Health and vaccines for Cape Verde
Health information for traveling to Cape Verde: mandatory and recommended vaccines, malaria, drinking water and precautions.
No vaccine is required to enter Cape Verde. However, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if you transit through an endemic country, particularly Senegal (Dakar). Check requirements if your flight has a stopover in West Africa.
Cape Verde is considered a very low malaria risk country. The WHO certified the country as 'malaria-free' in January 2024. Transmission has been virtually eliminated through prevention campaigns. No antimalarial treatment is generally recommended for travelers.
Tap water is not recommended for drinking in Cape Verde. Although quality has improved in recent years, it is preferable to drink bottled water, which is widely available and affordable (50–150 CVE for a 1.5L bottle).
Recommended vaccines
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio (DTP): update recommended
- Hepatitis A: strongly recommended
- Hepatitis B: recommended for long stays
- Typhoid fever: recommended for prolonged or adventurous stays
- Rabies: recommended if animal contact is expected
- For the latest information, visit the WHO website: https://www.who.int/travel-advice
Sun and heat
Cape Verde enjoys strong sunshine year-round. The UV index is often high (7–10). Protect yourself with SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and stay hydrated.
Medical facilities
- Main hospitals in Praia (Santiago) and Mindelo (São Vicente)
- Health centers on each inhabited island
- Pharmacies available in main towns
- Medical evacuation to Senegal or Portugal for serious cases
- Take out travel insurance with medical coverage and repatriation before departure
However, it is still advisable to protect yourself against mosquito bites, especially during the rainy season (July–October), as dengue may be sporadically present.