Is Visiting The Cape Verde Islands Safe?

Cape Verde has a generally low crime rate, but it can also be a place of risk due to its high population density and the presence of tourists. The capital city of Praia and the islands of Sal and Boa Vista are particularly susceptible to pickpocketing, bag snatching, burglary, and muggings. Sexual assaults are rare but have been reported. To protect yourself and your belongings, it is recommended to exercise increased caution in areas like Praia due to crime.

The U.S. Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Cape Verde to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) on August 17, 2020, downgraded from the previous Level 4 Travel Advisory (“Do”). Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring. For safe travel, follow the instructions provided by the Health Insurance and Travel Assistance (FCDO) leaflet.

The Cape Verde islands are considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa, with a low crime rate. Visitors should not physically resist any robbery attempt and use caution when walking or driving at night. To prevent being targeted for pickpocketing, visitors should follow local advice before swimming in the sea.

Cape Verde is a relatively safe destination for tourists, with generally low crime rates. However, it is important to follow local advice before swimming in the sea, as the country has remained peaceful and safe with an almost non-existent incidence of crime. The people in Cape Verde are friendly, making it a good place for relaxing time at the beach.

In conclusion, Cape Verde is a safe destination for tourists, but it is important to exercise caution and follow local advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Is it safe to swim in Cape Verde?

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism involve beaches and swimming, but it’s crucial to use lifeguard-staffed beaches. Strong tides and currents around islands can be unpredictable, so walk close to the water’s edge, especially along unsupervised stretches. Follow lifeguard instructions and respect warning flags, which indicate danger, caution, or safety. The Royal Life Saving Society provides information on water safety on holiday.

When not to go to Cape Verde?

Cape Verde experiences heavy rainfall from mid-August to mid-October, which can cause flooding and landslides. It is important to monitor local weather reports and anticipate difficulties when traveling to affected areas. Seismic activity and tremors can occur on the islands of Brava and Fogo, but should be checked with your travel provider. Sandstorms, which can disrupt air travel, can occur between December and February, especially on Boa Vista. If a sandstorm occurs, contact your tour operator or airline.

Why can’t you swim in the sea in Cape Verde?

Strong tides and currents around the islands pose significant risks, especially when walking close to the water’s edge. Waves can be unpredictable and have a strong undertow. Follow lifeguard instructions and respect warning flags, which indicate danger, caution, or safety. For more information on water safety, visit the Royal Life Saving Society’s website. Additionally, road travel in Cape Verde can pose transport risks, so refer to information on driving abroad.

Is Cape Verde violent?

Cape Verde’s crime rate is generally low, but it can include pickpocketing, bag snatching, burglary, and muggings, especially in Praia and the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. Sexual assaults are rare but have been reported. To protect yourself and your belongings, leave valuables secure, keep them visible at bars and restaurants, avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry, avoid unlit areas after dark, and ensure your hotel or accommodation’s windows and doors are always locked.

Is it worth going to Cape Verde?

Cape Verde is a safe tourist destination with low crime rates. However, it is important to follow local advice before swimming in the sea due to strong currents and tides. Poor local driving, especially on intercity buses, can make road trips a bit risky. For the best holiday, Santiago island is recommended due to its white-sand beaches, diverse landscape, excellent nightlife, shopping, and dining in Praia, and history and culture in Cidade Velha. The currency is the Cape Verde escudo (CVE), though the euro is widely accepted.

Are there any travel restrictions to Cape Verde?

Cape Verde requires a valid passport with an expiry date of at least six months after arrival. It is essential to check with your travel provider and renew your passport if needed. If you do not have a valid travel document or use a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, you will be denied entry.

Visas can be entered for up to 30 days without a visa, but longer stays or other reasons require meeting the Cape Verde government’s entry requirements. A traveller entry form must be filled out at least five days before arrival, including an airport security fee (TSA). Children aged one and under do not need to fill in the form.

Children aged 17 and under traveling alone or with a person not their parent or legal guardian must carry a letter of authorization from their parent or guardian, certified by a solicitor or notary. The letter must be in Portuguese and include the child’s dates of arrival and departure, the address, the name of the adult in Cape Verde responsible for them, the full names, passport numbers, and contact details of the parent or guardian.

Vaccine requirements include a certificate proving yellow fever vaccination if coming from a transmission risk country. For more information on medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, refer to TravelHealthPro’s Cape Verde guide.

Customs rules dictate what goods can be taken into or out of Cape Verde, and declarations of prohibited or tax-exempt items are required.

Is it safe to walk out in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde is a peaceful archipelago with a low crime rate, making it one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. However, it is important to take precautions to protect valuables, especially in crowded areas, especially in darker urban areas. Traveling solo as a woman is safe, but authorities advise against walking alone at night, especially in darker urban areas. The capital Praia has the highest crime rates in the country, while popular tourist islands like Sal and Boa Vista have lower crime levels. Beaches in popular tourist areas, such as Santa Maria beach on Sal island, are generally considered safe, with lifeguards and regular patrols by the police to deter potential crime.

Is Cape Verde good for tourists?

Cape Verde is a safe tourist destination with low crime rates. However, it is important to follow local advice before swimming in the sea due to strong currents and tides. Poor local driving, especially on intercity buses, can make road trips a bit risky. For the best holiday, Santiago island is recommended due to its white-sand beaches, diverse landscape, excellent nightlife, shopping, and dining in Praia, and history and culture in Cidade Velha. The currency is the Cape Verde escudo (CVE), though the euro is widely accepted.

Which is the safest island in Cape Verde?

Sal, a sun-kissed island paradise in the northern region of Cape Verde archipelago, is known for its vibrant Creole culture and pristine white sandy beaches. Its moon-like volcanic landscapes, including the Buracona lagoon, are perfect for adventure seekers. Sal is also known for its traditional music performances, which come alive on the streets of its sleepy towns at night.

Santa Maria, located on the southern tip of Sal, is a must-visit destination for seasoned or novice travelers. This charming seaside town is known for its golden sandy beaches and sapphire-blue sea, ideal for water sports like surfing, diving, and fishing. It offers a vibrant nightlife with a variety of local and international food options, including freshly caught seafood. Santa Maria is also noted for its colorful salt evaporation pond, old pier, and bustling main square filled with unique local craftwork, giving a true essence of Cape Verde’s culture and lifestyle.

Travel ladies can explore Sal, Santa Maria, and Tarrafal, as well as meetups, safety index, and crime index.

Are sharks common in Cape Verde?

São Vicente is a stunning island in Cape Verde, offering a diverse underwater world with a variety of species including moray eels, scorpion fish, lobsters, tuna, barracudas, turtles, rays, sharks, and whales. The most common shark species in Cape Verde are nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, and sand tiger sharks, with the chance of encountering manta rays and whale sharks peaking between July and November. Corals are primarily found on beautiful shipwrecks, making diving in Cape Verde an unforgettable experience.

The island’s contrasting underwater landscapes, including dark basalt rock, light sandy bottoms, caves, and overhangs, are suitable for divers of all levels. Experience in drift diving and good physical condition are essential for success. São Vicente is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Salamansa, Baia das Gatas, and São Pedro, making it one of the most beautiful islands in Cape Verde.

Is Cape Verde rich or poor?

Cape Verde, a small island state, is classified as a lower middle-income country in accordance with the credit policy of the African Development Bank.