Cabo Verde are called the Gate of Africa, and although they are several hundred kilometers from the continent, they are an ideal place for the first encounter with the continent, because Cape Verde is a little more tourist-friendly than other African countries. And what about safety, vaccinations and entry conditions for Cabo Verde?
We have practical information for you that will be useful during your trip to Cape Verde. See where Cape Verde lies, what is the local currency, to which time zone does it belong and what vaccinations do you need to have.
Let’s see!
Security in Cape Verde
Inhabitants of Cape Verde are hospitable, and the country is in the opinion of many people much safer than other countries in Africa. The political situation is stable here, and the political system of managing the country is democratic.
Despite this, Cape Verde has become a somewhat less secure place in recent years.
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It is mainly about the increase in cases of urban crime such as pickpocketing or sometimes armed robbery. Particular attention is paid to the Old Town in Praia, which is to be more exposed to this type of unpleasant situations.
On the other hand, people traveling around Cape Verde say that it is quite calm there, even after dark, and you can feel safe. Especially that in some places on the streets you can see patrols of the tourist police who watch over everything.
For Africans from every corner of this continent, a tourist is a good source of income, which is why no one wants to be considered a country dangerous for incoming tourists.
It is known that there are places where tourists should not go. It is worth keeping a clear mind and do not venture into suspicious corners of the cities, and nothing should happen to you in Cape Verde.
How will they be secured in place?
It is good to leave more valuable items, or more cash and a passport in a hotel safe or in a deposit, and move around new places in a group rather than alone.
As it is done everywhere around the world.
All the more cautious we recommend visiting Cape Verde in the company of local or professional guides.
As for the natural hazards of Cabo Verde, you must know that these islands are located in seismically active areas, and there is a hurricane period from August to October. However, probably more risk when you arrive in Cape Verde are sunburn, which you can get (close to the equator), if you do not use sunscreen with high filters, than some natural disasters.
Important: See what to take and pack on vacation so you won’t be surprised!
You should also watch out for underwater currents, which may be quite strong on some beaches.
Important information for families with children who are going on a holiday to Cape Verde!
If you travel with children, it is better to choose the island of Sao Nicolau or Sal, where the beaches and bathing areas are safer.
Going further towards safety on Cabo Verde it is worth moving to the topic of vaccination.
Cape Verde – Vaccination and medical care
If you come to Cape Verde straight from Europe for vacation, you are not required to have any vaccinations. However, if you are coming from another African country (or region where this disease occurs), you must have confirmation of vaccination against yellow fever in the so-called yellow booklet (International vaccination booklet).
Important: Check which vaccinations for travelers are compulsory and recommended. Don’t risk it!
From the recommended, voluntary vaccinations, travelers are advised to perform those against hepatitis A and B, while the risk of developing malaria is low.
It is worth knowing that Cape Verde, as an African country, is at risk of developing Ebola virus, but so far no such case has been recorded here, but in 2015 and 2016 there were Zika virus infections.
It was about vaccinations and now a few words about the aforementioned health service.
When it comes to health care itself in Cape Verde, sanitation is better here than, for example, in other West African countries.
Medical care is reasonably well equipped, but it will not be available on all islands – there are only three larger hospitals. It is therefore worth to pack basic medicines and, above all, insecticides in the suitcase (see what is the best against mosquitoes).
Although in Cape Verde food is prepared with basic hygiene rules, it is best for your own health and comfort not to drink fresh juices, not to eat ice cream and undercooked or undercooked meats, including of course fish.
So all rare and medium steaks are out of question.
However, it is worth buying travel insurance, which if necessary covers the costs of any hospital stay or extremely expensive return medical transport to your country. Before signing the contract, you only need to ask if the policy you selected covers Cape Verde.
After a lot of practical information on safety and vaccinations to be carried out when going on holidays to Cape Verde, let’s get to the important issues.
Time zone and currency in Cape Verde
Cape Verde islands are in the UTC-1 time zone. The currency in Cape Verde is Escudo (CVE), which is converted into one hundred centavos. 1 euro = 200 escudo. As for coins, they appear in denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 escudo, while banknotes are in denominations: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 2,500 and 5,000 escudo.
How much money to take with you to Cape Verde?
It is best to take the Euro or US dollars with you to Cape Verde to exchange them for escudos. You can exchange money at the airport or at banks (commission).
ATMs on the islands support Master Card and Visa. However, a daily withdrawal limit of 20,000 CVE is set for them. For larger amounts, go to the bank, for example: CAIXA or BCA.
However, when it comes to card bill regulations, you can pay with them in some hotels and large stores. This is not a common way of paying, the people of Cape Verde prefer cash.
What documents do we need to arrive on Cape Verde? Visa or passport?
To enter the territory of Cape Verde you will need a passport valid for at least half a year from the date of your return to the country. Although Cape Verde was the overseas province of Portugal, you will not enter your ID card.
Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa, instead, you have to complete other formalities, namely five days before departure at the latest you need to register here providing your passport details, date and place of stay when traveling to Cabo Verde and your flight number.
For this you have to pay the Airport Security Tax, which is 3400 CVE (about 31 euro). You will pay this fee online, either through your travel agent or simply on site upon arrival. This tax is supposed to be support for airport security.
Holders of service and diplomatic passports are exempt.
Where are the Cape Verde Islands?
If you are interested in information about where Cape Verde lies, then on the map below you will find their exact location:
We also invite you to https://www.governo.cv/ where you will learn more … if you only know the language; )
Please let me know what other practical information you are interested in and we will certainly add our tourist guide to Cape Verde with it!