Safety and security

Terrorism 

While the threat from terrorism is minimal, it is important not to rule out the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low but you should take sensible precautions:

• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark.
• Petty crimes like pick-pocketing or handbag snatching can occur, including on beaches. They particularly occur during festivals and street fairs, and in crowded outdoor market areas, particularly on the island of São Vicente, in Praia and on the island of Santiago
• Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
• Lock doors and windows at night.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime, report it to the local police immediately.

Road safety

Cape Verde has an extensive road system. On the islands of Santiago, Sal, and São Vicente, many urban and rural roads are asphalt. On the other islands, some roads are narrow, winding and poorly lit, and mostly cobblestone.
During the rainy season, cobblestone roads are especially slippery, and mud and rockslides are common on roads that cut through mountains. Roads and streets often are unlit and driving at night is hazardous. Main roads are usually paved with cobblestones but can be narrow, winding and poorly lit.
Drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution, particularly after dark.

Public transportation

Praia has three principal modes of public transport: taxi, city buses, and intercity commuter van service. The use of Intercity van service is strongly discouraged due to the bad driving habits of local residents.
While official taxis are considered safe and reliable, passengers should still exercise good common sense and avoid sharing a taxi with strangers.
In Praia, city buses and taxis are reliable, clean and in good condition.

Maritime Safety

Sea conditions can be treacherous and mariners should take extra care and seek local advice prior to travel. Advise local ports of arrival and departure times and provide relatives with your itinerary.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Health

Irish health authorities have classified Cape Verde as a country where there is a risk of Zika virus transmission, and advise for pregnant and women planning on becoming pregnant to postpone all non-essential travel.

Irish Health authorities also categorise Cape Verde as one of the high risk countries where the rates of hepatitis C are high. There is also a low risk of malaria in the capital city, Praia (Santiago Island). For more information and advice, visit the website of the HSE The Health Service Executive - Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre. Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Additional Information

Passports

It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Cape Verde and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad, we can help.

What we can do:

• Issue you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip, or;
• Issue you with an emergency travel document to get you home.

We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you. As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Cape Verde there may be additional complications in processing and application for a new passport.

You should contact the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to do to apply for a passport. They will also be able to advise you on the fees which apply.