Cape Verde Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Cape Verde.
Healthcare System
Cape Verde has a basic public healthcare system with hospitals on most islands, but facilities and services are limited compared to Western standards. Private clinics exist in major tourist areas like Sal and Boa Vista, offering better quality care for minor issues.
Hospitals
The main hospitals are Hospital Agostinho Neto in Praia (Santiago) and Hospital Baptista de Sousa in São Vicente. Tourist islands like Sal and Boa Vista have smaller hospitals and private clinics catering to visitors. Wait times can be long in public facilities.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmácias) are available on all major islands, typically open Monday-Friday during business hours and Saturday mornings. Many common medications are available, but supplies can be inconsistent. Bring sufficient quantities of prescription medications with you, along with copies of prescriptions.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and effectively essential. Many healthcare providers require upfront payment, and medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of euros.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications you need, plus extras in case of travel delays
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical documentation in both English and Portuguese if possible
- Identify the nearest medical facility to your accommodation upon arrival
- Private clinics in tourist areas often have English-speaking staff, while public hospitals may require Portuguese
- Dental care is limited; address any dental issues before traveling
- Dehydration and sun-related illnesses are common—carry water and sun protection at all times
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from beaches or hotel rooms occur regularly, particularly targeting tourists. Thefts often happen in crowded areas, markets, beaches, and during festivals or events.
Cape Verde's Atlantic waters can be deceptively dangerous with strong currents, powerful waves, and undertows. Several tourists drown each year, often at seemingly calm beaches. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning systems.
Cape Verde's tropical climate, strong sun, and dry winds can cause severe sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration quickly. The cooling ocean breeze can mask the intensity of the sun.
Road conditions vary from paved highways to rough cobblestone streets and unpaved mountain roads. Driving standards can be erratic, with speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and inadequate lighting common. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited.
Violent crime against tourists is relatively rare but has increased in recent years. Incidents typically involve robbery, sometimes with weapons, particularly in isolated areas or late at night.
Cape Verde's location makes it a transit point for drug trafficking between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. While this rarely affects tourists directly, it can lead to increased crime in certain areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services, city tours, or to show them around. They may be friendly and helpful initially but later demand excessive payment, become aggressive, or lead tourists to overpriced shops where they receive commission.
Locals befriend tourists, especially on beaches or in bars, building trust over time. Eventually they ask for money for a supposed emergency, business opportunity, or to help a sick family member. Some romance scams also occur, particularly targeting solo travelers.
Taxi drivers, market vendors, and some shops overcharge tourists, assuming they don't know local prices. Restaurants may add items to bills that weren't ordered. Incorrect change may be given, hoping tourists won't notice or won't challenge it.
Individuals, sometimes children, approach tourists asking for money for schools, orphanages, or community projects. The money typically doesn't go to the stated cause.
Beach vendors selling crafts, clothing, or services can be very persistent, sometimes following tourists or becoming aggressive when refused. Some may quote one price then demand more after service is rendered.
Some unlicensed accommodations show attractive photos online but the actual room is significantly inferior, or additional fees are added upon arrival that weren't disclosed during booking.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables you don't need daily
- Carry only small amounts of cash and one credit card when going out
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from the original
- Distribute money across different locations (wallet, bag, hotel safe) rather than keeping it all together
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than standalone machines at night
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Have emergency cash in euros or US dollars as backup
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations with good recent reviews from verified travelers
- Ensure your room has working locks and use them, including any chain or deadbolt
- Keep ground-floor windows locked, especially at night
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors without verifying their identity
- Know the location of emergency exits in your accommodation
- Store your room key securely and don't leave it visible with your room number when out
Transportation Safety
- Use registered taxis (look for official markings and license numbers) or arrange transport through your hotel
- Agree on taxi fares before departure or ensure the meter is running
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage before accepting
- Always wear seatbelts and avoid overcrowded vehicles
- Don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets—vehicles may not stop for pedestrians
- Avoid traveling between islands on small boats during rough weather
Beach and Water Safety
- Never leave belongings unattended on the beach—theft is common
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and stay within designated swimming areas
- Check ocean conditions and heed all warning flags before entering water
- Don't swim under the influence of alcohol
- Be aware that some beaches have sharp rocks or coral—wear water shoes
- Apply waterproof sunscreen before going to the beach and reapply every 2 hours
- Stay hydrated—bring water bottles to the beach
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or purified water; tap water is generally not safe for tourists to drink
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from purified water
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Be cautious with street food—eat at busy stalls where food is freshly cooked
- Bring insect repellent and use it, particularly during evening hours
- Carry a basic first-aid kit with any personal medications, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and bandages
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling
General Awareness
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, or phones
- Don't walk alone at night, particularly in urban areas or on isolated beaches
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself
- Keep friends or family informed of your plans and check in regularly
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases—locals appreciate the effort and it can help in emergencies
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone and written down as backup
- Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when away from beach areas
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Cape Verde is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, though some precautions are advisable. Cape Verdean culture is relatively conservative, and women may experience catcalling or unwanted attention, particularly in urban areas. This is usually verbal and not physically threatening, but can be uncomfortable. Most women travel Cape Verde without incident by following standard safety precautions.
- Dress modestly when away from beach areas—cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts or skirts in towns and cities
- Ignore catcalls and unwanted attention rather than engaging; a firm 'não' (no) is usually sufficient
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use registered taxis even for short distances at night
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and never leave drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts—if a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider staying in accommodations with good reviews from other solo female travelers
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Keep your phone charged and have emergency numbers readily accessible
- Be aware that beach vendors and guides may be more persistent with solo women
- Wedding rings (real or fake) can sometimes reduce unwanted attention
- Avoid isolated beaches or areas without other people present
- Be particularly cautious in bars and nightlife areas; stay with groups when possible
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Cape Verde, and the country has some anti-discrimination protections in place. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 2004, and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection to avoid unwanted attention or potential negative reactions
- Be more cautious in rural areas and smaller islands where attitudes tend to be more conservative
- Tourist areas on Sal and Boa Vista are generally more accepting than other parts of the country
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some hotels and resorts are more welcoming than others
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel groups or forums for current information and recommendations from other travelers
- Be aware that same-sex couples may receive questions or curiosity, particularly when booking shared accommodations
- Don't assume acceptance—gauge situations and environments before being open about your orientation
- Consider how you introduce your partner in social situations, as discretion may be warranted in some contexts
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Cape Verde due to limited medical facilities, high costs of medical evacuation, and the distance from advanced healthcare. Medical emergencies requiring evacuation to Europe can cost €50,000-100,000 or more. Most healthcare providers require upfront payment. Additionally, flight cancellations and delays are not uncommon, and comprehensive insurance provides important protection.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries