Is Cape Verde safe for tourists?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 16, 2026
Cape Verde is a safe destination for tourists, with generally low crime rates. Do follow local advice before swimming in the sea, though, in case of strong currents and tides. Some poor local driving, particularly on intercity buses, can also occasionally make road trips a little hairy.
Is Cape Verde safe to walk around?
Generally it's safe, you just need to exercise the same caution as you would elsewhere - ensure your windows and doors are locked; don't wander around after dark and avoid flaunting expensive jewellery and accessories.
Is Cape Verde a safe country to visit?
Cape Verde is a relatively safe place to visit as the country has remained a relatively peaceful and safe place with an almost non-existent incidence of crime. Theft is one of the minor crimes that has increased, but that seems only due to the increase in tourism to the country lately.
Is it safe to go to Cape Verde on holiday?
The risk of crime overall is relatively low in Cape Verde. However, travelers have reported being mugged or robbed on dark roads at night and in isolated areas. Street lights are scarce in many public places throughout the islands, and intermittent electricity blackouts can cause entire suburbs to go dim.
Is there any crime in Cape Verde?
Crime. Crime affects all islands of Cape Verde, but the number of incidents affecting British nationals is generally low. Burglaries and muggings have been reported on the main tourist islands of Sal and Boavista. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
33 related questions foundDo they speak English in Cape Verde?
English is reasonably widely spoken in Cape Verde in tourist spots, such as hotels and museums. Prevalence has grown over the last few years with an influx of foreign English speaking workers into the country.
Are there drugs in Cape Verde?
Cannabis in Cabo Verde is illegal, but is produced and trafficked illicitly. The most-trafficked drug in Cabo Verde is cocaine, which is sometimes combined with locally grown cannabis to create a drug called cochamba.
Is Cape Verde likely to come off the red list?
Latest travel rules for Brits following red list changes. Holidays to Cape Verde are back on the cards for Brits after the UK government announced that the country will be removed from the red list from Monday (October 11).
Do you have to wear masks in Cape Verde?
You must wear a face mask in enclosed spaces, such as shops and supermarkets, health centres, schools, airports and ports, cafes and restaurants and on public transport. You should wear your face covering when you enter the building and keep it on until you leave.
Is Cape Verde rough?
Cape Verde is a safe destination for tourists, with generally low crime rates.
Which is the nicest Cape Verde island?
For me, Santo Antão is the most visually stunning of all the islands. It's popular with hikers and anyone who loves getting close to nature. Despite having some of the most impressive scenery that you could hope to find anywhere in the world, only a few tourists visit, so it still feels like a real hidden gem.
Which is the best part of Cape Verde?
São Vicente
São Vicente's capital, Mindelo, is a vibrant musical town, where you can soak up the very best of Cape Verdean culture. It's also home to the destination's most famous Carnival.
Are there pirates in Cape Verde?
From Cape Verde to the Angolan coast, attacks on ships have increased in recent years. In this vast maritime region, pirates – initially concentrated around the Niger Delta – have extended their activities to all the Nigerian coasts as well as to Benin and Togo, ever since Abuja granted amnesty in 2009.
Is Cape Verde safe for a single woman?
If you're asking: is Cape Verde safe for solo female travellers, the answer is yes – for the most part, at the very least.
Are there poisonous snakes in Cape Verde?
There are no predators in Cape Verde, no snakes and very few poisonous animals.
Is it safe to swim in the sea in Cape Verde?
Re: Can you swim in the sea in Cape Verde? The sea can be rough in most areas and most of l the hotel beaches have lifeguards and flag systems however on excursions you may be taken to beaches that are more sheltered or where you can asses the risk yourself but be very careful even if you are a strong swimmer.
How long is Flight Cape Verde?
The average direct flight time to Cape Verde is six hours, while indirect flights tend to take closer to nine hours.
Is Cape Verde owned by Portugal?
A small city of 130,000 people, it looks back into the past (Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975) via the Monumento de Diogo Gomes (a statue of the Portuguese explorer who discovered Santiago in 1460) and the Presidential Palace (which was built in the 19th century for the Portuguese governor).
Is Cape Verde its own country?
Cabo Verde, also called Cape Verde, country comprising a group of islands that lie 385 miles (620 km) off the west coast of Africa. Praia, on Santiago, is the capital.
Do I need injections for Cape Verde?
Do I Need Vaccines for Cape Verde? Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cape Verde. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cape Verde: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus. Jab lasts 3 years.
Is Cape Verde in Europe for travel insurance?
Where is Cape Verde for travel insurance? Cape Verde is listed as Worldwide for travel insurance.
Can you smoke in Cape Verde?
Smoking is restricted to designated smoking areas in certain enumerated public places, including healthcare facilities, educational facilities, places for use by minors, entertainment halls, covered sports halls, and "places for public assembly." Public transportation is smoke free except for outdoor areas of ...
Does Cape Verde have a hospital?
Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. The largest hospitals are in Praia and Mindelo, with smaller medical facilities and clinics located throughout the country. Medical facilities are particularly limited on the island of Boavista.
Is Cape Verde Third World?
International recognition. Cape Verde is considered a developing country, and is included on the list of the United Nations Small Island Developing States.