Passports
Regular passport applications are accepted and sent to the U.S. for issuance. This process takes approximately 15 working days.
The Consular Section at US Embassy Praia can only issue limited validity emergency passports. In the event of an emergency requiring immediate travel such as a medical emergency, U.S. citizens may be issued limited validity passports at the Embassy on the same day.
It is important to plan ahead for vacations, as vacation travel is not generally considered an emergency meriting a locally issued passport. Please note that for international flights, travelers need at least six months validity in their passports.
The fee for first-time issuance of an adult passport (over 16 years fo age) is US $100. The fee for first-time issuance of a minor's passport (16 and under) is US $85. The fee for renewal of a passport is US $75. The equivalent amounts may be paid in Cape Verdean Escudos. Payment must be made at the time of application. Credit cards or personal or traveler's checks are not accepted.
In compliance with the Two-Parent Signature Consent Law, both parents of minors under 16 years of age must be present to sign the passport application, and produce a certified or original birth certificate establishing a parental relationship. Am absent parent shoudl submit a signed DS-3053 or a signed, notarized statement giving permission for the issuance of a passport to the minor child. An applicant who is 16 years or older must sign his/her own application. Parents should also bring photographs of their children showing their progression in age from the time of the last passport.
Each passport applicant must submit the following documents:
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Two photographs, 2 x 2 inches square, non-Polaroid, matte finish showing full view of face with a light colored background
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Proof of Citizenship (previous passport or U.S. birth certificate)
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Photo identification
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Passport fee
Note: Lost or stolen passports should be immediately reported to the Embassy and to local police.
All U.S. Citizens are encouraged to register their presence with the Embassy, as it will facilitate passport issuance in the event of a lost or stolen passport.
