Cabo Verde travelplanet.cc Travel Guide 2026

1. Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Cabo Verde . At least one blank page is required for the entry stamp .

Visa: Citizens of many countries can enter Cabo Verde visa-free for stays of up to 30 days . However, a fundamental change has been introduced:

• Visa on Arrival Ended: Since 1 January 2026, travellers from 96 countries who previously could obtain a visa on arrival through online pre-registration on the EASE portal must now obtain a visa before travel at a Cabo Verdean embassy or consulate . Failure to do so may result in denied entry, transit, or stopover .
• EASE Registration: All travellers, including those who are visa-exempt, are still required to complete a registration through the official EASE portal (ease.gov.cv) . The airport security tax is approximately €30 (3,400 CVE) for stays of up to 30 days . Registration must be completed up to 5 days before arrival .
• Irish citizens: Do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days .
• Mexican citizens: Require a visa .
• Required Documents: A valid onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required for entry .
• Children: Minors travelling alone or without both legal guardians must carry a notarised parental consent letter, preferably in Portuguese or English, with copies of the guardians' passports and the child's birth certificate .
• Cash Declaration: Cash amounts exceeding 1,000,000 CVE (approx. €9,000) must be declared on entry and exit .

Official links: EASE Portal · Government of Cabo Verde

2. Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Mandatory Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, particularly from Senegal or other West African countries .

Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended . Cabo Verde introduced new routine immunisations (Rotavirus, Pneumococcal, Hexavalent) for children in 2026, but these are primarily for residents .

• Malaria: Malaria risk is low in the capital, Praia .
• Dengue Fever: Dengue infections have occurred; use insect repellent and wear long sleeves .
• Zika Virus: Zika virus is present; pregnant women should consider delaying travel .
• Travel Health Insurance: Essential. There is no social security agreement with most countries, and hospital costs can be high . Medical evacuation may be required for serious cases .
• Medication: Bring a sufficient supply of required medications, in original packaging with a doctor's prescription .
• Tap Water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled or boiled water. Avoid ice in drinks .
• Food Safety: Practice rigorous hand hygiene, consume well-cooked food, and avoid unwashed fruits and salads .

Links: CDC Travel Health · WHO – Cabo Verde

3. Safety & Travel Advisories

• Crime: Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) and violent crime (muggings, armed robbery, assault) occur, particularly in Praia . Avoid walking alone at night, do not resist robbery attempts, and avoid displaying signs of wealth .
• Beach Safety: Strong currents and undertows are common, especially outside tourist areas . Swim only in flagged zones. Sea urchins and sharp rocks are present; wear water shoes .
• Driving: Drive on the right . Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside . Road conditions can be poor . Avoid driving at night .
• Drink Driving: The blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰ .
• Child Safety: Children under 12 may only be transported in the back seat .
• Natural Hazards: Monitor weather conditions .
• Local Laws: Penalties for drug offences are severe. Same-sex relationships are legal but not always accepted.

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · Austrian MFA

4. Emergency & Important Numbers

Other services: Cabo Verde Police

5. Embassies & Consulates

In emergencies (passport loss, legal trouble, consular assistance), contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your home country. Most countries do not have an embassy in Cabo Verde. Consular assistance is typically provided by the embassy in Dakar (Senegal) or Lisbon (Portugal). The U.S. Embassy is located in Praia .

• U.S. Embassy Praia: Rua Abilio Macedo 6, Praia · Tel: +238 222 0000
• Irish Embassy (Accredited): Lisbon, Portugal
• Mexican Embassy (Accredited): (Via Embassy in the U.S. for visa matters)

Search link: All foreign embassies and consulates accredited to Cabo Verde

6. Background on Country & Society

Brief Description: Cabo Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal. It is a stable republic and a member of the African Union. The country is known for its year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, vibrant Creole culture, and the warm hospitality of its people, known as "morabeza" . Cabo Verde has been praised for its high vaccination coverage and public health achievements .

• Capital: Praia (on Santiago)
• Population: ~560,000
• Economy: Tourism, services, and remittances.
• Culture: A blend of African and Portuguese influences, with rich musical traditions (Morna, Funaná) .

Official information: Visit Cabo Verde · Government of Cabo Verde

7. Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Tropical — warm and sunny year-round. The dry season (November–July) is cooler, while the rainy season (August–October) is humid with occasional heavy rainfall.

