Cabo Verde

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 132 for police
• Dial 130 for medical emergencies
• Dial 131 for fire emergencies

Crime

• Petty crime and burglary are common in Cabo Verde. This occurs at marketplaces, festivals, street fairs, and public gatherings.
• Criminals target anyone perceived to be wealthy, regardless of nationality.
• Perpetrators of petty theft and pickpocketing are often groups of street children. Avoid groups of children who appear to have no adult supervision.
• Muggings occur often, particularly at night and in more isolated areas. They often involve violence. Perpetrators are predominantly males between the ages of 14 and 25 working in groups of 2 or more.
• Due to poor lighting in many public areas, you should be especially vigilant at night. Carry a flashlight to illuminate your path, and never go out alone.
• Keep vehicle doors and windows locked and avoid remote places. 
• Avoid the hillside stairways connecting neighborhoods in Praia and other Cabo Verdean cities and towns, even during the day. These stairways isolate users and make them vulnerable to assault. 

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial and romance scams are common in Cabo Verde. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 132. Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement at for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Exercise extreme caution when participating in water sports, such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Tides and currents around the islands are very strong. Several small fishing boats have been lost at sea. Drownings have occurred on the beaches and along the coast in Santiago, Sal, and on other islands.
• If you are traveling to Cabo Verde for scuba diving, be aware that there are no hyperbaric or decompression facilities on the islands. The entire island of Fogo is an active volcano. Future eruptions remain a threat.
• Earth tremors throughout the islands are common, especially on Fogo, Brava, and Santo Antão. They are also common beneath the ocean channels that separate them.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and large fines.
• If you are caught entering Cabo Verde with firearms or ammunition, you may face severe penalties, including prison time. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law.
• Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Cabo Verde seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notifications

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Cabo Verde.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Cabo Verde prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is not as accepting as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cabo Verde Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 132 for police
• Dial 130 for medical emergencies
• Dial 131 for fire emergencies
• Dial 261 41 54 for Civil Protection Services 
• Dial 534 70 90 for Fire Department Services

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance
Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Cabo Verde. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations
Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Cabo Verde’s largest hospitals are in Praia (Hospital Universitario Agostinho Neto) and Mindelo (Hospital Baptista de Sousa).
• There are 4 regional hospitals:
  • Hospital Regional Santa Rita Vieira on the island of Santiago
  • Hospital Regional Joao Moraia on the island of Santo Antao
  • Hospital Regional Ramiro Figueira on the island of Sal
  • Hospital Regional Francisco Assis on the island of Fogo
• There are smaller public health centers and private medical clinics throughout the country. These vary in personnel and equipment quality.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors usually require payment up front prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Transportation between islands is difficult. Inter-island medevac options are limited. The islands of Brava and Santo Antão do not have operational airports. This makes air evacuation difficult in the event of a medical emergency. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Medication brought for personal use, within normal amounts for a certain period of time, usually isn’t restricted by customs at the port or airport. Be sure to bring proper documentation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Cabo Verde. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Cabo Verde to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Cabo Verde with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Cabo Verdean courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Cabo Verde via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is Cabo Verde is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  Bottled water is safest to drink
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• During the rainy season, damaged water pipes may result in contamination to the public water supply.  Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Cabo Verde.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page

Road conditions and safety

Most urban and rural roads are asphalt on the islands of Santiago, Sal, and São Vicente. On other islands, most roads are narrow, winding, and mostly cobblestones.

• During the rainy season (July to October), cobblestone roads are especially slippery. Mud and rockslides are common on roads that cut through mountains.
• Roads and streets often are unlit. Driving at night is dangerous.
• Most accidents result from aggressive driving, speeding, and passing on blind curves. They also occur on inclines or declines in the rain.

Traffic laws

You could face severe penalties, including prison time, for driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious problem in Cabo Verde. You are most likely to encounter a drunk driver on Sundays and at night.
• Exercise extreme caution toward both pedestrians and other drivers after celebrations, festivals, and open-air concerts.
• Stay alert also during holiday periods, such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Carnival.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Licensed, registered taxis are clearly marked.
• Official taxis are considered safe and reliable, but not all have seat belts. Use good common sense and avoid sharing a taxi with strangers.

Public and commercial transportation

• Avoid using buses and commuter vans in Cabo Verde. These often don’t have a fixed route. They carry more passengers than is safe.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Cabo Verde’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Cabo Verde should check the following:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of Cabo Verde.  Mariners and passengers traveling through Cabo Verdean ports should exercise caution and implement enhanced security measures. 

Weather conditions

• Rainy season – Typically occurs from July to October. Flooding and damage to roads and infrastructure may occur.
• Volcanic activity – The island of Fogo is an active volcano. The last full eruption happened in 2014.
• Harmattan – Dry, cold, and dusty wind that blows from the Sahara Desert across Cabo Verde from November to March.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.