Last updated: 20 Oct 2025
Cape Verde
About
| The Cape Verde Islands are made up of ten volcanic islands and five tiny islets, Cape Verde combines spectacular mountain ranges with deserted beaches. Wander around Cidade Velha in Santiago, the first European settlement in the tropics and a World Heritage site to boot. City ruins from the 1600s have survived the ravages of both time and pirates, and Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe, a dramatic cliff-side fort, provides sea views. Explore the famous salt mines of Sal, after which the island is named. The mines were built inside a dormant volcano and are a fascinating and eerie experience. Dance barefoot on the beach. Cape Verdean's love dancing, and you're sure to pick up some special moves from the locals. Go scuba diving around Sal's amazing underwater world. Get up close to Cape Verde's plentiful sea-life. |
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| Official Name: | Republic of Cabo Verde |
| Capital: | Praia (RAI) |
| Currency: | Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) |
| Language: | Portuguese. Creole is widely spoken. English, French, German and Spanish are widely understood. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 238 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -1 (3 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | August - October |
| Best for: | Pristine Beaches |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs with two rounded pins are commonly used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies apply. It is considered rude to eat in front of others without sharing food, therefore eating in public is not widely done. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Cape Verde without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 1L of spirits and 2 x 1L of wine. • 250ml of eau de toilette and 50ml of perfume. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Plant and animal products must be accompanied by a phytosanitary or sanitary certificate |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 13, 20; Apr 18; May 1; Jun 1; Jul 5; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 13, 20; Apr 3; May 1; Jun 1; Jul 5; Aug 15; Nov 1; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
South African Passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Passengers are to be in possession of a valid passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months after departure date from Cape Verde, with blank pages
- Foreign citizens holding a transit or tourism visa not exceeding thirty (30) days as well as those that are visa exempt must be able to attest the possession of 20.000 Cape-Verdean Escudos per capita or equivalent plus 10.000 Cape-Verdean Escudos of daily money for each day spent in Cabo Verde, or to be in a position to acquire such means lawfully.
- Pre-register on https://www.ease.gov.cv/ at least 5 days prior to arrival, and pay the airport tax.
Useful information can be found at: www.capeverde.com
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Dakar, Senegal
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: |
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
