Cabo Verde: main airports
Cape Verde has two international airports: Sal Airport, the main tourist gateway to the archipelago, and Praia Airport, the capital, on the island of Santiago.
Cabo Verde: recommended activities
Cabo Verde: visa and entry requirements
Since 2019, citizens of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and several other nationalities do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days, extendable once for a further 30 at the immigration office in Praia or Mindelo. Online EASE registration is mandatory for everyone before departure (around €31, to be completed at least 5 days before arrival, 48-72 hours processing). The passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity.
Cabo Verde: safety
Cape Verde is generally safe for tourists, with common crime comparable to or lower than the West African average: the usual precautions against petty theft are sufficient in the tourist areas of Sal and Boa Vista. Praia and the other islands require the same attention as any urban centre, especially at night.
Cabo Verde: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is required only for those arriving from a country at risk of transmission. Routine vaccinations are generally recommended; malaria risk is low but present on Santiago at certain times, virtually absent on Sal and Boa Vista. Health facilities are limited outside Praia and Mindelo: insurance with possible evacuation is advisable, especially for those visiting the smaller islands.
Cabo Verde: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of around 110.265 to 1; the euro is widely accepted in tourist areas, but the local currency offers better value. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants, cash remains useful elsewhere. There are no widespread Western ride-hailing apps: local taxis are the main means of transport. For connectivity, the operators CVMóvel and Unitel T+ sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one.
