visa in advance from a Cape Verdean embassy or consulate.
The revised policy applies to entry visas as well as transit and airport stopover visas. Authorities have warned that passengers arriving without a valid visa may be denied entry or onward transit. The decision is based on Decree No. 244/GMAI/2025, published in Cape Verde’s official gazette in November 2025, which formally lists the nationalities now subject to prior visa approval under the country’s immigration laws.
Despite the change, certain exemptions remain in place. These include airline crew members, select residence permit holders, accredited diplomatic staff, and some individuals born in Cape Verde who later acquired foreign nationality, provided they meet the conditions specified in the decree.
Cape Verde has also retained its mandatory EASE online registration system and Airport Security Tax for all visitors, including those who are still visa-exempt. However, for Pakistan and the other affected countries, the EASE portal now clearly states that a visa must be obtained before departure and that travelers without one risk being refused entry upon arrival.