• Dry season (Nov–Jul): Pleasant, low humidity. The best time for travel.
• Rainy season (Aug–Oct): Humid, with short, heavy showers.

Clothing recommendations:

• Year-round: Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Cultural: Dress modestly outside tourist areas.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, flip-flops for the beach, and reef shoes for water activities .

8. Language & Communication

Official language: Portuguese. Cape Verdean Creole is the most widely spoken language. English is spoken in tourist areas.

9. Voltage & Plug Types

• Voltage: 230 V
• Frequency: 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type C (Europlug) and Type F (Schuko).
• Adapter needed? For travellers from DE/AT/CH: No — plugs are compatible. For UK/Ireland: Yes — need an adaptor (Type G to C/F). For North America: Yes — need both an adaptor and a transformer for 110‑125 V appliances.

10. Money & Finances

• Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE).
• Exchange rate (approx., August 2026): 1 EUR ≈ 110 CVE (fixed rate: 1 EUR = 110.265 CVE).
• Payment methods: Cash is essential, especially outside tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger shops in Praia, Sal, and Mindelo.
• ATMs: Available in major towns, but can be unreliable.
• Cash Declaration: You must declare cash (CVE or foreign currency) if the total value exceeds 1,000,000 CVE (approx. €9,000) .
• Price level: Medium — affordable compared to Europe, but prices are higher in tourist areas.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service (10% in restaurants).

11. Transport & Arrival

Airports: The main international airports are Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) on Sal, Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on São Vicente, and Praia International Airport (RAI) on Santiago.

• Direct flights: Direct flights from Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf) with TUI fly and Cabo Verde Airlines .
• Flight times: From Germany: 6.5–8 hours .
• From Austria (Vienna): Direct flights with Smartwings to Sal, or via Lisbon with TAP Portugal .

Domestic transport: Domestic flights connect the islands (Bestfly) . Ferries (CV Interilhas) operate between islands .

Public transport: "Aluguer" minibuses run between towns . Taxis are widely available.

Driving: Drive on the right . An International Driving Permit is recommended. A valid national driver's licence is sufficient for EU citizens, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for others.

• Insurance: Proof of insurance must be visibly displayed on the windscreen .

Official transport pages: Visit Cabo Verde – Getting Around · CV Interilhas (Ferries)

12. Accommodation & Practical Information

• Hotel types: From luxury resorts on Sal and Boa Vista to guesthouses and boutique hotels on other islands.
• Safety: Accommodation is generally safe; use hotel safes for valuables.
• Opening hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 09:00–18:00. Many shops are closed on Sundays.
• Local regulations: Smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces and on public transport.

13. Food, Drink & Cuisine

Cape Verdean cuisine is a blend of African and Portuguese influences, with a focus on seafood, corn, and beans.

14. Time Zone & Public Holidays

• Time zone: Cape Verde Time (CVT) – UTC-1. No daylight saving time .
• Time difference to DE/AT/CH: -2 hours (2 hours behind Central Europe).

Public holidays in 2026 (selection):

• 1 January – New Year's Day
• 20 January – Heroes' Day
• 12 February – Carnival (Tuesday)
• 13 February – Ash Wednesday
• 1 May – Labour Day
• 5 July – Independence Day
• 15 August – Assumption
• 1 November – All Saints' Day
• 25 December – Christmas Day

Note: Many shops, museums, and attractions close on public holidays. Check Office Holidays – Cabo Verde for the complete calendar.

15. Attractions & Highlights

Cabo Verde offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning beaches to dramatic mountain landscapes.

Official tourism pages: Visit Cabo Verde

16. Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Cabo Verde offers a lively nightlife, especially on Sal, with beach bars and clubs. Mindelo is known for its live music scene.

• Sal (Santa Maria): Beach bars and clubs with music and dancing.
• Mindelo (São Vicente): Music clubs playing Morna and other Cape Verdean styles.
• Praia: A few bars and restaurants.

Festivals & events:

• Mindelact – a theatre festival in Mindelo .
• Kriol Jazz Festival – a jazz festival .
• Baía das Gatas Festival – a music festival in Mindelo .
• Atlantic Music Expo – an international music industry event .
• Carnival (February) – celebrated in Mindelo and other towns .

Event calendars: Visit Cabo Verde Events

17. Media & Further Links

🇨🇻 Cabo Verde — where the sun meets the sea and "morabeza" awaits you.
All information is provided for guidance. Always check official sources before travel.