Most visitors to Cape Verde fly straight to the beach resorts of Sal and Boa Vista, and some add the capital, Praia, on Santiago, the music and carnival of Mindelo on São Vicente, the hiking trails of Santo Antão or the volcano on Fogo. Cape Verde is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so a European SIM roams there at its operator's own rates.
Key facts for Cape Verde
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Alou and T+ (depending on plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 132; ambulance 130; fire 131
- Embassies: in Praia
Before you fly
You can visit for up to 30 days without a visa, but you must fill in the online pre-registration form at least 5 days before you arrive and pay the airport security fee, known as the TSA, on the same official platform. Since 1 July 2026, travellers who arrive without it pay double the fee at border control. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive, and you need a yellow fever certificate only if you are coming from a country with a risk of transmission.
Sal and Boa Vista
Coverage is good around the resorts of Santa Maria on Sal and Sal Rei on Boa Vista. Crime is generally low, but pickpocketing, bag snatching, burglary and muggings do happen, particularly in Praia and on Sal and Boa Vista, so avoid unlit and isolated areas after dark and beaches where you cannot be seen, and leave expensive jewellery in the safe. Only use authorised taxis from a rank or called by your hotel; on Sal and Boa Vista they are blue and yellow.
The sea
Tides and currents around the islands are very strong and the waves can have a powerful undertow, so swim only on beaches with a lifeguard on duty and stay out of the water when the red flag is flying. Sea crossings can be dangerous, especially to Fogo and Brava, where services are often disrupted, so follow local advice before you travel by boat.
Health on the islands
The largest hospitals are in Praia, medical facilities elsewhere are basic, especially on Boa Vista, and some medicines are hard to find. Brava and Santo Antão have no working airport, which makes medical evacuation very difficult, so check that your insurance covers it. The government has raised its dengue warning on Santiago, Fogo and Brava, so pack insect repellent, and occasional tremors are felt, mostly on Fogo and Brava.
Roads and the law
Intercity buses can be dangerous because of poor driving, and quad bike accidents are a real risk where medical care is basic. You will be arrested if you are caught driving without a valid licence, and there are severe penalties for possessing, using or trafficking drugs.
Money
The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo. A few larger hotels take cards, but many places only take cash, and cash machines are mainly on Sal, in Praia and on São Vicente, so take enough money with you before heading to the smaller islands.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up before departure connects as you land on Sal or Boa Vista, and your home SIM stays on for texts and bank codes. An Africa plan also covers Senegal and Morocco.
Cape Verdean SIM cards from Alou and T+ are sold at the airports and in town, and you need your passport to buy one.
Consular protection: who to call in Cape Verde
- Call 132 for the police, 130 for an ambulance and 131 for the fire brigade.
- Embassies are in Praia, on Santiago. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Cape Verde, any other EU country's embassy must give you the same help it would give its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- Portuguese is the official language and Cape Verdean Creole is spoken everywhere; the app has emergency phrases in Portuguese that you can show on screen.
Cape Verde travel-safety page →
Questions travellers ask about Cape Verde
Is my EU plan valid in Cape Verde?
Not at home rates: Cape Verde is outside Roam Like at Home, so your operator charges roaming.
Do I need to do anything before flying?
Yes. Fill in the online pre-registration and pay the airport security fee at least 5 days before you arrive, or you will pay double at the border.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Cape Verde?
Alou or T+, depending on the plan, with 4G where available.
Is the sea safe for swimming?
The currents around the islands are strong, so swim only where a lifeguard is on duty and never under a red flag.
The short version
Pre-register and pay the airport fee before you fly, install the eSIM at home, use authorised taxis, swim only on guarded beaches, carry cash for the smaller islands, and save 132 and 130.
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