Cabo Verde Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Cabo Verde.
Healthcare System
Cabo Verde has a public healthcare system with hospitals on the main islands and health centers in smaller communities. The system is under-resourced with limited equipment, medications, and specialist services. Private clinics exist in Praia and Mindelo with better facilities but still below European or North American standards.
Hospitals
Main hospitals include Hospital Agostinho Neto in Praia and Hospital Baptista de Sousa in Mindelo. These handle most routine medical issues but have limited capacity for emergencies. Sal and Boa Vista (main tourist islands) have smaller medical centers suitable for minor issues. Private clinics like Clínica Evangélica in Praia offer better service for non-emergency care.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmácias) are available in all towns and stock common medications, though selection is limited compared to Western countries. Many medications available over-the-counter elsewhere require prescriptions. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with documentation. Basic pain relievers, antibiotics, and common medicines are usually available.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended and essential. Medical evacuation to Europe can cost €20,000-50,000 or more. Ensure your policy covers water sports, hiking, and other activities you plan to undertake.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications you need for your entire stay plus extra
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical documentation in case you need to purchase medications or receive treatment
- Know your travel insurance emergency contact numbers and keep them accessible
- For serious medical issues, consider evacuation to Lisbon, Portugal, or the Canary Islands rather than relying on local facilities
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date; Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles or hotel rooms occur, particularly targeting tourists. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, with one distracting while another steals. Theft from rental cars and beach belongings is common.
Bag snatching by thieves on motorcycles or on foot occurs occasionally, particularly targeting tourists walking alone. Armed robbery is rare but has occurred in isolated areas and at night.
The Atlantic Ocean around Cabo Verde has strong currents, undertows, and waves that have resulted in drownings. Many beaches lack lifeguards and warning systems. Conditions can change rapidly.
Road conditions vary from good paved roads to rough cobblestones and unpaved tracks. Drivers may be erratic, lighting is poor outside towns, and animals or pedestrians may be on roads. Accidents are relatively common.
Intense tropical sun, high UV levels, low humidity, and warm temperatures year-round can cause sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration, especially for visitors not acclimated to the climate.
Popular hiking trails, especially on Santo Antão and Fogo, can be challenging with steep terrain, loose rocks, inadequate signage, and risk of getting lost. Volcanic terrain on Fogo presents unique hazards.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists offering to be guides, show them around, or take them to authentic local spots. They may become persistent or aggressive when asking for payment, sometimes demanding much more than initially suggested. Some lead tourists to shops where they receive commission.
Taxis often lack meters and drivers may quote inflated prices to tourists, especially at airports and ports. Some claim their 'meter is broken' or that there's a special tourist rate.
Unofficial money changers offer better rates than banks but may use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit notes, or switch bills during counting.
Vendors on tourist beaches can be persistent in selling crafts, tours, or services. Some become aggressive or use guilt tactics when tourists decline. Prices are often highly inflated.
Some budget accommodations look better in photos than in reality, or guests arrive to find the room they booked is 'unavailable' and are offered a worse room or pressured to pay more for the original room type.
