Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cape Verde
Cape Verde (also known as Cabo Verde) is a nation of 10 main islands off the coast of West Africa. Colonized by the Portuguese, Cape Verde became a commercial center for trade.
The country is home to three volcanoes, with one of them still being active. With its many geographical features, some of the best hiking in Africa can be found in Cape Verde.
Do I Need Vaccines for Cape Verde?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cape Verde. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cape Verde: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cape Verde |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Cape Verde |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Mosquito-borne infections like dengue, malaria and chikungunya are present in Cape Verde. Travellers should bring mosquito repellents and netting. Antimalarial medication is also recommended.
Hospitals may be found in Praia and Mindelo with smaller medical facilities also found in other islands. Bring your own medications and prescriptions, as many are in low supply in Cape Verde.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cape Verde?
A passport and visa are required for entry to Cape Verde. A single-entry visa is available and is good for 90 days and a multiple-entry visa is good for five years.
Cape Verde Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cape Verde? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Cape Verde and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has a tropical climate and is fairly consistent year-round. Temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees.
There is low humidity in Cape Verde and strong winds occur between November and March. This creates large waves off the coasts. There are large amounts of sunshine, with little cloud cover. The warmest month to travel to Cape Verde is in August.
How Safe is Cape Verde?
Petty crime is common in Cape Verde in highly-populated areas such as markets and festivals. Look out for groups of children with no adult supervision. The majority of pickpockets are children.
Be careful when using hillside stairways at all times of the day, for these are common locations for assault. It is strongly advised not to use them.
While swimming or fishing in the waters around Cape Verde, watch out for strong tides and currents that can cause drowning.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Hiking in Cape Verde
Cape Verde is most known for its hiking trails, especially on the island of Santo Antao. The island has canyons and valleys with lush vegetation. The northern part of the island is the most popular among hikers and you can access it by ferry.
The hiking trails in northern Santo Antao feature a variety of different trails including coastal trails, trails of volcanic rock, cliffs, bluffs, cobblestone paths, terraces and small villages filled with colorful buildings. The two most popular hikes on the island are the Cova Crater and Coastal Track.
What Should I Pack for Cape Verde?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Cape Verde:
- Hats and sunscreen to protect against the consistent sun.
- Shoes for hiking, if you plan to hike.
- Mosquito repellent and clothing that covers bare skin to prevent mosquito bites and infections.
- Your own prescriptions and medications as they may be hard to find in Cape Verde.
- Anti-diarrhea medicine. Diarrhea can be common among travellers, it’s always best to be prepared.
- Modest clothing for visits to smaller towns or villages.
Canadian Embassy to Cape Verde
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in Cape Verde. For any consular needs, contact the Canadian Embassy in Senegal:
Canadian Embassy in Senegal
corner of Galliéni and Amadou Cissé Dia Streets,
Dakar, Senegal
Tel.: +221 33 889 4700
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Cape Verde
“I visited the office for a yellow fever vaccine as it was a requirement for Cape Verde. When I got there I was pleasantly surprised when I received a FULL consultation with all the health concerns about the country I’m travelling to. The nurse provided me with the resources where to get free vaccines as well. We discussed the risk levels and precaution measures I needed to take. I didn’t feel rushed at all and I had a great experience. I would definitely recommend you to use their service.”
“We were served by a helpful nurse who we found to be very knowledgeable about Cape Verde, professional, and super friendly. It was a very enjoyable experience.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Cape Verde?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cape Verde?
What is the Climate Like in Cape Verde?
How Safe is Cape Verde?
Hiking in Cape Verde
What Should I Pack To Cape Verde?
Canadian Embassy to Cape Verde
