Safety in Cabo Verde

Safe holidays in Cabo Verde

Every year, Cabo Verde welcomes tens of thousands of tourists. In addition to the year-round good weather and paradise-like landscapes, there is an important factor when it comes to holidays: Safety.

Cabo Verde is a safe, democratically stable country with a friendly population, making the archipelago a perfect holiday destination. For instance, Praia (Santiago Island), São Vicente, Sal, and Boa Vista are equipped with over 900 surveillance cameras under the Safe City programme.

However, as with any travel destination, it's essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and pleasant stay.

General safety tips in Cabo Verde

These recommendations apply generally to any holiday destination:

• Make copies of your travel documents, such as your passport, and keep the originals in a safe place, like the hotel safe.
• Use the hotel safe to store valuables.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or flaunting expensive jewellery and watches.
• Keep your belongings secure and close to you, especially in public areas such as beaches, markets, and crowded events.
• Avoid isolated and poorly lit areas, particularly at night, if you are alone.

Beach safety

Cabo Verde's beaches are generally very safe. However, here are some additional tips to enhance your safety:

• Valuables on the beach: Keep valuable items like money, mobile phones, or electronic equipment under your surveillance.
• Supervising children: Although the sea in Cabo Verde is relatively calm, some currents can be strong. Therefore, children should always be accompanied by an adult when entering the water.
• Sun protection: Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and seek shade during peak hours to avoid sunburns and heatstroke.
• Lifeguards: Tourist hotspots like Sal and Boa Vista typically have lifeguards. However, many of Cabo Verde's beaches may not have supervision, so it's important to stay vigilant.
• Safe swimming areas: Choose to swim in places where the sea is calm and safe. Always opt for areas marked as safe.

Outdoor activity safety

The practice of safe outdoor activities is growing in Cabo Verde. The diverse landscapes, rugged terrains, hills, and natural parks with rich biodiversity are perfect for various sports.

Cabo Verde offers a wide range of adventure sports, from trekking and running trails to jeep tours in the Viana Desert. Safety is a priority, and numerous tourist companies are available to help plan and guide your activities.

For water sports, Cabo Verde caters to different levels of adrenaline seekers, from sport fishing to diving with lemon sharks, as well as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. You can always contact specialised tourist companies that guarantee total safety.

It is crucial to ensure that these activities are organised by local guides and experienced tour operators to comply with all safety standards.

Road safety in Cabo Verde

Foreign driving licenses are accepted in Cabo Verde for up to 6 months, provided the driver has their passport. Therefore, if you plan to travel around the archipelago and have a driving license, renting a car in Cabo Verde can be a great option to explore at your own pace.

For licenses issued in languages other than Portuguese, it is advisable to obtain an international driving permit. Some car rental companies may require this document, and it can also facilitate the process when language barriers are expected.

If you plan to drive in Cabo Verde, keep in mind:

• Seatbelt use is mandatory.
• Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
• The maximum speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h outside urban areas.
• Children under 12 must travel in the back seat.
• Helmets are required when riding scooters and quad bikes.

In addition, driving under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g/l or higher, is considered a violation, punishable by fines of up to 250,000 Cabo Verdean Escudos (around 2,500 Euros).

Remember, when visiting a country for the first time, it's essential to follow the advice of local authorities. Since safety concerns can change quickly, we recommend checking the Risk Map - International SOS for updated safety information in Cabo Verde.

For added security, also review health recommendations for Cabo Verde, such as required vaccinations and precautions related to food and water.