Cape Verde

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Petty theft and bag snatching are frequent in crowded areas — thieves target tourists for cell phones, cameras, and passports, often working in coordinated groups.

Prepare: Keep passport and valuables in a secure place, avoid displaying expensive items or jewelry, and carry minimal cash.

• Violent crime occurs frequently, especially after dark and in isolated areas — assaults and sexual assaults have been reported; home and sailboat burglaries also occur.

Prepare: Never travel alone at night, keep doors and windows locked, stay aware of people behind you, and bring a flashlight if you must go out.

• High-crime zones on Santiago island (Praia and Fazenda) and hillside staircases in towns — criminals use poorly lit staircases to target isolated individuals.

Prepare: Avoid using hillside staircases alone or at night; use main streets and travel with others in groups.

• Demonstrations can occur and may turn violent with little warning — they disrupt traffic and public transportation.

Prepare: Monitor local media, avoid large gatherings, and follow local authority instructions immediately.

HEALTH

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, meningococcal, seasonal flu) must be current — these are standard protection everywhere.

Prepare: Review your immunization record with a healthcare provider at least 6 weeks before travel.

• Yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for Cape Verde itself, but proof of vaccination is required if arriving from countries where yellow fever occurs — check your last destination.

Prepare: Confirm your departure origin with a travel health clinic; if required, obtain vaccination at a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre before travel.

• Hepatitis B risk exists and vaccination is recommended — the virus spreads through exposure to blood and body fluids (sexual contact, medical treatment, shared needles, tattoos).

Prepare: Discuss hepatitis B vaccination with a travel health provider; consider it especially if you may need medical care or plan any body modification.

• Rabies is present in wildlife, including bats — the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Prepare: If bitten or scratched by any animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek medical care urgently; keep records of any treatment received.

• Measles immunity should be verified — measles cases have been reported.

Prepare: Confirm you have received two MMR doses or are immune; consider a booster if travel is imminent.

• Quality of local medical care is limited — medications, blood products, and advanced services may not be available.

Prepare: Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering evacuation and medical repatriation; bring a personal medical kit with antibiotics, antihistamines, pain relievers, and any prescription medications.

VISA & ENTRY

• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is mandatory for all Canadian tourists and business travelers — valid for one year or until passport change.

Prepare: Complete the pre-registration form on the Government of Cabo Verde's EASE platform and pay the airport security fee at least 5 days before departure.

• No tourist visa required for stays up to 30 days if you have an ETA — business, work, and student visas require separate applications through Cabo Verde's authorities.

Prepare: Confirm your trip purpose; apply for the appropriate visa category if staying longer or for non-tourist activities.

• Passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay — no grace period.

Prepare: Check your passport expiry date now; renew if it expires within 6 months of your planned return.

• If traveling with an "X" gender identifier, verify recognition with Cabo Verde authorities before departure — their systems may not recognize this marker and you may be asked to declare sex/gender as male or female.

Prepare: Contact the Cabo Verde consulate in Canada or check the EASE platform for current gender identifier policies.

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

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Sexual orientation and gender identity are not criminalized, but discrimination and harassment can occur — women and individuals with non-conforming gender expression have reported verbal abuse and harassment.

Prepare: Report any harassment immediately to local police and the nearest Canadian office; maintain low visibility if traveling alone as a woman or LGBTQ+ person.

• Drinking and driving is common and particularly dangerous on Sundays and holidays — avoid being on the road during these peak times if possible.

Prepare: Do not drive after dark; use registered taxis or hire a driver through your hotel; never ride with drivers who have consumed alcohol.

• Specific drug, alcohol, photography, and dress codes are not detailed in official travel advisories — treat Cape Verde as a conservative, Portuguese-speaking society.

Prepare: Dress modestly, avoid photographing people without consent, and assume stricter social norms than Canada; ask locals before photographing religious sites or ceremonies.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE); US dollars and euros are widely accepted in tourist areas — ATMs are available in major towns but may be unreliable during power outages.

Prepare: Carry cash in multiple denominations and small bills for markets; inform your bank of travel dates to prevent card blocks.

• Power outlets are 220V, 50Hz with European two-round-pin plugs (Type C) — power outages occur regularly and are unpredictable.

