Know Before You Go

Most Western nationals can obtain a tourist visa on arrival or get it electronically (eVisa) before travel. Check at the official portal (www.icvtourism.cv or through embassies). A 30-day tourist visa is standard. Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended (not always enforced) but carry the certificate. Proof of accommodation and return ticket may be requested.

Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is the currency; 1 EUR is roughly 110 CVE. ATMs are available on Sal, Santiago, and Sao Vicente but may be unreliable. Withdrawal fees are high. Carry cash (EUR or USD) as backup. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants but not street vendors. Informal money exchange is common but rates vary; use ATMs or official cambios when possible.

Mobile providers: CV Telecom (dominant) and T+ Cabo Verde. Prepaid SIM cards are cheap (CVE 1,000+). Data bundles are available (1GB for ~CVE 3,000). Internet coverage is good on inhabited islands but drops on remote ones. WiFi is common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Mobile networks are reliable for calls and data.

Inter-island travel is by small planes (Halcyon Air, Leme Aero) or boats (slow ferries, irregular schedule). Flights are expensive but preferable to unreliable boats. Within islands, taxis are unmetered; negotiate fare upfront. Car rentals are available on larger islands (Sal, Santiago) from ~CVE 40,000/day. Roads are poor outside main routes. Walking is popular on smaller, quieter islands.

Yellow fever vaccination recommended. Malaria is not endemic but dengue and Zika are present. Water is generally safe in urban areas (desalinated) but bottled water is safer in remote areas. Medical facilities are basic; serious illness or injury may require evacuation to Senegal or Portugal. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is the daily language; Portuguese is formal and less commonly spoken by younger generations. English is not widely spoken outside tourism sectors. Learning basic Creole greetings is appreciated. Greet with handshakes and eye contact. Photography of people requires permission. Respect the cultural pride in Creole identity and island heritage. Avoid patronizing attitudes or 'white savior' narratives.

Dry season (October-June) is best; temperatures 22-28C, low rainfall. December-February is coolest and most visited (high prices). Rainy season (July-September) brings brief showers; humidity rises. Harmattan wind (November-March) brings dust from Sahara but creates dramatic skies. Wind is strong year-round; it shapes the landscape and culture. Best time: November-May for comfort and visibility.

Praia International (RAI) on Santiago is the main hub, served by TACV Cabo Verde Airlines, Portuguese airlines, and international carriers. Sal Island (SID) has seasonal charter traffic. Limited ferry service between islands (interisland flights primary). Overland from Senegal and Mauritania by boat (3-4 day ferries operate irregularly). Direct flights from Boston and Europe via Sal during high season.