Cape Verde travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

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Travel Summary

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 strongly 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.

Safety and security

Terrorism

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. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Crime rates in Cape Verde are low but there have been incidents of muggings involving British nationals. You should avoid carrying valuables in public and remain vigilant at all times. For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

The political situation is stable. Legislative elections, which passed off peacefully, took place in January 2006.

Cape Verde Country Profile

Road Travel

Traffic is usually light and road conditions and driving standards are generally of a reasonable quality.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Sea Travel

Sea conditions around Cape Verde are sometimes treacherous. Mariners should take local advice. Travel by sea to the southern islands of Fogo and Brava in particular can be significantly disrupted.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals require a visa to enter Cape Verde. Cape Verde's Ambassador to the UK is Fernando Wahnon Ferreira, based in Brussels. His address is: Ambassade du Cap-Vert, Avenue Jeanne 29, 1000 Bruxelles, tel. +32 2 64 69 025/64 36 270; fax 32 2 64 63 385, email: emb.caboverde@skynet.be.

For those travelling via Senegal there is a Cape Verde Embassy in Dakar. Specialist travel agents dealing with Cape Verde can also arrange visas.

Health

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cape Verde and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights, and stolen cash, cards, passports and luggage. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Consular assistance

There is no British Embassy in Cape Verde. The British Ambassador to Cape Verde resides at Dakar. Mr Antonio Canuto, the British Honorary Consul in Mindelo, Sao Vicente island, can provide limited assistance in an emergency; (tel: +238 2322830), or ask for Mr Canuto's assistant, Isabel Spencer (tel: (238) 2323512/2323123; fax: +238 2321284).

Money

The Cape Verde Escudo is tied to the Euro at CV Esc 110.27 = 1 Euro. Banks will exchange hard currencies. Main hotels and restaurants will accept the major credit cards.