Cabo Verde travel advice

Risk level

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

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Cabo Verde travel advice

Disclaimer

The features in this map do not constitute an authoritative source of geographical information. This map is solely intended to assist Canadians by illustrating the risk levels contained in the Travel Advice and Advisories for this destination. The features in this map do not necessarily represent the views of the Canadian government on international boundaries, nomenclature or political status. The text under the Risk levels section takes precedence over this map.

Safety and security

Crime

Crime occurs across the country. Certain towns and areas experience higher levels of crime than others, particularly on the following islands:

• Santiago, especially in Praia and Fazenda
• Sal
• Maio
• Boa Vista

Many public areas in towns and cities are poorly lit at night. Avoid travelling alone at night and always be aware of your surroundings in poorly lit or isolated areas.

Hillside staircases connect neighbourhoods in many towns, including Praia. Criminals use these staircases to prey on isolated individuals. Avoid using hillside staircases alone or at night.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Thieves target tourists and usually steal cell phones and camera equipment.

Theft notably occurs in crowded public areas such as:

• festivals and street fairs
• beaches
• hillside staircases connecting neighbourhoods
• outdoor markets, especially:
  • on the island of São Vicente, including in Mindelo
  • on the island of Santiago, including in Praia

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• avoid deserted areas at night
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas

Thieves, including children, sometimes work in groups. They may try to distract you and take your attention away from your valuables or belongings.

Lost or stolen belongings abroad

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs frequently, especially at night and in isolated areas.

Incidents include:

• armed robberies
• burglaries of homes and sailboats
• assaults, including sexual assaults

If you’re the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the nearest Government of Canada office.

During your stay:

• always keep doors and windows closed and locked
• always be aware of your surroundings
• avoid isolated areas
• travel in groups
• pay attention to people walking behind you
• do not resist an attack
• be careful at night, never go out alone and bring a flashlight with you

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Harassment

Individuals, including women, have been subject to harassment or verbal abuse.

If you’re the victim of harassment, you should report it immediately to the police and the nearest Government of Canada office.

Advice for women travellers

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous. The trail to the summit of the Pico Grande volcano, on the island of Fogo, requires a very good physical condition and is not suitable for children.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:

• share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone
• stay on marked trails and consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• obtain detailed information on your activity and the environment in which you will be setting out
• buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to these types of recreational activities
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water
• monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards

Water activities

You should be cautious of very strong wind currents, tides, and powerful waves if you intend to participate in water activities such as sailing, surfing and paddleboarding.

Swimming

Strong currents and powerful waves make swimming and water sports dangerous in some locations. Several drownings occur every year, especially in Praia and on the island of Sal.

• Be vigilant on beaches and never swim alone
• Respect the areas reserved for swimming
• Always maintain a safe distance from boats and restricted areas
• Always respect warning flags advising of dangerous conditions
• Avoid beaches and coastal areas if the weather forecast is poor
• Follow the instructions of local authorities 

Power outages

Power outages occur regularly. They could impact essential services, such as:

• public transportation, including flights
• medical services
• the public water supply
• telecommunications
• banking transactions
• the supply of basic necessities

Not all buildings are equipped with generators.

• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel and an emergency kit on hand
• Monitor local media for the latest information

Roads

Road safety

Road safety may vary considerably across the country.

Road conditions

Roads on the islands are narrow and usually paved with cobblestones.

While most main roads have streetlights, they are often affected by power outages.

Driving can also be dangerous due to:

• unpaved roads
• poorly maintained roads
• stray livestock
• narrow, winding and mountainous roads

Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season, with certain roads quickly becoming slippery and muddy. Rockslides could occur. Heavy rainfall can also move vehicles, destroy road sections and wash out bridges.

​Driving habits

Drivers usually respect traffic laws but can be aggressive and reckless. They will often park vehicles in the middle of the road, blocking traffic.

Drinking and driving is common. You should be particularly cautious of drunk driving on Sundays and during holidays.

There is no emergency roadside assistance.

If you choose to drive:

• plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting a rural area
• avoid travelling after dark
• always keep doors and windows closed and locked
• always carry a cell phone and a charger
• keep a list of emergency numbers on hand
• inform a friend or family member of your itinerary

Public transportation

Public transportation services, including buses and commuter vans, are unreliable. Accidents are common.

Taxis

Taxi availability may be limited, especially late at night or outside city centres. Officially registered taxis are tan or cream colour, except on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, where they are blue and yellow.

• Only use officially marked taxis
• Only use reputable taxi companies through establishments such as hotels
• Confirm the driver's identity and licence plate before getting into the car
• Make sure the driver does not pick up other passengers on the way to your destination
• Never share a taxi with strangers

Maritime transportation

Sea conditions can be dangerous.

• Seek advice from locals prior to travel, particularly if you plan to sail to the islands of Brava and Fogo
• Advise local ports of your arrival and departure times
• Inform a friend or family member of your itinerary before you leave

Air travel

We don't make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Cabo Verdean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: required
Work permit: required
Student visa: required

Electronic travel authorization (ETA)

You must have an ETA to enter Cabo Verde for tourism or business. Your ETA is valid for one year or until you change your passport, whichever comes first.

To get an ETA, you must complete an online pre-registration form and pay an airport security fee at least 5 days before you arrive in Cabo Verde. Certain exceptions apply. You should consult the Government of Cabo Verde’s online platform to register and for more information.

Efficient, Automatic and Safe Entry (EASE) – Government of Cabo Verde

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities, including in Praia and Mindelo. There are smaller public facilities and private clinics across the country that can provide basic care. Public facilities may lack medical supplies and equipment.

Emergency and ambulance services are very limited and response times are slow, especially in rural areas. In an emergency, you should consider taking a taxi or a private vehicle to go to the hospital in Praia or Mindelo.

Cabo Verde has no sea rescue or air evacuation services. Medical evacuation between islands is limited. Air evacuation from the islands of Brava and Santo Antão is especially difficult because there are no airports. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Never transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Driving

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Cabo Verde.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Cabo Verde, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Cabo Verde.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Cabo Verde by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Cabo Verde to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Money

The currency of Cabo Verde is the Cabo Verde escudo (CVE).

Some hotels and restaurants in Praia convert U.S. dollars and euros into local currency. Some hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Cabo Verde. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Flooding

The rainy season extends from mid-August to mid-October. It can lead to flooding and landslides.

• Exercise caution, especially on the island of Fogo
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Earthquakes

Cabo Verde is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur occasionally on the islands of Brava, Fogo and Santo Antão.

Latest earthquakes – United States Geological Survey

Volcanoes

Pico do Fogo, an active volcano on the island of Fogo, is at risk of future eruptions.

In the event of a volcanic eruption:

• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

If you are travelling near an active volcano:

• monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media
• pay careful attention to all warnings issued
• follow the advice of local authorities
• be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice

Sandstorms and dust storms

Sandstorms and dust storms may occur at any time, particularly during the months of January and February.

Sand-laden winds can blow at high speeds for days, creating difficult driving conditions. Poor visibility can also affect flights. These storms can cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal for some individuals.

During a storm:

• stay indoors
• keep doors and windows closed
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor local media for the latest information
• keep informed of regional weather forecasts