Cape Verde Travel Guide

Only six hours flying time from the major airports of Europe, the volcanic Cape Verde archipelago, lying in the Atlantic Ocean off the bulge of Africa, is rapidly emerging as an inspiring holiday destination for those seeking something different.The nine inhabited islands are bristling with their own individual character and melodious, unique musical culture, besides offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation or active pursuits.The rapidly developing island of Sal, in particular, with its long white sandy beaches, has been discovered by European beach buffs and water sports enthusiasts. The main tourist town, Santa Maria, near the international airport, is earning its place on the map as being the world's latest surfing Mecca, also a major draw for windsurfers and kite surfers, with its trade winds and winter swells.A former Portuguese colony, Cape Verde is now a struggling Republic, scourged by drought in the last century, which prompted heavy emigration. Exploiting the natural assets of the islands by encouraging tourism has now become a valuable injection for the economy.Apart from beaches, the islands also offer impressive mountains, volcanoes, delicious seafood and an interesting African/Portuguese cultural mix. The distinctive music of the islands, carried abroad by renowned artist, Cesara Evora, 'the barefoot diva', also adds to Cape Verde's character.Most visitors utilise the inter-island ferries or domestic airline to explore more than just one of these somewhat barren and rugged islands, each of which has unique sights or experiences to offer. In a frenetic world Cape Verde remains slow, unsophisticated and secure with a stable democratic government, ready to welcome those seeking a simple holiday far from the madding crowd.

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Cape Verde Climate and Weather

The tropical climate of Cape Verde is tempered by trade winds, temperatures remaining constant most of the year. The rainy season is during August, September and October, the amount being rather unpredictable.

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Cape Verde Currency

Money: The unit of currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), broken down into 100 centavos. The CVE is tied to the Euro at CVE 110.27 = 1 Euro. There is a bureau de change at the airport, and local banks will change travellers cheques and foreign currency, although there is a high commission on travellers cheques. ATMs can be found at the airport and in Sal, Praia and Sâo Vincent. Major credit cards, particularly Mastercard and Visa are currently accepted in a few main resort hotels and restaurants. Banks will give cash on credit cards but commissions are high. To avoid additional charges, carry travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Exchange Rates
CVE 1 =	US$ 0.01	£ 0.01	C$ 0.01	A$ 0.01	R 0.09	EUR 0.01	NZ$ 0.02

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

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Cape Verde Health Overview

No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and yellow fever (compulsory for travellers entering from a yellow fever infected area). A one-time booster Polio vaccination is recommended for travellers who completed the childhood series, but have not had one as an adult. There is a limited risk of Malaria on Santiago Island between September and November. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines in short supply. Visitors receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation.

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Cape Verde Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:UK passport holders require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadians require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australians require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.
Passport/Visa Note:Visitors of any nationality require a passport, valid for the period of intended stay, to enter the Cape Verde Islands.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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Cape Verde Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -1.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz.
Language: The official language is Portuguese and a patois known as Crioulo.
Health: No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and yellow fever (compulsory for travellers entering from a yellow fever infected area). A one-time booster Polio vaccination is recommended for travellers who completed the childhood series, but have not had one as an adult. There is a limited risk of Malaria on Santiago Island between September and November. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines in short supply. Visitors receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation.
Tipping: A 10% tip should be given if no service charge has been added to the bill.
Safety: Visits to Cape Verde are usually trouble free. The political situation is stable and crime rate low. The only danger is presented by occasional hazardous sea conditions around the islands.
Business: Most business correspondance is conducted in English.
Communications: The country code is +238. The outgoing code is 0 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. The archipelago's main cities can be reached by International Direct Dialling. A GSM 900/1800 mobile network is in operation throughout the islands; coverage is good in most towns. Internet is available in the main towns and major hotels offer laptop connections.
Duty Free: Travellers to Cape Verde are permitted the following items without incurring customs duty: a reasonable amount of perfume or eau de cologne and some gift items. In principle there is no free import of alcohol and tobacco products. The import or export of narcotics is strictly prohibited and pharmaceutical products may only be imported by public institutions.

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Cape Verde Airports

Ilha de Sal International Airport (Amílcar Cabral)

Location: The airport is a mile (2km) south of the town of Espargos in central Sal.
Time: GMT -1.
Contacts: Tel: +238 411 135.
Transfer to the city: Taxis are available for transport to hotels and towns throughout the island, but are expensive. Shared taxis (alugers) are also available.
Car rental: Car rental is available.
Facilities: The airport has a post office, bank, auto exchange machine, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, VIP lounge, duty-free shop, newsagent/tobacconist, gift shop, travel agent, and tourist help desk.
Departure tax: None.

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