Travel Advisory for Republic of Cabo Verde
This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for Republic of Cabo Verde from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan. Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic relationships, and risk assessment criteria. By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their safety and security when visiting Republic of Cabo Verde.
The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you with a unified view of the current travel situation. Last updated: 2026-07-06
AdvisoryAtlas.com Risk Level
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Range: Level 1 to Level 2
AdvisoryAtlas.com Safety Index
65
Safety Index Score
Overview
Cabo Verde generally presents a low to moderate risk for travelers, with "Exercise normal precautions" or "Exercise a high degree of caution" being the common advisories. The primary concerns revolve around petty crime, particularly in urban areas and tourist spots, and occasional violent crime. Health risks are manageable with standard precautions, and natural disaster risks are present but generally low.
Detailed Advisory Summary
Cabo Verde is generally considered a safe travel destination, though travelers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly concerning crime. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common in crowded public areas, including beaches, markets, and festivals, with tourists often targeted for cell phones and cameras. Violent crime, including armed robberies and assaults, can occur, especially at night and in isolated areas. Specific islands and towns like Praia (Santiago), Tarrafal, and Mindelo (São Vicente) are noted for higher crime rates.
Natural risks include the potential for volcanic activity on Fogo, earthquakes, flooding and landslides during the rainy season (August to October), and sandstorms between December and February. These can disrupt travel and infrastructure.
Health-wise, while there's no risk of yellow fever, travelers should be aware of potential risks like Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika virus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Malaria (low risk in Praia). Travelers are strongly advised to ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, as local healthcare facilities are basic and limited, especially outside major cities. Water and food safety precautions are essential to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses.
Entry requirements are straightforward for many nationalities, often requiring a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity and a pre-registration online (EASE platform) with an airport security fee. Visa requirements vary based on the length of stay, with many nationalities allowed visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
Transportation can be challenging, with unreliable public transport and potentially hazardous road conditions, especially at night or during the rainy season. Maritime travel also carries risks due to strong currents and unpredictable sea conditions. Travelers are urged to stay informed through local media and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Natural risks include the potential for volcanic activity on Fogo, earthquakes, flooding and landslides during the rainy season (August to October), and sandstorms between December and February. These can disrupt travel and infrastructure.
Health-wise, while there's no risk of yellow fever, travelers should be aware of potential risks like Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika virus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Malaria (low risk in Praia). Travelers are strongly advised to ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, as local healthcare facilities are basic and limited, especially outside major cities. Water and food safety precautions are essential to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses.
Entry requirements are straightforward for many nationalities, often requiring a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity and a pre-registration online (EASE platform) with an airport security fee. Visa requirements vary based on the length of stay, with many nationalities allowed visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
Transportation can be challenging, with unreliable public transport and potentially hazardous road conditions, especially at night or during the rainy season. Maritime travel also carries risks due to strong currents and unpredictable sea conditions. Travelers are urged to stay informed through local media and follow the guidance of local authorities.
Risk Level Summary by Government Source
| Source | Risk Level | Updated | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Affairs Canada | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-06-23 | View Source → |
| U.S. Department of State | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-02 | View Source → |
| Ministère des Affaires Étrangères | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-07 | View Source → |
| Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-05-27 | View Source → |
| Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-05-18 | View Source → |
| Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-04-09 | View Source → |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-07-08 | View Source → |
| Auswärtiges Amt | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-09 | View Source → |
| New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Unknown | 2026-02-26 | View Source → |
| Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-06-16 | View Source → |
| Regjeringen (Norway) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-06-03 | View Source → |
| Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-07-08 | View Source → |
| Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy) | Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution | 2026-05-11 | View Source → |
| BMEIA (Austria) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-03-02 | View Source → |
| 0404 (Korea) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-06-25 | View Source → |
| Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland) | Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions | 2026-04-17 | View Source → |
Safety and Security Analysis
Vaccination Information
Required Vaccines
- Yellow fever: Required if arriving from a country with a risk of transmission (e.g., Senegal or other West African countries).
