Praia, Jan. 27, 2026 (Lusa) - Cabo Verdeans with different responsibilities interviewed on Tuesday by Lusa say that the restrictions imposed by the US on Cabo Verde for issuing visas will make it difficult to connect to one of the largest destinations of the diaspora.
"We already had plans for a charter flight" to support the Cabo Verde team at the World Cup in the US in June, "but with these measures, it will not be possible to do so," said Marvela Rodrigues, president of the Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies.
The requirement for deposits for business or tourist visas, as well as the suspension of the issuance of emigration visas, came into effect on Wednesday, and she predicts a negative impact on travel.
These measures harm "those who have the American dream," said Carlos Silva, executive secretary of the Cabo Verdean Association of Brockton, home to a large community on the outskirts of Boston.
Those who wish to visit the United States "are limited" because few can afford to pay a bond of up to US$15,000 (€12,876), he said.
The association is advising fellow citizens who have questions and meeting with other civic organisations, churches, associations and the Cabo Verde consulate in Massachusetts to gather as much information as possible.
Carlos Silva believes that the measures affect Cabo Verde in several ways - economically, socially and culturally - and could cause "a turnaround" in many lives.
On the other hand, and in line with the opinion of the Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies, the association regrets that the restrictions come at the same time as the archipelago's participation in the World Cup.
"It would be a dream for many to be able to watch or participate in the games, but with these new rules, everything will change," he said.
"We don't know if there will be other measures. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare the community for new challenges and alert everyone to invest in Cabo Verde," he said.
Cabo Verdean sociologist Henrique Varela told Lusa, in the capital city of Praia, that these measures could cause frustration for those who have always dreamed of a better life in the US or of joining family members who already live there.
"It may be a way for Cabo Verdeans to realise that there are opportunities in other countries with less bureaucracy. Nowadays, the world presents various concerns and it is natural for demands to arise in relation to mobility," he said.
He added that the "American dream remains," but now requires more time, resources, and perseverance, and that in the medium term, "there may be a slight decrease" in visa applications.
The US justifies the measures to ensure that visitors do not overstay their visas or that those who emigrate to the country do not become a "public burden."
The Cabo Verde government considered the consequences to be serious.
"In the space of 15 days, the current US administration has taken two decisions that seriously affect Cabo Verdean citizens in their expectations of mobility between the two countries," said Cabo Verde's minister of foreign affairs, José Luís Livramento, on 15 January.
The minister recalled that US legislation already required applicants for permanent residence to provide evidence that they would not be a burden, as well as to undergo a medical examination by a specialist approved by the embassy.
"Now there are new requirements, policies and regulations," he said, noting that the Cabo Verde government will work with the United States to restore normal mobility as soon as possible.
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