These days, relocating to another country is becoming very common among Nigerians who believe that there are better options outside the shores of the country. If you’ve been thinking of a country you can use as a stepping point for your migration, Cape Verde seems like an option. Today, we will guide you on how to travel to Cape Verde from Nigeria.
People travel for various reasons, ranging from studies, business, work, tourism. Among the popular countries most Nigerians relocate to are Canada, the United States, the UK, and the UAE, but getting a visa to these countries from Nigeria doesn’t come easy; therefore, applying to a visa-free country from Nigeria could be the way forward.
Fortunately, Nigerians are among the countries allowed to enter Cape Verde with a tourist visa that can last up to 90 days. However, an online declaration through the EASE platform is required. Before you start getting your packing lists ready, you need to know some facts about Cape Verde.
About the country Cape Verde
Cape Verde, otherwise called Cabo Verde, is an island country situated on the west coast of Africa. Cape Verde is located near Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania.
The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese. While some speak Cape Verdean Creole, this shouldn’t bother you much, as you can get a few that speak English, or better yet, get an app to guide you on some basic words in Portuguese.
Cape Verde Visa for Nigerian Citizens
- A declaration a few days before arrival remains compulsory via the E.A.S.E. form. Payment of an airport security fee is required. (Nigerians have difficulty obtaining an EASE.)
- For a traveler to Cape Verde from Nigeria, a pre-registration E.A.S.E. is a compulsory step for international travelers over two years old traveling to Cape Verde.
- Registration concerns all nationalities are normally exempt from visas for a certain length of stay and allows you to arrive at four international airports: Boa Vista, Praia, Sal, and São Vicente, and stay in Cape Verde for a maximum of 90 days.
- In addition, if you plan to stay in Cape Verde for more than 90 days, a visa extension or temporary residence visa is required.
- The cost of this document, which is often compared to an electronic visa (EASE) in Cape Verde, is €31 per traveler, the amount of the compulsory airport security tax excluding service charges.
- It’s good you make the request three days before your arrival on the island. So, that they can submit it just before you enter Cape Verdean territory.
How to apply for Cape Verde Visa For Nigerian passport holders
- Preregister online at least 5 days before your trip via the EASE online pre-registration form.
- A valid passport
- Passport photograph
- Roundtrip ticket
- Local contact information (hotel, host, Airbnb, etc.)
Means to travel to Cape Verde from Nigeria
There are different ways to travel to Cape Verde from Nigeria. You can travel by road or by air. Because of the recent hike in air tickets, several Nigerians choose to travel by road, visiting some African countries before arriving at Cape Verde.
Let’s take a look at the road option. How can you travel to Cape Verde from Nigeria by road? You can use the Chisco Bus or God is Good Motors. These are the two popular road transport companies that fly from Lagos to the Benin Republic (Cotonou) or Accra(Ghana).
How to go about it: You can take the taxi to Jibowu, take the bus to Cotonou, or, from Lagos, board a vehicle (God is Good, down to Accra).
So, if you opt for the road option, you will board a vehicle from Lagos to Cotonou or from Lagos to Accra, Abidjan, or Dakar. It looks hectic, right? But remember, you are trying to cut costs and also gain travel experience.
If this option isn’t for you, the going-by-air option is there. There is no direct connection from Lagos to the Cape Verde Islands. However, you can fly to Senegal, OR Accra and then get a connecting flight to the Cape Verde Islands. The following airlines operate flights from Lagos, Nigeria, to Espergos, Cape Verde, with all stopovers:
Consider Airlines:
| Via Senegal (Dakar) | Option 1: Fly from Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) to Dakar, Senegal (DKR) with airlines like: Air Senegal RwandAir Ethiopian Airlines Then, fly from Dakar (DKR) to Praia (RAI) or Sal (SID) in Cape Verde with airlines like: Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV) Binter Canarias |
| Via Ghana (Accra) | Option 1: Fly from Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) to Accra, Ghana (ACC) with airlines like: Arik Air Africa World Airlines RwandAir Then, fly from Accra (ACC) to Praia (RAI) or Sal (SID) in Cape Verde with airlines like: Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV) Binter Canarias |
| Via Togo (Lomé) | Option 1: Fly from Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV) to Lomé, Togo (LFW) with airlines like: Asky Airlines Ethiopian Airlines Then, fly from Lomé (LFW) to Praia (RAI) or Sal (SID) in Cape Verde with airlines like: Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV) Binter Canarias |
These are some common routes and airlines for traveling from Nigeria to Cape Verde with layovers in nearby countries. It’s essential to check with the airlines for the most up-to-date flight schedules and availability.
Cheap Hotels to stay in Cape Verde
- Ah Xamedu Sal Hostel: $21 per night
- Chez Loutcha Residencial: $31 per night
- Tarrafal’s Meeting Point$40 per night
- Meliá Tortuga Beach: All Inclusive
- Hotel Riu Karamboa
- B&B Salinas Boa Vista
- Arla Residential
- Apt. Idilfa
- Apartamento sublime
- Santos House, Praia
Cape Verde Currency and Exchange
The Cape Verde currency is Escudos, or CV Esc, which is the legal tender within Cape Verde. The exchange rate for 1 CVE is 12.912 NGN. To enter Cape Verde, there are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but amounts exceeding 10,000 euros or equivalent must be declared upon entry and exit.
Conclusion
Nigerian passport holders have the opportunity to travel to Cape Verde; however, you must have a genuine reason and the required documents to stay legally.
Moving to Cape Verde from Nigeria is easy on paper, but in actuality, getting the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) from Nigeria is somewhat difficult.
However, if you have a letter of invitation from a tour company, you have to have your Cabo Verde visa approved within 72 hours. All you need to do is meet the entry requirements for Cape Verde.
You can travel to Cape Verde from Nigeria by air or by land. Whatever means you choose to go, you must have your genuine reasons and supporting travel documents. Getting an invitation can be done through a hotel, host, Airbnb, etc.
