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2,839 mi away
£1 CVE 127.91
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2:54 am
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Weather & climate
Weather in Cape Verde
Cape Verde
30°
Overcast
Wed
23°
30°
Thu
24°
31°
Fri
22°
30°
Sat
22°
30°
Sun
22°
30°
Mon
22°
31°
Tue
22°
30°
SPF level in Cape Verde
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Cape Verde
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Cape Verde.
You can stay in Cape Verde as a visitor for up to 30 days without a visa.
You must complete a traveller entry form and pay the airport security fee online at least 5 days before arrival.
You must bring proof of your completed traveller entry form confirmation to show upon arrival.
If you are arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk, you must have a vaccination certificate.
Good to know:
Children aged 17 and under travelling without a parent or guardian must carry a certified letter of authorisation in Portuguese.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering Cape Verde.
Safety in Cape Verde
Tips when travelling
Cape Verde is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always use beaches where a lifeguard is on duty and respect the warning flags for water safety.
Be vigilant against petty crime like pickpocketing, especially in Praia and on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista.
Only hire authorised taxis from ranks or via your hotel, noting they are blue and yellow on Sal and Boa Vista.
If you hire a scooter or quad bike, you must wear a crash helmet by law to avoid invalidating insurance.
Keep valuables secure, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and stay away from unlit areas after dark.
Bonus tips:
Check if your travel insurance covers extreme sports like quad biking, as medical evacuation may be needed after an accident.
During the rainy season from August to October, monitor weather reports for potential flooding and travel difficulties.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Cape Verde
A UK driving license is accepted for a period of up to six months. After this, it's necessary to obtain a Cape Verdean driving license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Cape Verde drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Cape Verde
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities may be limited, especially outside major towns. Check that your insurance covers all planned activities.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice and recommended vaccinations before travelling to Cape Verde. Dengue fever is present. Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under a mosquito net. Water should be bottled or purified before drinking.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is limited, particularly outside of tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1095
Tipping in Cape Verde
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Cape Verde, but it's not obligatory. A small tip can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for good service
Taxi
Round up the fare or 5-10%
Hotel Porter
200-500 CVE per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
200-400 CVE per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in Cape Verde. Check with your mobile provider before you travel. EU roaming agreements no longer apply post-Brexit, so standard roaming charges will apply.
Local SIM
5GB for 1500 CVE (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Cape Verde
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, resorts, and cafes, especially in tourist areas. However, speeds can be slow and unreliable.
Average speed
10 Mbps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data package for more reliable internet access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
132
Ambulance
131
Fire
131
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Cape Verde
Country code
+238
To call the British Embassy in Praia from the UK, you would dial 00 238 262 84 40.
The country code for Cape Verde is 238. When calling from abroad, dial your international exit code, then 238, followed by the Cape Verde phone number.
Languages in Cape Verde
UK Embassy
British Embassy Praia
Avenida Rotary International, Achada de Santo António, Praia, Cape Verde
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Health
27 days ago
Health
- UK authorities have investigated an increase in cases of Shigella sonnei and Salmonella in travellers returning from Cape Verde.
- Cases of these illnesses have decreased, but there is still a risk of gastrointestinal infection.
Entry requirements
27 days ago
Traveller entry form
- Pre-registration and payment for the airport security fee ('TSA') must now be completed on the official online platform.
- You need to bring proof of confirmation of your pre-registration to show on arrival.
Travelling with children
- Children aged one and under are now exempt from both the traveller entry form and the TSA fee.
Warnings and insurance
27 days ago
Health
- The warning about UK Health Security Agency investigating increased reports of Shigella sonnei and Salmonella infection in travellers returning from Cape Verde has been removed.
- The advice for those with underlying health conditions to speak to a healthcare professional before travelling has been removed.
Airports in Cape Verde
Beaches in Cape Verde
Frequently asked questions
Cape Verde is generally considered a safe destination. However, petty crime can occur, particularly in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Take standard precautions like not displaying expensive jewelry or electronics and being aware of your surroundings.
British citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. You may need to show proof of onward travel and accommodation.
The best time to visit Cape Verde is generally between November and June, when there is less rainfall and the temperatures are warm and pleasant. The months of July to October can be hotter and more humid, with a higher chance of rain.
The currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). While Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, it's best to use the local currency. ATMs are available in major towns and cities, and credit cards are accepted in some establishments.
The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese. Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu), derived from Portuguese and West African languages, is also widely spoken.
Be cautious of unofficial taxi drivers and always agree on a fare before starting your journey. Also, be wary of overly friendly locals offering unsolicited assistance, as this may lead to scams or petty theft. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
Lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. During the day, casual wear is acceptable. In the evenings, especially at nicer restaurants, smart casual attire is appropriate. If visiting any religious sites, dress modestly; cover your shoulders and knees.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Cape Verde. Stick to bottled or purified water to avoid stomach upsets. When ordering drinks in restaurants, ensure that ice is made from purified water as well.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.