So, you're thinking about those white-sand beaches and the "no stress" vibes of Cabo Verde. Honestly, I get it. But before you go hunting for your passport, there is a massive shift happening with flights to Cape Verde that nobody is really talking about yet. If you’re planning a trip for 2026, the old "just show up and pay" rule is dead.
Gone.
Buried.
Starting January 1, 2026, the government basically flipped the script on 96 different nationalities. You used to be able to just hop on a plane, land in Sal or Praia, and sort your visa at a dusty desk in the arrivals hall. Not anymore. Now, if you don't have that visa sorted before you even check in at your departure airport, you might not even get on the plane.
The 2026 Visa Trap (And How to Skip It)
Seriously, don’t be the person arguing with a gate agent at Heathrow or JFK. The new rules under Decree No. 244/GMAI/2025 mean that the visa-on-arrival is history for most of us. You’ve still got the EASE pre-registration (which is basically a digital "hello, I'm coming" form), but for many, a full-blown consular visa is now the barrier to entry.
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You still have to pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA), which is about 3,400 Escudos (roughly £25 or $32). But here’s the kicker: even if you’re just transiting through a Cape Verdean airport to get somewhere else, you likely need this paperwork.
It sounds like a headache, but it’s mostly just a change in habit. Book your flights, then immediately hit the EASE portal or call the consulate. Don't wait.
Where Are You Actually Landing?
Cape Verde isn't just one place. It's ten islands, and they all feel like different countries. Most people looking for flights to Cape Verde end up in one of two spots: Sal or Boa Vista. These are the "all-inclusive" hubs.
- Amílcar Cabral International (SID) on Sal: This is the big one. It’s where most of the TUI and easyJet planes from the UK and Europe land. If you want to kiteboard or just lie on a sun lounger with a cocktail, this is your spot.
- Aristides Pereira International (BVC) on Boa Vista: It’s quieter, sandier, and feels a bit more "lost at sea." TUI flies here directly from Birmingham, Manchester, and London Gatwick.
- Nelson Mandela International (RAI) in Praia: This is the capital on Santiago island. It’s not a "beach resort" vibe. It’s African, bustling, and the gateway if you want to see the volcanic peaks of Fogo.
- Cesária Évora International (VXE) in São Vicente: This is the cultural heart. If you want music and the famous Mindelo Carnival, you fly here.
Most travelers make the mistake of flying into Sal and then realizing they wanted the greenery of Santo Antão. To get there, you’d have to fly to São Vicente and then take a ferry. Save yourself the 40-minute internal flight and just book the right international leg from the start.
The Reality of Getting There from the US vs. UK
If you're flying from the UK, you've got it easy. TUI and easyJet have been in a bit of a price war lately. You can find direct flights for as low as £130 if you're flexible. It's about a 6-hour hop. No jet lag, really. Just a long movie and a nap.
From the States? It's a different beast.
Azores Airlines is usually your best bet, often flying out of Boston (Logan). But expect a 14-hour journey. You’ll likely stop in Ponta Delgada or Lisbon. It's a trek, and it’s rarely "cheap" in the way a flight to Cancun is. You’re looking at $700 on a lucky day, but more like $900+ usually.
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When to Pull the Trigger on Tickets
I’ve spent way too much time staring at flight trackers, and the data is pretty clear for 2026.
January is surprisingly the cheapest month to fly. Everyone is broke after Christmas, so the airlines drop prices. I’ve seen returns for £129/€150. Compare that to July or August when prices double because of the school holidays.
Wait, what about the weather? Cape Verde is the "islands of eternal summer." Even in January, you’re looking at 24°C (75°F). The "rainy" season is basically just a few moody clouds in September. If you want to save money, aim for the shoulder months: May or November.
The Inter-Island Flight "Chaos"
Okay, let's talk about the thing that drives tourists crazy. Moving between islands.
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Cabo Verde Airlines is the main player now, especially since Binter Cabo Verde shifted focus. But here is the thing: these flights are on tiny ATR-72 planes. They fill up fast. If you think you can just "wing it" and buy a ticket between Sal and Boa Vista when you arrive, you’re going to end up stuck on a ferry for four hours feeling very seasick.
Book your internal hops the same day you book your international flights to Cape Verde.
Tactical Advice for Your Trip
- Check your passport expiry: It needs at least 6 months left. Cape Verdean border police aren't known for being "chill" about this.
- Download the EASE receipt: Don’t rely on the airport Wi-Fi to show your proof of payment. It will fail you. It always does. Screenshot it.
- The Tuesday/Wednesday Rule: Flights on mid-week days are almost always 20% cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures.
- Pack a light jacket: I know, I said it's hot. But the "Trade Winds" are real. It gets breezy at night, especially on Sal.
You're basically ready. Just remember that the "no stress" motto only works if you’ve handled the paperwork before you leave. Get that visa sorted, aim for a January or May departure to save some cash, and double-check which island actually matches the vibe you're looking for.
Your first move should be checking the EASE website to see if your specific passport requires the new 2026 visa or just the standard pre-registration. Once that’s clear, you can safely hunt for those mid-week flight deals.