Prepare: Bring a voltage converter and universal adapter; carry a power bank and extra chargers for phones and essential devices.

• SIM cards and mobile networks are available; eSIM adoption is limited — internet is generally available in towns but slow and unreliable.

Prepare: Purchase a local SIM card at the airport or in town; consider offline maps and download important information before arrival; expect connectivity delays.

• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service — round up bills or offer 5–10% in restaurants.

Prepare: Carry small cash denominations for tips; confirm whether your accommodation accepts tips in cash or card.

• Road safety is poor due to narrow cobblestone roads, poor maintenance, and reckless driving — no roadside emergency assistance exists.

Prepare: Avoid driving after dark; use registered taxis or hire a driver; always keep doors locked; inform someone of your itinerary; carry a charged cell phone and emergency numbers.

• Public transportation is unreliable and accidents are common — buses and shared commuter vans have poor safety records.

Prepare: Only use officially registered taxis (tan/cream-colored except on Sal and Boa Vista where they are blue/yellow); book through your hotel; confirm the driver's identity and license plate before entering.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Dry season is November to June; rainy season is July to October — the best time to visit is December to March (warm, dry, minimal wind).

Prepare: Plan your visit for December–March to avoid heavy rain, rough seas, and muddy roads; pack light, breathable clothing.

• Rainy season brings heavy rainfall, slippery roads, muddy conditions, rockslides, and flooded bridges — certain roads become impassable.

Prepare: Avoid traveling during July–October; if you must travel then, check road conditions daily and avoid mountainous or rural routes.

• Strong winds and ocean currents are hazardous year-round — several drownings occur annually, especially in Praia and on Sal island.

Prepare: Respect warning flags on beaches, never swim alone, avoid beaches during poor weather forecasts, and maintain distance from boats and restricted areas.

TOP SIGHTS

• Pico do Fogo volcano (Fogo Island) — challenging high-altitude hike with panoramic views; requires excellent physical fitness and experienced guide.

• Beaches on Sal Island (Santa Maria and Pedra Lume) — turquoise water and calm conditions for swimming and water sports; respect designated swim areas and heed warning flags.

• Cidade Velha (Santiago Island) — UNESCO World Heritage town with colonial architecture and historical significance; oldest European settlement in the tropics.

• Tarrafal Beach (Santiago Island) — white sand and calm waters suitable for relaxation; avoid water activities during high winds or rough sea conditions.

• Mindelo (São Vicente Island) — vibrant cultural hub with music, markets, and coastal views; watch for pickpocketing in outdoor markets and street fairs.

WHERE TO STAY

Praia (Santiago Island)

• Plateau (Central Praia) — walkable, well-lit main business district with restaurants, shops, and hotel options; avoid hillside staircases and stay aware of surroundings in markets, especially at night.
• Achada Santo António — quieter residential area with mid-range accommodations; safer than central Praia but less convenient for dining and entertainment.

Mindelo (São Vicente Island)

• Centro (Central Mindelo) — lively downtown with waterfront promenade, restaurants, and cultural venues; pickpocketing occurs in outdoor markets and crowded areas—keep valuables secure.
• Beach Areas (Santa Maria) — coastal neighborhood with beach access and tourist-oriented services; generally safer and more tourist-friendly than central Mindelo.

Santa Maria (Sal Island)

• Resort Zone — concentrated tourist infrastructure with hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs; safest area on the island with good security and reliable services.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy (Praia, Santiago Island): +238 260-61-21 (main switchboard; consular emergencies available 24/7)

Prepare: Save this number in your phone and keep a written copy; register with the Government of Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service before travel.

• Local Police (non-emergency): 130
• Ambulance/Medical Emergency: 131

Prepare: Write these numbers on paper and keep them accessible; obtain travel insurance with 24/7 emergency support.

• Government of Canada Emergency Line (from Canada): 1-800-387-3124

Prepare: Save this number; it connects you to duty officers who can assist with lost documents, criminal victimization, or family emergencies.

• Sexual Assault or Crime Reporting: Contact local police (130) immediately and notify the Canadian Embassy.

Prepare: Keep the embassy contact number readily available; know the locations of nearby police stations in your area.