Cape Verde

Cape Verde

Use Normal Level of Caution
Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following municipalities: São Vicente, Praia, and Santa Cruz

The Republic of Cabo Verde is a group of ten islands and five islets in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal. The government is a republic and has a stable democratic government. A president is chief of state and a prime minister is head of government. The population is about 538,000 people.

In the 15th century, the islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese. Until 1879, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau were ruled by Portugal as a single colony. Cabo Verde gained independence in 1975.

Cabo Verde has few natural resources, and the land is too dry for farming. During the second part of the 20th century, repeated droughts were the cause of about 200,000 deaths, and many Cabo Verdeans left the country. Today there are more expatriates than native-born people. In spite of the difficulties, Cabo Verde is economically and politically stable.

Tourism is a growing industry since travellers can enjoy white sand beaches, diving, sailing, and trekking. Some ecotourism is developing, and the town of Cidade Velha in Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Currency CVE: Cape Verdean escudo
Language Portuguese (official); recognized regional language is Cape Verdean Creole
Capital Praia
Recent Alerts 1
Latest Alert May 31, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Cape Verde (31 May Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Cape Verde. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A

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

Hepatitis B

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

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.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. This country requires all persons 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transiting more than 12 hours through an airport in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

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.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

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.

Malaria

There has been a malaria outbreak in the capital city of Praia and on São Tiago Island. Some authorities, e.g., the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now recommend the use of antimalaria medications for travellers to this city. There is a very low risk of malaria on the islands of Sao Tiago and Boa Vista. Anti-malaria medications are not recommended for visitors to these islands. However, precautions to avoid mosquito bites during August through November are recommended.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in Cape Verde.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

African Tick Bite Fever

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

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Cape Verde.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

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

Hepatitis B Vaccine

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

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 in this country. This country requires all persons 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transiting more than 12 hours through an airport in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies Vaccine

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

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Cape Verde.

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.

Safety and Security in Cape Verde

Emergency Numbers

132
131
130

Personal Safety

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft is common, and violent crime rates are moderate. Avoid isolated and dark areas at night. Travel in groups if possible. Avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash. Exercise caution in crowded areas, especially market areas. Do not use hillside stairways connecting villages as they are often the scenes of assaults.

Sea conditions can be dangerous due to strong currents and waves. Never swim alone.

There is a risk of volcanic activity on the island of Fogo.

Same-sex relations are legal in Cape Verde but same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. Cape Verde is one of the most progressive African nations in terms of LGBTI rights.

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