Recommended for Most Travelers
- Routine vaccinations (e.g., MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Meningococcal, seasonal flu)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Recommended for Some Travelers
- Rabies: Recommended if working directly with wildlife.
- Tetanus: Booster dose advised if more than 10 years since last dose.
- Malaria: Low risk in Praia, prophylaxis may be recommended.
Consult a travel health professional at least 8 weeks before your trip for personalized advice. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry from specific countries.
Visa Information
Visa Types
| Type | Requirement | Stay Limit | Cost | Conditions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Visa-free for Schengen/EU citizens for up to 30 days. For stays longer than 30 days, a visa is required. | 30 days (visa-free), up to 90 days (with visa/extension) | Check Embassy / Online Portal | Pre-registration online (EASE) and airport security fee required. |
|
| Business | Visa required | Up to 90 days (single entry), renewable | Check Embassy | Special partnership agreement with EU facilitates business visas. |
|
| Work Permit | Work permit required | Variable | Check Embassy | Requires a temporary visa first, then application for a residence permit. |
|
| Student | Student visa required | Variable | Check Embassy | Specific requirements apply, consult the embassy. |
|
| Official/Diplomatic | Special entry rules may apply | Variable | N/A | Different entry rules may apply for official travel. |
|
Entry & Legal Compliance
- Passport Validity Needed: 6 months beyond intended stay
- Blank Pages Required: 1
- Dual Citizenship Policy: Recognized
- Proof Of Onward Travel: Required by some sources, check with airline
- Currency Limit Declaration: 1,000,000 CVE (approx. $10,600 USD)
- Drone Usage Law: Not specified, assume restrictions apply
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 132
- Medical Assistance: 130
- Firefighters: 131
- Civil Protection Services: 261 41 54
- Fire Department Services: 534 70 90
Common Scams & Tourist Traps
- Financial and romance scams, often initiated online, targeting victims for money.
- Requests for money from individuals claiming to be detained, hospitalized, or needing help with online dating.
- Offers of free trips or lotteries that require upfront payment.
- Work permit or job offer scams requiring payment for processing.
Cultural Etiquette in Republic of Cabo Verde
Do
- Greet locals with a polite 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon).
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
- Be patient; service can be slower than expected.
- Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases; it is appreciated.
Don't
- Do not display excessive wealth or flashy jewelry.
- Avoid discussing politics or sensitive social issues with strangers.
- Do not take photographs of people without their explicit permission.
- Do not engage in illegal drug activities.
Advisory Comparison by Government Source
Global Affairs Canada
Updated: 2026-06-23
Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cabo Verde due to crime. They highlight specific risks like petty crime in crowded areas, violent crime at night, and dangers associated with hillside staircases. Recommendations include securing belongings, avoiding travel alone at night, and not resisting robberies. They also warn about potential risks in adventure tourism and water activities, and note that power outages occur regularly. Consular assistance is available through the Embassy of Canada in Dakar, Senegal.
U.S. Department of State
Updated: 2026-07-02
The U.S. Department of State advises to exercise normal precautions but notes an increased risk of crime in Praia, including petty and violent crimes. They specifically mention scams, including financial and romance scams, and advise caution. The U.S. embassy highlights strong currents and undertows for water activities, and potential dangers of driving. They also provide detailed information on assistance for U.S. citizens, including passport replacement and lists of local attorneys, while noting that the tourism industry is not well-regulated.
Ministère des Affaires Étrangères
Updated: 2026-07-07
France classifies the entire territory of Cabo Verde as a zone of reinforced vigilance (yellow). They emphasize risks of violent armed assaults, day and night, in urban centers and hiking areas. Petty theft and robberies, sometimes with armed threats, are increasing. A resurgence of sexual assaults is noted, with women traveling alone being primary victims. Recommendations include avoiding walking at night, not displaying valuables, and being accompanied on excursions in mountains or dunes. They also highlight risks associated with natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and seismic activity.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Updated: 2026-05-27
The UK government advises a high degree of caution due to crime, especially pickpocketing and muggings in Praia, Sal, and Boa Vista. They emphasize taking steps to protect belongings, such as using hotel safes and not carrying large amounts of cash. Specific advice is given for outdoor activities, warning about strong tides and currents, and the need to respect warning flags. They also highlight that medical facilities are basic and limited, and strongly recommend travel insurance for medical evacuation. The traveler entry form and airport security fee are mandatory.
Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
Updated: 2026-05-18
The Spanish advisory recommends traveling with caution and highlights a significant increase in citizen insecurity across Cabo Verde due to the economic crisis, with a particular uptick in crime in Santiago and Praia during holiday seasons. It uniquely identifies specific high-risk neighborhoods in Praia, such as Tira Chapéu, Brasil, and Várzea, and warns against assaults near beaches and access staircases. The advisory also points out an increase in assaults on tourists and opportunistic thefts on beaches in the more touristy islands of Boa Vista and Sal.
This source provides detailed information on entry requirements for maritime arrivals, specifying the need to report to Maritime Police and Border Police at designated ports like Praia, Mindelo, and Palmeira. It also mentions a unique requirement to communicate inter-island stops to authorities to obtain a salvoconducto (safe-conduct) or retrieve documentation if departing from a different port. The advisory notes a dengue outbreak from November 2023 that is still active and the government's contingency situation declaration in July 2025.
Uniquely, it provides an extensive list of local medical centers across various islands, including hospitals and health delegations, along with their contact numbers. It also details the fixed parity of the Cabo Verdean escudo with the euro and advises changing money at banks for better rates, while noting the high commission fees at ATMs. The advisory also provides contact information for the Embassy of Cabo Verde and honorary consulates in Spain, and the Spanish Embassy and vice-consulates in Cabo Verde.
This source provides detailed information on entry requirements for maritime arrivals, specifying the need to report to Maritime Police and Border Police at designated ports like Praia, Mindelo, and Palmeira. It also mentions a unique requirement to communicate inter-island stops to authorities to obtain a salvoconducto (safe-conduct) or retrieve documentation if departing from a different port. The advisory notes a dengue outbreak from November 2023 that is still active and the government's contingency situation declaration in July 2025.
Uniquely, it provides an extensive list of local medical centers across various islands, including hospitals and health delegations, along with their contact numbers. It also details the fixed parity of the Cabo Verdean escudo with the euro and advises changing money at banks for better rates, while noting the high commission fees at ATMs. The advisory also provides contact information for the Embassy of Cabo Verde and honorary consulates in Spain, and the Spanish Embassy and vice-consulates in Cabo Verde.
Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland)
Updated: 2026-04-09
Ireland advises a high degree of caution due to crime, particularly petty theft in tourist areas and potential for muggings. They recommend sensible precautions like not carrying large sums of money, avoiding ATMs after dark, and securing valuables. Road safety is highlighted, with hazardous conditions at night and during the rainy season. They also mention a moderate risk for gastrointestinal infections in Santa Maria, Sal Island, and advise on Zika virus and Hepatitis C risks. No Irish Embassy exists in Cape Verde, with assistance provided by the Embassy in Lisbon.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Updated: 2026-07-08
Japan notes an increase in crime such as pickpocketing, snatching, and robbery, with reports of robberies against Japanese nationals. They strongly advise against going out at night and recommend avoiding poorly lit or unpopulated areas even during the day. Group conflicts in urban areas are also mentioned. Regarding entry, a visa is generally required, with online application via the EASE platform recommended. They emphasize the importance of travel insurance including emergency medical transfer due to the high cost of serious illness or injury abroad.
Auswärtiges Amt
Updated: 2026-07-09
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Updated: 2026-02-26
New Zealand currently has no specific travel advisory for Cabo Verde. However, they advise that medical services in Africa can be limited and recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including for air evacuation. Risks of insect-borne diseases like malaria and Zika, as well as waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases, are noted. Travelers are advised to check routine immunizations and consult with a health practitioner for additional recommended vaccinations.
Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE)
Updated: 2026-06-16
Switzerland considers travel to Cabo Verde generally safe but advises taking usual security precautions for foreign travel, such as carrying minimal cash and securing valuables in crowded places. They specifically warn against visiting poor neighborhoods and recommend group hikes with local guides. Road conditions are noted as relatively good outside paved roads, but delays and cancellations in maritime and air traffic are possible. They highlight that medical care is not always guaranteed outside Praia and that medication containing narcotics requires special prescriptions.
Regjeringen (Norway)
Updated: 2026-06-03
Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands)
Updated: 2026-07-08
The Netherlands advises travel to Cabo Verde with a yellow color code, meaning travel is possible but with specific safety risks. Crime, including pickpocketing and muggings, is a concern, especially in popular tourist areas. They strongly advise against visiting remote streets or parks. Natural risks like tropical storms, floods, landslides, and sandstorms are mentioned. The country has no Dutch embassy, with assistance provided by the embassy in Dakar, Senegal, or the honorary consul in Praia.
Viaggiare Sicuri (Italy)
Updated: 2026-05-11
Italy notes that while general information is updated, specific areas of caution are not highlighted, advising normal precautions. Entry requires a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay, and a visa is needed for stays over 30 days, obtainable online or at the embassy. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers from risk countries. They highlight that healthcare systems are critical, with limited facilities outside major islands, and strongly recommend travel insurance including emergency air repatriation. They also warn about counterfeit medications.
BMEIA (Austria)
Updated: 2026-03-02
Austria assigns a safety level of 1 (good security standard) but recommends usual security measures, particularly in crowded places and remote areas at night. They mention that consular assistance from the Austrian Embassy in Lisbon is limited. Entry requirements include online registration (EASE) and a passport valid for at least 6 months. Dengue infections have occurred, necessitating mosquito protection. They strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance due to potentially high hospital treatment costs and advise carrying sufficient medication.
0404 (Korea)
Updated: 2026-06-25
Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Finland)
Updated: 2026-04-17
The Finnish advisory recommends Normal Caution for Cape Verde, noting that pickpocketing and robberies are common, especially in major cities like Praia and Mindelo, and on tourist islands such as Boa Vista and Sal. It uniquely points out that street children and youth gangs often commit thefts and robberies, and that violent crime, often drug-related, has been increasing.
This source provides a unique list of EU embassies in Cabo Verde that can offer consular assistance to Finnish citizens, including the Embassies of Spain, Portugal, France, and Luxembourg, along with their contact details. It also describes the local traffic culture as undisciplined by Finnish standards, with potentially high speeds and drunk driving, advising special caution when driving at night due to poor lighting and undeveloped road networks.
Health advice highlights that Cape Verde's healthcare services are inadequate and recommends good hand hygiene, drinking only bottled water without ice, and avoiding uncooked foods to prevent diarrheal diseases. It also states that penalties for drug possession, use, or trafficking are severe, as are sentences for traffic offenses related to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
This source provides a unique list of EU embassies in Cabo Verde that can offer consular assistance to Finnish citizens, including the Embassies of Spain, Portugal, France, and Luxembourg, along with their contact details. It also describes the local traffic culture as undisciplined by Finnish standards, with potentially high speeds and drunk driving, advising special caution when driving at night due to poor lighting and undeveloped road networks.
Health advice highlights that Cape Verde's healthcare services are inadequate and recommends good hand hygiene, drinking only bottled water without ice, and avoiding uncooked foods to prevent diarrheal diseases. It also states that penalties for drug possession, use, or trafficking are severe, as are sentences for traffic offenses related to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Important: This is an aggregated summary from multiple government sources. Always consult official government travel advisory websites before making travel decisions.
About Travel Advisories for Republic of Cabo Verde
This comprehensive travel advisory page for Republic of Cabo Verde aggregates official government warnings and recommendations from eight major international sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own travel advisory system based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.
The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide independent assessments of travel risks to Republic of Cabo Verde.
By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the current situation in Republic of Cabo Verde and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to always check the official government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.
Last updated: 2026-07-06