Portugal’s National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAV) has warned of the negative impact of a 29.41% increase in Cabo Verde’s airport security fee, arguing that the measure imposes an additional financial burden on tourists visiting the archipelago.

In a statement, the association called for protection of bookings confirmed before the change takes effect on 4 November, and requested clear rules regarding payments already made by passengers.

“Cabo Verde is one of the main destinations for Portuguese travellers, and an increase of this magnitude represents a significant additional cost for visitors to the country,” said Miguel Quintas, president of ANAV.

He added that the situation is particularly sensitive for passengers who booked their trips under specific conditions and may now face unforeseen additional costs that were not factored in at the time of booking.

According to the association, the fee applicable to passengers subject to payment has risen from €30.83 to €39.90 per person. In practice, ANAV notes, the change represents an increase of €9.07 per passenger.

ANAV considers that Decree-Law No. 49/2026 does not establish a specific transitional regime for trips booked before the new rate enters into force.

As a result, a passenger who confirmed their trip before 4 November but has not yet paid the fee could be confronted with the new amount upon arrival in Cabo Verde.

In response to this situation, the association argues that all bookings confirmed before 4 November should retain the fee value in effect at the time of booking.

ANAV is also calling on the Cabo Verdean government for clear confirmation that advance payments made through the EASE platform — used for the online entry registration process into Cabo Verde — will continue to be accepted at the amount already settled, without any additional charge.

“Predictability is essential for both passengers and travel agencies. Those who have already paid must have the assurance that their proof of payment will be accepted, and those who booked before the change came into force should not be penalised by a subsequent alteration of conditions,” Quintas said.

According to the association, the fee applicable to passengers subject to payment has risen from €30.83 to €39.90 per person. In practice, ANAV notes, the change represents an increase of €9.07 per passenger.

The association also flagged costs associated with the mandatory pre-registration requirement, noting that when a passenger fails to present a valid pre-registration, a surcharge of €30 may be applied.

When this amount is added to the new Airport Security Fee, the total charge per person can reach €70.74.

To prevent errors in completing or validating the pre-registration from resulting in costs of this magnitude, ANAV is requesting that the EASE platform provide clearer instructions and a procedure allowing passengers to identify and correct any inaccuracies before departure.

“A problem with the pre-registration should not mean that a passenger who tried to complete the formalities in advance ends up facing a charge of over €70,” Quintas said.

The association further argues that all information on procedures and fees should be available at border posts and communicated clearly to travel agencies, enabling them to inform their clients in advance.