Rare but has occurred: individuals posing as police or officials approach tourists claiming there's a problem with their documents and demanding to see wallets, passports, or asking for fines to be paid immediately.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) separate from originals and store digitally
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Learn basic Portuguese phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Keep emergency contact numbers programmed in your phone
- Be aware that police and emergency services may be slow to respond, especially on smaller islands
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Check that doors and windows lock properly
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
- Keep ground-floor windows locked, especially at night
- Note the location of fire exits and emergency procedures
- Choose accommodations in well-populated, well-lit areas
Beach and Water Safety
- Never leave valuables unattended on the beach; use waterproof bags or leave items at hotel
- Don't swim after consuming alcohol or when fatigued
- Be cautious with water sports equipment rental; check equipment condition and ensure proper safety gear is provided
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems
- Watch for sea urchins in rocky areas; wear water shoes
- Be aware that some beaches have strong undertows even when they appear calm
Transportation Safety
- Use official taxis or pre-arranged transfers; avoid unmarked vehicles
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Always carry your driver's license, passport, and rental agreement when driving
- Fill up with fuel when possible; gas stations can be scarce in rural areas
- Avoid overloaded local minibuses (hiaces/aluguers) if possible; they're involved in frequent accidents
- Inter-island flights can be delayed or cancelled; build flexibility into your schedule
Food and Water Safety
- Drink only bottled water; check seals are intact
- Avoid ice unless you're certain it's made from purified water
- Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Be cautious with raw or undercooked seafood despite its freshness
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Peel fruits yourself rather than buying pre-cut fruit from street vendors
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs during daylight hours in secure locations like banks or shopping centers
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Carry small denominations; many places can't break large bills
- Don't flash large amounts of cash in public
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for passport and extra cash
- Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels and restaurants; carry sufficient cash
Health Precautions
- Bring insect repellent; mosquitoes can carry diseases though malaria risk is low
- Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit with antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, and pain relievers
- Avoid touching stray animals; rabies is present in Cabo Verde
- Protect against sexually transmitted infections; bring condoms from home as quality may be unreliable locally
- Be cautious with street food; choose vendors with good hygiene practices
- Seek medical attention promptly for cuts or wounds to prevent infection in the tropical climate
Cultural Awareness
- Cabo Verdeans are generally friendly but respect personal space and don't photograph people without permission
- Dress modestly when visiting local neighborhoods away from beach areas
- Learn about local customs; Cabo Verde has a unique Creole culture blending African and Portuguese influences
- Be patient; 'island time' means things move more slowly than in Western countries
- Avoid discussing politics or making comparisons between islands; there's friendly rivalry
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% is generous in restaurants
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Cabo Verde is relatively safe for women travelers compared to many destinations, and solo female travelers are common. However, women may experience verbal harassment (catcalling/'psst' sounds) and unwanted attention, particularly from men trying to initiate romantic relationships. This is generally more annoying than dangerous, but women should still take standard precautions. The culture is generally respectful, and physical harassment is less common than verbal attention.
- Expect catcalling and 'psst' sounds; these are common but usually harmless - ignore and keep walking confidently
- Be aware of 'bumsters' (men seeking relationships with foreign women, sometimes for financial gain); be cautious about new romantic interests
- Dress modestly when away from beach areas to attract less attention; cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts in towns
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas; use taxis after dark
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers and watch your drink at bars and clubs
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in safe areas; ask reception for advice about safe areas to explore
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Project confidence when walking; wearing sunglasses can help avoid eye contact if feeling harassed
- If someone is persistently bothering you, seek help from police, hotel staff, or enter a shop
- Many women successfully travel solo in Cabo Verde; trust your instincts and take standard precautions
- Beach areas on Sal and Boa Vista are very tourist-oriented and generally feel safe for women
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms in hostels if you prefer
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Cabo Verde (decriminalized in 2004), and the country has relatively progressive laws for Africa, including anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. Same-sex sexual activity is legal for both men and women, and the age of consent is equal. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; what's accepted in tourist areas may not be in local neighborhoods
- Praia and Mindelo are more liberal than rural areas and smaller islands
- Tourist areas on Sal and Boa Vista tend to be more accepting due to international visitors
- Many hotels and resorts are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, but research in advance for LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations
- Be cautious about disclosing sexual orientation to strangers; gauge comfort level first
- There are no dedicated LGBTQ+ venues or events in Cabo Verde
- Same-sex couples can usually book double rooms without issue in tourist accommodations
- Be aware that showing affection may attract attention even in accepting areas
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel communities for current information and experiences
- Consider the social climate of each island; more touristed islands tend to be more accepting
- Legal protections exist but social attitudes lag behind; be prepared for conservative views
- Overall, LGBTQ+ travelers who exercise discretion generally have safe, enjoyable visits to Cabo Verde
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for Cabo Verde due to limited medical facilities, high costs of medical evacuation, and distance from advanced healthcare. Medical emergencies requiring evacuation to Europe can cost €20,000-50,000 or more. The local healthcare system cannot handle serious emergencies, and you will need to pay upfront for any medical treatment. Many activities popular in Cabo Verde (water sports, hiking, volcano climbing) carry inherent risks that make insurance even more critical.
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