MAIN PAGE UPDATED MONTHLY

It has recently been reported by the Cape Verdean news agency A Semana, that it is to become more difficult for Cape Verdeans to obtain a visa for enrty inyo the United Kingdom

The usual method for Cape Verdeans applying for a visa was via the British embassy based in Dakar, Senegal as there isn't an embassy in Cape Verde. However, this has recently changed with the applicants having to now travel to the consulate in the Gambian city of Banjul. Those unable to travel to Banjul are still able to apply in Dakar, but their documents are then sent on to the Gambia to be processed,which it is said would slow the whole process.

Some believe that the procedure has become more difficult following the incident earlier this year of British film maker Graham Hughes, who along with 10 Senegalese fishermen was arrested for entering Cape Verde without a visa. However, whether the British government would make such changes ust because of what could be considered a minor incident of the scale of things, could be argued to be highly unlikely.

A source at the UK consulate told A Semana, 'It’s not true that things became more difficult after this incident. The problem is that the visas are now granted in Banjul because the British government decided to centralize its services. But the centralization of procedures happened quite some time ago.'

For those applying in Banjul, the turnaround time could be as quick as 2 days. However, for first time applicants this could take up to 2 weeks and includes an interview at the embassy in the Gambia.

It's that time of year again when Cape Verdeans across the world will be celebrating Independence Day.

For those of you in London, the Festa da Independencia de Cabo Verde will be taking place on July 4th at Bar Monastery - 329 Romford Road E7, from11pm til late. Tickets start from £12.

There is also a football tournament during the day for male, female and children's teams.

This will take place at Maiville Primary School, Leytonstone E11 4PZ

CLICK HERE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH OTHERS IN THE CAPE VERDE COMMUNITY

SINCE THIS WEBSITE WAS LAUNCHED IN JANUARY 2006, WE HAVE HAD