Visitors of any nationality require a passport, valid for the period of intended stay, to enter the
Cape Verde Islands.
Americans: US citizens require a valid passport. A visa is required unless traveling in an organized tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travelers 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.
UK nationals: UK passport holders require a valid passport. A visa is required
unless traveling in an organized tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travelers 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.
Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport. A visa is required unless traveling in an organized tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travelers 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.
Australians: Australians require a valid passport. A visa is required unless traveling in an organized tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travelers 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.
South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport. A visa is required unless traveling in an organized tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travelers 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.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required unless traveling in an organized tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travelers 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.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required unless traveling in an organized tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travelers 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.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against typhoid fever, polio and cholera. Outbreaks of Brucellosis are occasionally reported. A yellow fever certificate of inoculation is compulsory for travelers entering from a yellow fever infected area. There is a limited risk of malaria on Sao Tiago Island. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurized. 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.
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.
