Rules can change: confirm on the official site before you travel. imptbalearic.es is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas.
Cape Verdean citizens require a Schengen short-stay visa to travel to Spain, including the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area. Applications are made at the Spanish consulate or its designated visa centre in the country of residence. Plan ahead, as appointments and processing take time.
What the visa requirement means
Cape Verde is listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, meaning its citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the Schengen area for short stays. This applies to tourism, family visits or business trips to Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. Without a valid visa, boarding a flight or ferry to Spain is not permitted.
The visa is valid for the entire Schengen area, not only Spain. A multiple-entry visa may be issued, but the decision rests with the consulate. Check the visa's validity dates and number of entries before travelling.
Before you travel and at the border
Apply for the visa well before your planned departure. The Spanish consulate or visa centre in your country of residence handles applications. Required documents include a completed application form, a valid passport, travel insurance, proof of accommodation and return flight bookings. Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) are collected at the appointment.
At the border, present your passport and visa. Border guards may ask for proof of sufficient funds for the stay and the purpose of the visit. Keep copies of your accommodation bookings and travel insurance. Entry is not guaranteed; the final decision is made by the border officer.
Arriving on the islands
Ibiza Airport (IBZ) and Menorca Airport (MAH) are the main entry points for flights from mainland Spain and other Schengen countries. Formentera has no airport; travellers fly to Ibiza and take a ferry from the port of Ibiza to La Savina. Mallorca is a transit point for connecting flights or ferries, not a destination covered by this guide.
When flying via Mallorca, you clear Schengen entry there if arriving from outside the area. On arrival in Ibiza or Menorca, have your visa and supporting documents ready. Ferries from mainland Spain also require a valid visa for non-Schengen citizens.
Staying longer, working or studying
The Schengen short-stay visa does not permit work or study. For stays longer than 90 days, or for employment or study, a national visa (type D) or a residence permit is required. Apply at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence before travelling.
Check the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the consulate for the correct application process. Rules change, and each case is assessed individually. The site imptbalearic.es does not issue visas or provide legal advice.
How to apply
- Determine which Spanish consulate or visa centre covers your country of residence.
- Book an appointment at the consulate or visa centre for a Schengen visa application.
- Prepare the required documents: application form, passport, photos, travel insurance, accommodation and flight proofs.
- Attend the appointment in person to submit documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
- Wait for the consulate to process the application and return the passport with the visa decision.
- Check the visa sticker details (validity dates, number of entries) before booking travel.
- Travel to Ibiza, Menorca or Formentera with the visa and supporting documents.
Documents
- Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen area)
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Schengen standards
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter) for the entire stay
- Return flight or ferry booking and proof of sufficient funds for the trip
ETIAS and EES: new EU entry systems are being introduced. Check travel-europe.europa.eu before you travel.
Questions
Do Cape Verdean citizens need a visa for Ibiza, Menorca or Formentera?
Yes, Cape Verdean citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa to visit the Balearic Islands. Apply at the Spanish consulate or visa centre in your country of residence before travelling.
Can Cape Verdean citizens apply for a visa on arrival in Spain?
No, there is no visa on arrival for Cape Verdean citizens. A Schengen visa must be obtained before departure from the country of residence.
How long can a Cape Verdean citizen stay in the Balearic Islands with a Schengen visa?
The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area. Check the visa sticker for exact validity dates.
What documents are needed for a Cape Verdean citizen to apply for a Spain visa?
Required documents include a valid passport, completed application form, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, return flight bookings and evidence of sufficient funds. Biometric data are collected at the appointment.
Are there new EU systems like ETIAS or EES for Cape Verdean travellers?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) and EES (Entry/Exit System) are new EU systems being introduced. Check the official EU website travel-europe.europa.eu before travelling for updates.
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Island guides: Ibiza · Menorca · Formentera
Photo credits: Joan Gené, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.