EasyJet has issued a fresh travel warning to British holidaymakers heading to Cape Verde this summer, alerting passengers to a new entry requirement that will see those who fail to complete the correct paperwork in advance face higher costs at the airport from next month.
The airline confirmed on its website that an EASE — a Traveller Entry form combined with an airport tax payment — may now be required for anyone travelling to the popular West African island destination. “An EASE may now be required for travel to Cape Verde. You may now need to fill out a Traveller Entry form and pay an airport tax before you travel to Cape Verde,” easyJet said. “From 1 July, if you arrive without completing your EASE and payment in advance, you’ll need to pay a higher fee at the airport. Previously, the cost was the same whether you paid before travel or on arrival.”
Cape Verde, located off the west coast of Africa, has become an increasingly popular destination for British travellers thanks to its year-round sunshine, beaches and relatively short flight time of around six hours from the UK, making it a favourite for both summer and winter sun. Passengers planning a trip are being urged to check the Cape Verde government website to ensure they have the necessary documentation completed before departure.
The warning follows a separate alert issued by easyJet earlier this week regarding travel to Gibraltar, where holidaymakers have been told to allow extra time for both legs of their journey due to new border checks. The advice relates to the Entry/Exit System, a new EU-wide biometric border control measure that requires third-country nationals to provide fingerprints and photographs alongside their passport details when crossing into the EU. The system creates a digital record valid for three years, replacing the traditional practice of stamping passports.
The rollout of the Entry/Exit System has caused significant disruption at airports across Europe, with some passengers reportedly missing flights due to processing delays. In its alert issued on Tuesday 16 June, easyJet said: “Important updates for Gibraltar travel. Entry/Exit System (EES) Border Checks: EES border checks may be carried out for both arrivals and departures at Gibraltar Airport, which could result in longer waiting times when entering or leaving the country. Please allow extra time when planning both legs of your journey.”
