Cabo Verde Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Cabo Verde trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Cabo Verde is one of Africa's safest destinations with a stable democratic government, low crime rates compared to neighboring West African countries, and no recent political unrest. The main risks are petty theft in urban areas (particularly Praia's Plateau district), ocean hazards including strong currents and riptides, and health risks from extreme UV radiation and unsafe tap water.
Cabo Verde is a stunning archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, offering pristine beaches, vibrant Creole culture, and year-round sunshine. From the windswept dunes of Boa Vista to the lush mountains of Santo Antão, this island nation combines African and Portuguese influences with world-class water sports and authentic island hospitality.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal precautions. US State Department Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). UK FCDO advises normal precautions. No areas under heightened advisory.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Normal safety precautions advised. No elevated risk compared to typical tourist destinations.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Most visits to Cabo Verde are trouble-free. Petty theft and crime do occur, particularly in Praia.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis and some licensed drivers quote prices 3-4x the standard rate to obvious tourists, particularly at airports and outside resorts.
Beach jewelry vendors
Aggressive beach vendors on Santa Maria Beach insist you 'try on' jewelry or bracelets, then demand payment or refuse to remove them until you pay.
Aluguer overcharging
Tourists are sometimes quoted tourist prices (2-3x the local fare) on shared minibuses, especially if they don't know the standard rates between destinations.
Unofficial tour guides
Self-appointed guides at Cidade Velha and other historic sites offer 'free' tours that end with insistent demands for significant payment and make visitors feel unsafe until they pay.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in public areas
Use hotel safes for valuables and important documents
Be cautious when walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas
Roads are often unlit - avoid driving at night if possible
Keep copies of passport and EASE registration confirmation
Register with your country's embassy or consulate upon arrival - Cabo Verde's islands are spread over 400km of ocean and evacuation in an emergency takes longer than on the mainland.
Be aware of strong ocean currents and riptides on windward-facing beaches, especially Santa Maria and Boa Vista's Atlantic-facing shores - only swim where locals confirm it is safe.
Grogue (local sugarcane spirit) is strong (40-50% ABV) and widely available cheaply - drink cautiously to avoid dehydration in the hot sun.
Inter-island ferry cancellations are common due to rough seas, especially November to March - always have flexible travel plans and accommodation booked on destination islands before departing.
Petty theft and bag-snatching occurs in Praia's Plateau district and bus terminals - keep bags in front, avoid displaying phones, and use ATMs inside banks rather than street machines.
The UV index in Cabo Verde is extreme year-round due to Atlantic reflection - apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, wear a hat, and drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
Healthcare facilities are basic on outer islands like Fogo, Brava, and Santo Antao - carry a full first-aid kit and any prescription medications. Praia's Hospital Agostinho Neto is the main regional hospital.
Tap water is not safe to drink on any island - stick to bottled or filtered water and avoid ice in drinks at smaller local establishments.
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Cabo Verde is generally safe for solo travelers. The tourist islands of Sal and Boa Vista are very safe even for solo women. Mindelo on São Vicente is safe and welcoming. Praia requires more caution - stick to the Plateau area and take taxis at night. Be aware of ocean hazards - always swim where locals confirm is safe.
Female Travelers
Cape Verdean culture is respectful toward women overall. Solo female travelers are common and generally treated well. Santa Maria on Sal and Mindelo are safe. Praia's lower city neighborhoods should be avoided at night. At beach bars expect approaches from vendors and male tourists but local men are rarely aggressive. Dress modestly away from beach areas to avoid unwanted attention.
Families
Cabo Verde is excellent for families. The resort beaches on Sal and Boa Vista with shallow, calm waters are ideal for children. All-inclusive resorts provide safe, supervised environments. Key safety points: tap water is not safe for children to drink, UV is extreme (SPF 50+ essential), and ocean currents can be strong even on resort beaches - watch children carefully in the water.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Cabo Verde and the country has relatively tolerant attitudes compared to mainland West African neighbors. There is no formal legal protection against discrimination and no same-sex partnership recognition. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention particularly outside tourist areas. Mindelo is the most socially liberal environment. No incidents of targeted violence are commonly reported.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus-diphtheria), Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Bottled water widely available and inexpensive (€0.50-1 per liter). Hotels may provide filtered water.
Food Safety
Medical Facilities
Pharmacies (Farmácias) available in all main towns
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Cabo Verde
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide