Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cape Verde (Cabo 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 centre 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.
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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cape Verde |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travellers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
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.
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Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cape Verde?
British citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa in Cape Verde. A transport tax is required averaging around £30. This can be paid online through the EASE website.
Passports must be valid for at leas six months beyond the time of entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a region with the disease.
Cape Verde Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cape Verde? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Cape Verde and GOV.UK
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 sun cream 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-diarrhoea medicine. diarrhoea can be common among travellers, it’s always best to be prepared.
- Modest clothing for visits to smaller towns or villages.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Cape Verde
If you are in Cape Verde and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
While there is no consulate or embassy in Cape Verde, it is served by the British embassy in Portugal:
British Embassy
Rua de São Bernardo 33
1249-082 Lisbon
Portugal
Telephone: +351 21 392 40 00
Emergency Phone: +351 21 392 4000
Fax: +351 21 392 41 84
Contact Form: Click Here
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