Travel guide
Cape Verde

A little secret paradise

Isolated archipelago off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. The region is seeing an acceleration in ecotourism, the discovery of its nature with respect that has managed to be preserved. If you enjoy outdoor activities, hiking or diving, you’re sure to fall under the island’s spell. Thanks to a blend of African, Portuguese and Latin influences, the archipelago has preserved a rich cultural diversity. Much more than a dreamy island paradise, holidaymakers discover the authenticity reflected in the warm welcome offered by the local population. A journey rich in flora and fauna, but also in emotions.

Time difference

GMT-3

Currency

Cape Verdean Escudo

(CVE)

Telephone prefix

+238

How do you say...

Some words and expressions in the language

  • Bonjour / Bonsoir = Bom dia / Boa noite
  • How are you? = Como vaivocê?
  • Fine, thank you, and you? = Muito bem, obrigado e você?
  • Do you speak French/English? = Você fala francês / inglês ?
  • I understand/ I don’t understand = Eu compreendo / Eu não compreendo
  • Sorry = Desculpe
  • Goodbye = Tchau/ até logo
  • Welcome = Bem-vindo
  • How much is it? = Quanto custa?
  • Where is…? / How do I get to…? = Onde fica…?/ Como faço para ir até…?
  • Have a nice day! = Tenha um bom dia!

Good to know

To call Cape Verde from France, dial 00 + 238 + your correspondent’s number.

To call France from Cape Verde, dial 00 + 33 + your correspondent’s 9-digit number (without the initial 0).

Santé

Vaccination against yellow fever is only compulsory for travelers coming from an infected area, which may concern travelers arriving from Senegal. This must be done at least 10 days before departure. Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B (in the absence of recognized immunity), whooping cough and measles, especially for children. And, less systematically, typhoid and rabies (especially in children). Against meningitis, in epidemic periods, tetravalent A/C/Y/W vaccine (Menveo or Nimenrix). Preventive medication can be dispensed with, except on the island of Sao Tiago during the winter rains (July to October), when the risk (low) can be prevented by taking Nivaquine. Protection against mosquitoes, using repellents, impregnated mosquito nets and covering clothing, both during the day and at night, is all the more essential as it will also protect against other insects carrying other parasitic or viral diseases (in particular dengue fever, which is endemo-epidemic, or the Zika virus).

Formalités

Valid passports must be valid for 6 months after the date of return, for French nationals. As of January 1, 2019, French travelers no longer need a visa to visit Cape Verde. However, they must either (the preferred option) check in before departure at www.ease.gov.cv and pay the 30 euro airport tax online, or complete the formalities and pay on arrival.