Passenger's Guide

Limits on the circulation of money

Are you traveling with cash? Find out when you need to declare it.

 

Are there restrictions on the amount of cash travelers can carry?

Any person may request the purchase of foreign currency (banknotes and coins) or other means of payment for use abroad, up to a limit of 1,000,000 CVE (Cape Verdean escudos) for travel or tourism expenses.

However, if a traveler enters the country with foreign currency exceeding 1,000,000 CVE, they must declare this amount to Border Police authorities in order to freely use the money.

 

What if I want to carry more than 1,000,000 CVE?

In that case, special prior authorization from the Bank of Cape Verde is required, along with supporting documentation.

 

What about carrying Cape Verdean escudos (ECV)?

Travelers may freely export up to 20,000 CVE in banknotes and coins per person per trip. Any amount exceeding this limit requires special prior authorization from the Bank of Cape Verde, with supporting documentation.

 

How much cash can non-residents take out of the country?

Non-residents may freely leave the country with up to 1,000,000 CVE in foreign currency or other means of payment, in addition to credit cards, checks, or traveler’s checks issued abroad.

 

What if a non-resident wants to carry more than 1,000,000 CVE?

If a non-resident wishes to leave the country with more than 1,000,000 CVE, they must provide proof that they either:

  • Entered the country with an equal or higher amount;
  • Acquired the money from authorized foreign exchange entities (such as banks, exchange offices, or other institutions licensed by the Bank of Cape Verde).

 

How can proof be provided?

Proof can be presented through:

  • A declaration filled upon entering the country, duly authenticated by customs authorities;
  • A deposit receipt from an account in national or foreign currency at a Cape Verdean financial institution (e.g., banks).

 

What happens if I purchase foreign currency outside authorized exchange entities?

This constitutes a foreign exchange violation, which may result in:

  • A fine proportional to the seized amount, ranging between 10% and 100% of the total amount;
  • Additional penalties, including forfeiture of the seized funds in favor of the Bank of Cape Verde.