Cape Verde Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Cape Verde trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Cape Verde is one of Africa's safest tourist destinations with low violent crime rates in tourist areas. Exercise standard urban precautions against petty theft in Praia and Sucupira Market, and respect the ocean's powerful Atlantic currents which pose the greatest physical danger to visitors.
Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, offering year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and vibrant Creole culture. This Atlantic paradise blends African rhythms with Portuguese heritage, creating unique experiences from windswept dunes to dramatic mountain hikes.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal precautions. Tourist areas on Sal, Boa Vista, and São Vicente are generally safe day and night. Praia requires slightly more awareness after dark near the port and in non-tourist neighborhoods.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Cape Verde has a Level 1 travel advisory. Exercise normal precautions. Crime exists but violent crime targeting tourists is uncommon.
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
No specific regional travel advisories for Cape Verde. Normal travel precautions apply. Ocean safety is the primary concern highlighted.
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.
Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging
Unofficial taxi drivers at airports and tourist areas charge 3-5x the legitimate fare. Particularly common at Amílcar Cabral Airport (Sal) arrival area.
Beach Vendor Persistence
Beach vendors in Santa Maria can be extremely persistent with sunglasses, bracelets, and hair braiding. Prices are often inflated 3-5x for tourists.
Fake Tours and Excursions
Informal tour operators around Santa Maria beach sell excursions that turn out to be substandard or non-existent versions of what was promised.
Short-Changing at Markets
Rapid transactions at busy markets sometimes result in incorrect change given to tourists, whether accidentally or deliberately.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Watch for pickpockets in Praia, Sal, and Boa Vista tourist areas
Avoid poorly lit areas at night, especially when traveling alone
Be cautious of strong ocean currents and undertow when swimming
Keep valuables secure in hotel safes
Sandstorms can occur December-February, potentially disrupting flights
Complete the mandatory EASE pre-registration online at least 5 days before arrival - fines apply and you may be denied boarding without it
Register your trip with your home country's embassy before arriving; the US STEP program alerts you to emergencies and assists with evacuations
Tap water is not potable on any Cape Verde island - drink only bottled water and avoid ice in local establishments without tourist certification
Only use licensed taxis displaying official identification; always agree on fares before departure as most taxis lack meters and tourist overcharging is common
Ocean currents are deceptively strong on Atlantic-facing beaches - swim only in designated areas with lifeguard presence
Healthcare facilities are limited outside Praia and Sal; travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for visits to remote islands
The Harmattan wind (bruma seca) blows Saharan dust December-March, reducing visibility and disrupting flights - build flexibility into travel plans
Drug trafficking penalties are severe; possession of any illegal substance results in mandatory imprisonment under Cape Verdean law
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Cape Verde is generally excellent for solo travel with the islands' open and friendly culture making it easy to meet people. Tourist areas on Sal, Boa Vista, and São Vicente are safe for solo travelers of all genders. Praia requires slightly more awareness after dark — use taxis rather than walking in unfamiliar areas at night. The greatest risks are practical: ocean currents, sun exposure, and transport rather than personal safety.
Female Travelers
Cape Verde is considered relatively safe for solo female travelers by African standards. Santa Maria, Mindelo, and tourist Boa Vista areas are comfortable day and night. Some unwanted attention and catcalling possible in Praia and local areas — respond with confident disengagement. Avoid isolated beaches alone, particularly after dark. The same precautions sensible in Southern European beach resorts apply here.
Families
Cape Verde is an excellent family destination with the resort islands of Sal and Boa Vista particularly family-friendly. Ocean swimming requires supervision — Atlantic currents are powerful even on calm-looking days. Stick to protected bays and lagoons for young children. Resort beaches have lifeguard presence in peak season. Medical facilities on Sal are adequate for common issues but serious pediatric care requires evacuation.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Cape Verde and not criminalized. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention outside of tourist areas as Cape Verdean society remains socially conservative on LGBTQ+ issues. Mindelo has the most open and cosmopolitan atmosphere with no reported incidents of harassment of LGBTQ+ tourists. Resort areas are generally accepting and staff well-trained to receive all guests equally.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Consult doctor 6-8 weeks before travel.
Water Safety
Not safe to drink on any Cape Verde island. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Bottled water widely available ($1-2 per 1.5L). Ice in tourist establishments usually safe. Avoid ice in local cafes without tourist certification.
Food Safety
Food safety generally good at tourist restaurants. Petty GI issues possible from street food — start cautiously. Sunburn and heat exhaustion are the most common tourist health problems. Apply SPF 50+ frequently as trade winds mask the intensity of equatorial sun.
Medical Facilities
Hospitals in Praia (Hospital Agostinho Neto) and Mindelo (Hospital Baptista de Sousa) provide basic care. Sal has a smaller health center adequate for routine issues. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to Portugal or Canary Islands — comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
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 Cape Verde
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide