Cape Verde when Portuguese explorers discovered and colonized the islands, establishing the first European settlement in the tropics. Ideally located for the Atlantic slave trade, the islands grew prosperous throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, attracting merchants, privateers, and pirates. The end of slavery in the 19th century led to economic decline and emigration. Cape Verde gradually recovered as an important commercial center and stopover for shipping routes. Incorporated as an overseas department of Portugal in 1951, the islands continued to campaign for independence, which was peacefully achieved in 1975. Since the early 1990s, Cape Verde has been a stable representative democracy,
Visa policy of Cape Verde Visa policy of Cape Verde Visitors to Cape Verde must obtain a visa to enter, unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries, which are mostly in Africa. Visas may be obtained in advance from a Cape Verde embassy or consulate, or in person upon arrival at any of the international airports. Citizens of the following 21 countries and territories can visit Cape Verde without a visa: A visa is not required for holders of diplomatic or service passports. A visa is not required for former citizens of Cape Verde and their spouses and children. Cape Verde has announced