Sub Saharan Africa

Cape Verde
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 05 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the summary and Health sections (dengue fever outbreak). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

Reports indicate significant outbreaks of dengue fever in Brava, Fogo, Maio, and São Tiago (Santiago).
There is no formal British representation in Cape Verde. In case of an emergency you should contact the British Embassy in Dakar, Senegal (see Contacts). There is a British Honorary Consul in Mindelo, Sao Vicente Island but this should be used for consular emergencies only. See the General (Consular assistance) section of this travel advice for more details.
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Most visits to Cape Verde are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Cape Verde in 2006 was for petty crime. The main problem in 2007 was hospitalization, following minor accidents.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.