Cabo Verde

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Violent crime occurs frequently, especially at night, in isolated areas, and in poorly lit neighborhoods; burglaries, assaults, and sexual assaults are reported.

Prepare: Avoid all solo travel after dark; stay in well-populated, lit areas; keep doors and windows locked; carry a flashlight if you go out in evening.

• Petty theft is extremely common in crowded public spaces: outdoor markets (especially Praia and Mindelo), festivals, street fairs, and hillside staircases connecting neighborhoods.

Prepare: Leave passport and expensive items in hotel safe; carry only small amounts of cash; use crossbody bags worn in front; watch for distraction tactics (groups working together to steal).

• Santiago island, especially Praia and Fazenda, and areas on São Vicente (Mindelo) have higher crime rates than elsewhere.

Prepare: If visiting these islands, plan daytime activities only; use hotel-arranged taxis; confirm driver identity and license plate before entering taxi; do not share rides with strangers.

• Hillside staircases in towns (including Praia) are used by criminals to target isolated individuals.

Prepare: Never use staircases alone or at night; ask hotel staff for safe routes between neighborhoods.

• Demonstrations may occur and can turn violent unpredictably, disrupting traffic and transport.

Prepare: Monitor local media and avoid large gatherings; follow instructions of local authorities.

• Women face harassment and verbal abuse; sexual assault is a reported risk.

Prepare: Report any incident immediately to local police and the nearest Canadian government office.

HEALTH

• Hepatitis A is present — transmission via contaminated food, water, or close physical contact.

Prepare: Vaccination is recommended for all travelers; practice safe food and water precautions; wash hands often before eating.

• Hepatitis B is a risk — transmission through blood and bodily fluids; higher risk if exposed through sexual contact, medical treatment, tattoos, or acupuncture.

Prepare: Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travelers; use only new and sterile equipment for any piercing or tattoo; practice safe sex.

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, meningococcal, seasonal flu) must be up-to-date before any international travel.

Prepare: Contact a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure to review your immunization record and receive any boosters.

• Measles is circulating — spreads through the air and stays airborne up to 2 hours; direct contact or contaminated surfaces also transmit it.

Prepare: Confirm you have two documented doses of MMR vaccine or proof of measles immunity; if you have fever or respiratory symptoms, wear a mask around others.

• Seasonal influenza circulates year-round in the tropics; get flu vaccine at least 2 weeks before departure.

Prepare: Book flu shot 2–3 weeks before travel.

• COVID-19 remains a risk; vaccination is the primary protection against severe illness.

Prepare: Discuss COVID-19 vaccination status with your healthcare provider before travel; maintain personal protective measures (masks, hand hygiene) if needed.

• Ebola disease outbreak detected in the region — entry restrictions and health screening measures may apply; suspected symptoms may result in isolation, quarantine, or travel restrictions.

Prepare: Contact the Cabo Verde government authorities and your airline before departure to understand current entry screening and health declaration requirements; monitor official updates from Government of Canada before travel.

• Medical care quality is limited — private medical facilities exist in larger towns but public healthcare infrastructure is basic.

Prepare: Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that covers emergency evacuation; carry a basic medical kit (pain relievers, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal medication, antibacterial cream, bandages).

VISA & ENTRY

• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is mandatory for Canadian citizens entering Cabo Verde for tourism or business.

Prepare: Apply online on the Government of Cabo Verde's EASE platform at least 5 days before arrival; pay the airport security fee during online registration.

• Tourist visa is not required for stays up to 30 days after ETA approval; business, work, and student visas require separate application.

Prepare: If staying longer than 30 days or for non-tourism purposes, apply for the appropriate visa through the Government of Cabo Verde before traveling.

• Passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay; no minimum validity grace period is specified, so ensure it does not expire before you return to Canada.

Prepare: Check your passport expiration date; if it expires within 6 months, renew it before booking travel.

• Passport gender identifier "X" may not be recognized by Cabo Verde entry systems; you may be asked to declare sex/gender as male or female on entry forms.

Prepare: If you carry an "X" identifier, contact the Cabo Verde government or your airline in advance to clarify entry procedures.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• No specific drug, alcohol, or dress restrictions are noted in the advisory, but Cabo Verde is a conservative, primarily Catholic society.

Prepare: Dress modestly, especially in villages and religious sites; avoid public intoxication; do not assume Western social norms apply.

• Photography restrictions are not detailed, but it is customary to ask permission before photographing people or in sensitive areas.

Prepare: Ask before photographing locals; respect if someone declines.

• LGBTQ+ entry and stay information is not specified in the advisory; consult the closest Cabo Verde foreign representative for clarification on legal protections or restrictions.

Prepare: Contact the Cabo Verde embassy or consulate in Canada to understand current legal status and safety considerations for LGBTQ+ travelers before departure.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Escudo Caboverdiano (CVE); euros are widely accepted in tourist areas but exchange rates may be unfavorable.

Prepare: Carry a mix of CVE (obtained in Canada or at airport exchange) and a credit card; use ATMs in cities to withdraw local currency; avoid changing money on the street.

• Power outages occur regularly and can affect flights, public water supply, and basic services; not all buildings have generators.

Prepare: Keep supplies of water, food, fuel, and an emergency kit on hand; monitor local media; charge devices before leaving your accommodation.

• Electrical outlets are typically European two-round-pin (Type C/E/F); voltage is 230V / 50Hz.

