Security travel advice for Cape Verde

How Safe is Cape Verde?

Threat level: Low
Cape Verde is a relatively safe country; the crime rates are low and mostly consist of infrequent petty crime. There is also a low threat of terror - tourists should be aware that there is a globally heightened terror threat, which especially applies to travellers from western nations. The general travel advice for Cape Verde is to be vigilant and take the recommended security precautions to avoid petty crime.

Acts such as pickpocketing or purse snatching is common in some areas of Praia and Mindelo. Although this does not represent a huge risk, you should be alert at all times and avoid travelling alone at night. Tourists are often targeted by pick pockets because of their perceived wealth; avoid carrying large sums of cash and wearing expensive jewellery. In some isolated cases, people have also been robbed after using an ATM machine.

Isolated cases of sexual assault have been reported, incidents like these are very rare and are not thought to be specifically aimed at foreign nationals. Basic precautions such as being cautious of strangers buying you drinks and not leaving your drink unattended will help to ensure a trouble-free visit.

Passengers departing from Boa Vista airport should carry any valuables in hand luggage as an increase of theft and loss of items from checked luggage has been noted.

COVID-19 Situation in Cape Verde

There are reported cases of coronavirus in Cape Verde and as a result of this, the country has declared a state of calamity in the islands of Santiago and Fogo and other islands in the Cape Verde archipelago are in a state of contingency.

However, air and sea borders remain open but international travellers must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to travelling.

To tackle the spread of the virus, measures have been implemented: the use of face masks has been made compulsory in enclosed public places and outdoor when social distancing rules cannot be applied, recreational and entertainment venues have been closed, and private gatherings are limited to 10 people. Further to this, restaurants, cafes and bars that sell alcohol must close at 21:00 and others remain open until 23:00, and hospitality venues as well as shops must respect rules on maximum occupancy. Besides, the beach is open between 6:00 and 10:00, as well as 12:00 and 15:00.

Cape Verde's International Relations

Cape Verde is a former Portuguese colony and has been independent since 1975. The United States provided emergency humanitarian aid and economic assistance to Cape Verde in the 1970s, immediately following Cape Verde's independence, and as such the two countries have a strong diplomatic relationship.

Travelling around Cape Verde

You can drive in Cape Verde with most national driving licences including from the EU, UK and US. The road conditions are quite good as they are not heavily used by local citizens. Hiring a car is relatively easy, however, you may be asked to provide your passport as a deposit. You should avoid handing this over at all costs.

The rainy season runs from August to mid October, prolonged periods of rainfall can cause landslides, which may render some of the roads impassable. Monitor the local news and weather forecast for updated travel warnings to avoid getting caught up in severe weather conditions.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Cape Verde

Police emergency:132
Fire emergency:131
Medical emergency: 130

Cape Verde Overview

Capital: Praia
Official languages: Portuguese
Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic)
Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)

Consular information for Cape Verde

U.S. Embassy Praia
Rua Abilio Macedo 6
Caixa Postal 201
Praia
Cape Verde
Telephone: +238 260 89 00
Telephone: +238 991 33 25 (Out of hours)

British Embassy Cape Verde
There is no British Embassy in Cape Verde. If you need consular assistance contact the British Embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
British Embassy Dakar
BP 6025
Dakar
Senegal
Telephone: +221 33 823 73 92
Email: britembe@orange.sn

Visa requirements for Cape Verde

A visa isn't required to enter Cape Verde for stays of up to 30 days, but Cape Verde authorities need to be notified prior to your visit via their online system for Cape Verde travel registration.

Ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of Entry into Cape Verde.

Health Care and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Cape Verde are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is recommended for most travellers to also get a Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations.

Although there is no risk of Yellow Fever in Cape Verde, if you are arriving from a country where there is a risk of Yellow Fever, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will have to provide a certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Although the risk of contracting Malaria is low in Cape Verde, the risk is higher in the city of Praia, so those travelling to this city that are at higher risk of malaria (pregnant women, children, elderly people) are recommended to take antimalarials.

There is a moderate risk of Zika virus transmission and a low risk of contracting Dengue virus. There is no vaccine or medicine to cure these viruses, so great care and caution must be taken. This can include measures such as using a mosquito net at night time and frequently applying insect repellent. You can find more information on the Zika virus and how to prevent mosquito bites here: Zika virus facts. Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable.

The largest hospitals are in Praia and Mindelo, with smaller medical facilities and clinics located throughout the country. Medical facilities are very limited in Boavista so you should take this into consideration when travelling to this area: ensure you have adequate supplies of medication if necessary.

The islands of Brava and Santo Antão no longer have functioning airports, so air evacuation in the event of a medical emergency is nearly impossible from these two islands.