Need help?
UK Customer Services0330 880 3600
Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 8.30am - 4pm, Closed Sunday..
(Calls may be monitored or recorded)
Contact details can be found in your policy documentation
Available 24 hours a day, every day
Region: Africa
Full Name: Republic of Cape Verde
Capital City: Praia
Language Spoken: Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words)
Get travel insurance to Cape Verde from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Cape Verde and most of the world.
16 00 N, 24 00 W
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)
0 km
prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active
salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish, clay, gypsum
arable land: 11.41% permanent crops: 0.74% other: 87.85% (2005)
soil erosion; deforestation due to demand for wood used as fuel; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand extraction; overfishing
Generally temperate, but rainfall is very low. The rainy season is August to October when rainfall is unpredictable. Required clothing Lightweight throughout the year, tropical for midsummer.
time difference: UTC-1
420,979 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 37.9% (male 80,594/female 79,126) 15-64 years: 55.3% (male 113,450/female 119,423) 65 years and over: 6.7% (male 10,542/female 17,844) (2006 est.)
total: 19.8 years male: 19 years female: 20.7 years (2006 est.)
0.64% (2006 est.)
24.87 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
6.55 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
-11.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 70.73 years male: 67.41 years female: 74.15 years (2006 est.)
3.38 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Correspondence generally is in English, French, or Portuguese. Cape Verde has strong business links with Portugal. Government, banking and industry hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Commercial hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Though not a common occurrence, violent crime is on the rise, notably in Praia and tourism hubs such as Mindelo, Boa Vista and Sal. Armed robbery, car break-ins and assault are growing more frequent, especially after dark, and the local police force is ill-equipped to combat this trend. Avoid the more remote beaches, and do not walk alone. Thieves target cellphones and cameras. Keep copies of identity documents and plane tickets in a secure place. Crime spikes toward the end of the year, as the holiday season approaches.
Accommodations are available on all the islands. There are good hotels on major urban centers. However, bookings should be guaranteed, either directly or through a travel agency, before departing. Room rates range from CVE 3000 to 7000. There are international hotels on Sal island and a tourist complex at Praia that offer reasonable security, otherwise there are small hotels at Mindelo and on Ilha Do Sal (Sal), Fogo and Praia.
Telephone IDD service is available to main cities, but may not be available elsewhere. The country code is 238. Improvements to rural areas are in progress and the islands have over 12,000 telephones. Some calls to and from Cape Verde must still go through the international operator.
is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
C,F
There is an increasing number of restaurants and cafes on the islands.
National specialties:
? Pastel com diablo dentro ('pastry with the devil inside') - a mix of tuna, onions, tomatoes and pastry, made from boiled potatoes and corn flour.
? Cachupa, a mess of maize and beans.
? Fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas, goiabas (guavas), zimbr?o, tambarinas, marmelos, azedinhas, tamaras and cocos. National drinks:
? Aguardiente (sugar cane rum).
? A San Antao liquor made from coffee, cinnamon, fig leaf, peppermint, orange or lime.
? Manecome (local wine from Fogo). Tipping : It is normal to give 10 per cent for good service.
Nightlife
Some hotels provide evening entertainment. Small villages will have a lively taverna. Most nightlife is on the main islands: there are 21 nightclubs in Cape Verde ? eight on Santiago, seven on Sal, five on S?o Vicente and one on Fogo. Praia has a cultural center at which local Cape Verdean artists and instrumentalists perform.
Passport valid for at least six months required by all.
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of ECOWAS countries, Angola and South Africa;
(b) former nationals of Cape Verde, their spouses and children, provided holding proof of origin;
(c) those continuing their journey to a third destination provided holding onward documentation and not leaving the airport.
Transit, Tourist, Business: US$45 (single entry); US$85 (multiple-entry, for Business visas only); paid by cheque or postal order. Prices may fluctuate - enquire at nearest Embassy or Consulate for details.
Valid for six months from date of issue for visits of up to 90 days, multiple-entry visas are valid for up to one year.
Note: US nationals can obtain visas valid for five years.
Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.
(a) Two passport-size photos. (b) One application form. (c) Valid passport. (d) Fee. (e) Return/onward ticket. (f) A stamped addressed envelope if applying by mail.
Where there are no complications, visas may be issued immediately; however, it is advisable to anticipate up to two days' delay.
No Test Required
None
3415 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 965 6820.
Website:http://www.embcv-usa.gov.cv/
18-20 Stanley Street, Liverpool L1 6AF, UK.
Tel: (0151) 236 0206.
Most visits to Cape Verde are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civillian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of CVE5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CVE200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration on arrival and on departure. The export of foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of CVEsc1,000,000 or the amount declared on arrival, whichever is the larger.
Mon-Fri 0800-1400.
Available at the airport and in local banks. Currency cannot be reconverted, except in Portugal. There are ATMs found in Sal, Praia and S?o Vincent.
Credit cards are rarely used. A few major hotels accept Visa. Currency can be obtained in banks from credit cards but charges are very high.
Accepted in main towns and tourist areas. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
N/A
Avoid dental care in Cape Verde as the quality of treatment varies
Reliable supplies of medication are not easily available in Cape Verde
Blood supplies are screened but not necessarily to international standards and not all blood groups are available
Medical facilities in Cape Verde are extremely limited.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Cholera: Although limited in effectiveness, vaccination may be appropriate for persons living and/or working in less than sanitary conditions for more than 3 months where medical facilities are unavailable. Vaccination may also be appropriate for travelers with impaired gastric defenses who are planning an extended visit or being exposed to unsanitary conditions. Vaccination is not advised for pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months old, or persons with a history of severe reaction to the vaccine. Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available. Rabies: Preexposure vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 30 days who are expected to be at risk to bites from domestic and/or wild animals (particularly dogs), or for persons engaged in high risk activities such as spelunking or animal handling. Need for vaccination is more important if potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate postexposure care is not readily available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne diseases: are major causes of illness. Many diseases are endemic, with only scattered cases being reported and, from time to time, more extensive outbreaks. Filariasis - prevalent Leishmaniasis - occurs (both cutaneous and visceral types may be found, particularly in the drier areas) Malaria - occurs Relapsing fever - occurs Tungiasis - prevalent Typhus - occurs (louse-, flea-, and tick-borne types occur) Food-borne and water-borne illness: highly endemic. The dysenteries and diarrheal diseases, giardiasis, the typhoid fevers and viral hepatitis are widespread. Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is widespread in animal-breeding areas. Helminthic (parasitic worm) infections - prevalent Other hazards: High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Polio is still considered a possible risk, although no cases have been reported in recent years. Influenza risk extends throughout the year. Rabies - occurs Trachoma - prevalent
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from: (1) currently infected countries; or (2) countries that have officially reported yellow fever cases in the past 6 years. Kenya and Mali fit the second criterion.
No recent disease outbreaks
N/A
A free press is guaranteed by law, but most media are state-controlled. There are a few private radio stations. Portuguese and French radio are available via FM relays.
Press: Newspapers are in Portuguese. There are no daily newspapers. The weekly newspapers with the highest circulation figures are Horizonte and the independent A Semana.
TV: Televisao Nacional De Cabo Verde is a state-run channel.
Radio: Stations include state-run Radio Nacional De Cabo Verde, as well as Radio Nova in Sao Vicente and Radio Comercial in Praia.