Prepare: Bring a compatible power adapter and consider a voltage converter if your device requires 110V.

• Mobile SIM cards and eSIM are available from local carriers (primarily Unitel and CV Telecom); data coverage is reasonable in cities but unreliable in rural areas.

Prepare: Purchase a local SIM or activate an eSIM upon arrival; confirm roaming rates with your home carrier if planning to use it; download maps offline before traveling to remote areas.

• Internet access is available in hotels, cafés, and tourist areas but speeds can be slow.

Prepare: Do not rely on internet for critical tasks; download offline maps, airline confirmations, and emergency contacts before travel.

• Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service; 5–10% in restaurants is standard.

Prepare: Carry small bills for tipping; do not feel pressured to tip if service is poor.

• Road safety is poor — narrow, winding, mountainous, and poorly maintained roads; no roadside emergency assistance; drunk driving is common.

Prepare: Avoid driving after dark; if you must drive, plan routes in advance, keep doors and windows locked, carry a charged cell phone and emergency numbers, inform someone of your itinerary.

• Taxis are unreliable late at night or outside city centers; use only officially marked taxis (tan or cream color, except Sal and Boa Vista where they are blue and yellow).

Prepare: Confirm driver identity and license plate; use taxis arranged through your hotel; never share a taxi with strangers; negotiate fare before entering or use a metered taxi if available.

• Public transportation (buses and vans) is unreliable and accidents are common.

Prepare: Avoid public buses if possible; if necessary, travel during daylight hours only; wear a seatbelt.

• Maritime transportation can be dangerous due to sea conditions; seek local advice if planning to sail to Brava or Fogo islands.

Prepare: Consult locals about sea conditions; inform the port of arrival/departure times; tell a friend or family member your itinerary before setting out.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Rainy season (August to October) brings heavy rainfall, slippery and muddy roads, rockslides, and flooding that can destroy road sections and wash out bridges.

Prepare: Avoid driving during the rainy season if possible; monitor weather forecasts; pack waterproof gear and allow extra travel time.

• Harmattan wind (dry season, November to July) is the best time for outdoor activities; temperatures are warm and rainfall is minimal.

Prepare: Plan hiking and water activities during November to July; avoid the rainy season for adventure tourism.

• Strong winds, dangerous currents, powerful waves, and rip tides make swimming and water sports risky in some locations year-round; several drownings occur annually, especially in Praia and Sal.

Prepare: Always swim on supervised beaches; never swim alone; respect warning flags and swimming area boundaries; maintain distance from boats and restricted zones.

TOP SIGHTS

• Pico Grande volcano (island of Fogo) — dramatic volcanic hike with panoramic views; trail is extremely strenuous and requires excellent physical fitness; not suitable for children.

Prepare: Only attempt with an experienced guide; ensure you are in good physical condition; bring plenty of water and proper hiking equipment; monitor weather; share your itinerary with someone before starting.

• Maio island beaches — pristine sandy coastline with minimal development; good for swimming and relaxation compared to busier islands.

• Tarrafal Beach (Santiago) — popular coastal swimming destination; long sandy beach but be aware of strong currents and respect warning flags.

Prepare: Never swim alone; respect designated swimming areas; avoid swimming if weather forecast is poor or warning flags are raised.

• Mindelo waterfront (São Vicente) — colorful colonial architecture and harbor views; cultural hub with restaurants and markets; watch for pickpockets in crowded markets.

Prepare: Keep valuables secure; avoid markets late at night; go with a travel companion if visiting after dark.

• Salt ponds and lagoons (Sal island) — unique natural landscape and salt harvesting tradition; good for photography and understanding local economy.

WHERE TO STAY

Praia (Santiago Island)

• Platô (city center) — central location with restaurants, shops, and government offices; well-lit main streets and higher foot traffic make it safer than outlying areas; watch for pickpockets in crowded markets and avoid hillside staircases alone.
• Achada Santo António — residential neighborhood with some tourist amenities; quieter and slightly safer than Platô but farther from main attractions.

Mindelo (São Vicente Island)

• City Center (Rua Libertadores d'Africa area) — main commercial and cultural district with colonial architecture, restaurants, and harbor views; busy during day, well-lit in some sections but still watch for petty theft in outdoor markets.
• Morro — hillside neighborhood with ocean views; quieter and more residential but avoid alone at night due to poorly lit staircases and isolated areas.

Santa Maria (Sal Island)

• Santa Maria town center — small, quieter than Praia; beachfront location with tourism infrastructure (hotels, restaurants); generally safer due to smaller scale and tourism police presence.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Cabo Verde: Does not maintain a full embassy; consular services are handled by the Canadian Embassy in Senegal (Dakar). Contact: +221 33 889-6200 or after-hours emergency: +1-613-944-8200.

Prepare: Save the Senegal embassy number and the Government of Canada 24/7 emergency line; register with Global Affairs Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service before departure.

• Local emergency numbers:
• Police (PSP): 130 or 132
• Ambulance (Cruz Vermelha / Red Crescent): 130 or +238 260-77-00

• Government of Canada 24/7 Emergency Line (from anywhere in the world): +1-613-944-8200 or 1-800-387-3124 (from Canada).

Prepare: Save both numbers in your phone; contact this line if you face a life-threatening emergency or need consular assistance abroad.

• Register with Global Affairs Canada at travel.gc.ca before departure so the government can contact you in a crisis.