Cape Verde

Recommended Vaccinations For Cape Verde

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities and who may have direct contact with bats.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

**There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.**

Recommended Medications For Cape Verde

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malaria medications (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) are recommended for the city of Praia. Precautions to avoid mosquito bites during August through November are recommended for visitors to other islands.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Cape Verde

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Cape Verde through contaminated food or water.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Cape Verde.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in Cape Verde.

For Some Travellers

African Tick Bite Fever

Sporadic cases and outbreaks of this disease may occur in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Cape Verde in bats. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) are at higher risk.

Yellow Fever

**There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.**

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Cape Verde, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Cape Verde. Travellers to Cape Verde are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Safety & Security in Cape Verde

Personal Safety

Cape Verde maintains a generally low crime rate compared to other African nations. Petty theft including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and burglary occurs most frequently in Praia (the capital on Santiago), Mindelo (São Vicente), and the tourist islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Crowded areas like markets, festivals, beaches, and public gatherings attract opportunistic thieves. Muggings have been reported at night and in isolated areas, with perpetrators often operating in groups. Drug penalties are severe, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. Some areas lack street lighting, and power outages can darken entire neighborhoods. Hillside staircases connecting neighborhoods in Praia and other cities are known hotspots where criminals target isolated individuals. Avoid using these stairways alone or at night. Beach theft occurs in tourist areas like Santa Maria, where thieves wander near hotels looking for unattended belongings. Robbery incidents have been reported after ATM withdrawals, so be cautious when accessing cash. Sexual assaults are rare but have been reported. Violent crime including armed robbery and assault occurs in Praia specifically, though overall levels remain lower than in many destinations. Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in poorly lit or isolated areas. The islands of Sal and Boa Vista have well-monitored tourist zones with regular police patrols, making them relatively safer than urban centers.

Extreme Violence

Cape Verde has no recent history of terrorism, though attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. The country maintains one of the lowest security threat levels in Africa, with a stable democratic system and peaceful political transitions. Organized crime exists primarily related to Cape Verde’s role as a transit point for cocaine trafficking between South America and Europe. Street gangs operate in peripheral neighborhoods of Praia, engaging in robbery, theft, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking. Urban violence is attributed to youth gangs known as ‘thugs’, though these activities rarely target tourists directly. Some deportees with ties to American and European criminal organizations have become involved in drug smuggling on the islands. Most violent crime is domestic in nature, with assaults by spouses and partners against women being common. Drug trafficking has increased as cartels use Cape Verde as a gateway to Europe and Africa. Severe penalties exist for drug possession, use, or trafficking. Travelers have been arrested for carrying unlabeled medications. The terrorism threat remains low, with no significant incidents recorded. Cape Verde’s security threats index scored 3.9 out of 10 in 2024, below the world average of 4.87, indicating relatively low overall security concerns. The country’s well-developed democratic institutions and political stability contribute to this favorable security environment.

Political Unrest

Cape Verde ranks as a stable democracy with competitive elections and regular peaceful transfers of power between the two main parties, the African Party of Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) and the Movement for Democracy (MpD). The country has maintained democratic governance since its first multiparty elections in 1991. Political stability scores consistently rank Cape Verde highly among African nations, with a 2023 political stability index of 0.9 points, well above the world average. Public demonstrations are rare but can occasionally occur. While peaceful, there is always the possibility that protests could turn violent or cause traffic congestion. Visitors should avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings take place and monitor local media for information on ongoing events. The country has no history of coups, military intervention, or significant political violence. Freedom of assembly is legally guaranteed and generally observed in practice. Civil liberties are protected, with freedom of expression, press freedom, and rule of law respected by the state. The risk of social unrest remains very low, with strong institutional frameworks managing any disputes. Electoral processes are considered free and fair, with the National Elections Commission regarded as impartial. Opposition parties have realistic opportunities to gain power through elections. The next parliamentary election is scheduled for 2026, and while political differentiation may increase during campaign periods, no significant instability is anticipated. Cape Verde’s commitment to good governance and professional civil service has ensured smooth alternations of power between parties.

Areas To Avoid

Praia (the capital on Santiago) experiences higher crime levels than other areas, particularly violent crime such as burglary, armed robbery, and assault. The Sucupira Market in Praia is a major theft hotspot. Hillside staircases throughout Praia and other towns are dangerous even in daylight, as criminals use them to prey on isolated individuals. Avoid using these stairways alone or at night. Certain peripheral neighborhoods in Praia have gang activity, though this rarely affects tourists. Mindelo (São Vicente) has experienced pickpocketing and purse snatching in crowded areas, especially during festivals and street fairs. While tourist areas in Mindelo are generally secure, be vigilant in less-monitored zones. The islands of Sal and Boa Vista see petty crime in tourist areas, particularly on crowded beaches like Santa Maria. However, these islands have well-supervised resort areas with regular police presence, making them relatively safer overall. The islands of Brava and Fogo experience occasional seismic activity and tremors. Check with travel providers before visiting these islands. Sea travel to Brava and Fogo can be treacherous, with dangerous conditions frequently disrupting ferry services. Seek local advice before sailing to these islands. Isolated and poorly lit areas across all islands pose risks, particularly after dark. Many public areas lack adequate lighting, and power outages can affect entire neighborhoods. Remote beaches without lifeguard supervision carry risks from strong currents and powerful waves.