Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
Cape Verde (also known as Cabo Verde) is a nation of 10 main islands off the coast of West Africa. Colonized by the Portuguese, Cape Verde became a commercial center for trade.
The country is home to three volcanoes, with one of them still being active. With its many geographical features, some of the best hiking in Africa can be found in Cape Verde.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Cape Verde?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Cape Verde
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cape Verde?
What Is the Climate Like in Cape Verde?
How Safe Is Cape Verde?
Visiting Boa Vista Island
What Should I Pack for Cape Verde?
Canadian Embassy in Cape Verde
Do I Need Vaccines for Cape Verde?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cape Verde. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cape Verde: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cape Verde |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Cape Verde |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a serious illness transmitted through contaminated food and water. Prevention strategies include vaccination as well as practicing strict hygiene and safe food handling.
- Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
- Yellow Fever – To shield against yellow fever, travellers should prioritize vaccination, as it offers robust and durable immunity. The vaccine is recommended for those visiting endemic areas, ensuring their safety by reducing the risk of contracting the virus from infected mosquitoes.
- Rabies – Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted primarily through bites and scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the key to prevention, offering pre-exposure protection to high-risk individuals and post-exposure treatment for those exposed to rabies.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B prevention relies on vaccination as the most effective measure, recommended for all travellers and critical for healthcare workers. Practicing safe sex and using sterile equipment for body modifications are also key in reducing transmission risks.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious viral infections, causing various symptoms and complications. To prevent them, vaccination is key. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, safeguards against all three diseases and helps establish herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Typhoid vaccination is highly recommended for travellers to Cape Verde. Individuals who visit friends or relatives or go to rural areas are at greater risk and should be immunized.
Hospitals may be found in Praia and Mindelo with smaller medical facilities also found in other islands. Bring your own medications and prescriptions, as many are in low supply in Cape Verde.
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Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Cape Verde
Prevent Bug Bites in Cape Verde
Safeguard against bug bites by following PHAC-recommended practices like donning long attire and using EPA-registered repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug activity times and bolster your sleeping space with nets and screens. In the event of bug bites, clean the area, resist itching, and use over-the-counter treatments to help with itching. Be sure to seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Cape Verde
Safeguard your health during international travels by eating fully cooked, hot meals, at reliable dining establishments. To minimize the chances of travellers’ diarrhea, follow these precautions: choose safe foods, avoid untreated water, practice frequent hand-washing, consider probiotics, and exercise caution when indulging in unfamiliar cuisines.
Altitude Sickness in Cape Verde
Altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms like headaches and fatigue, occurs at high elevations due to oxygen deficiency. To prevent it, ascend gradually, hydrate sufficiently, and consider medication. If symptoms emerge, promptly descend to lower altitudes for recovery.
Infections To Be Aware of in Cape Verde
- African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is a tick-borne disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks.
- Dengue – The threat of dengue fever, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, looms large worldwide, with millions infected each year. Prevention through nettings and repellents is a must.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated water. Avoiding contact with infected water sources and using protective clothing can reduce the risk of infection. Seeking medical evaluation promptly if symptoms such as fever and fatigue manifest enables timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and promoting recovery.
- Zika – Zika, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, can have severe consequences, especially for pregnant women. Prevention measures include using repellent, practicing safe sex, and removing mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Cape Verde?
A passport and visa are required for entry to Cape Verde. A single-entry visa is available and is good for 90 days and a multiple-entry visa is good for five years.
Cape Verde Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cape Verde? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Cape Verde and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde has a tropical climate with warm and sunny weather most of the year. The islands have a dry season from November to June and a rainy season from July to October.
Sal and Boa Vista are popular tourist destinations known for their beautiful beaches, and the weather there is warm and dry all year. Santiago, the largest island, has a more pronounced rainy season from August to October. Fogo is a volcanic island that is cooler than others, and it receives more rainfall than Sal and Boa Vista.
It is important for travellers to be aware of the different weather patterns on the different islands.
How Safe Is Cape Verde?
Petty crime is common in Cape Verde in highly-populated areas such as markets and festivals. Look out for groups of children with no adult supervision. The majority of pickpockets are children.
Be careful when using hillside stairways at all times of the day, for these are common locations for assault. It is strongly advised not to use them.
While swimming or fishing in the waters around Cape Verde, watch out for strong tides and currents that can cause drowning.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Visiting Boa Vista Island
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
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Boa Vista Island is a great place for tourists to visit. It has beautiful beaches with clear water, and unique desert landscapes. People can do many things on the island, like swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Boa Vista is also famous for its nesting turtles. Visitors can watch turtles lay eggs on the beach or watch the baby turtles go to the ocean.
The island is perfect for off-road adventures like dune bashing. Visitors can ride in a 4×4 vehicle and explore the island’s sand dunes and rocky terrain. Camel riding is also available for visitors who want to try something different. Visitors can take a camel ride through Boa Vista’s desert landscapes, which is a unique and fun way to explore the island.
Island tours are also available, where visitors can explore the interesting sights, such as the shipwreck of the Cabo Santa Maria. Boa Vista Island is a beautiful place that offers a lot of fun and exciting things to do.
What Should I Pack for Cape Verde?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Cape Verde:
- Hats and sunscreen to protect against the consistent sun.
- Shoes for hiking, if you plan to hike.
- Mosquito repellent and clothing that covers bare skin to prevent mosquito bites and infections.
- Your own prescriptions and medications as they may be hard to find in Cape Verde.
- Anti-diarrhea medicine. Diarrhea can be common among travellers, it’s always best to be prepared.
- Modest clothing for visits to smaller towns or villages.
Canadian Embassy to Cape Verde
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in Cape Verde. For any consular needs, contact the Canadian Embassy in Senegal:
Canadian Embassy in Senegal
corner of Galliéni and Amadou Cissé Dia Streets,
Dakar, Senegal
Tel.: +221 33 889 4749
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Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Cape Verde
“I visited the office for a yellow fever vaccine as it was a requirement for Cape Verde. When I got there I was pleasantly surprised when I received a FULL consultation with all the health concerns about the country I’m travelling to. The nurse provided me with the resources where to get free vaccines as well. We discussed the risk levels and precaution measures I needed to take. I didn’t feel rushed at all and I had a great experience. I would definitely recommend you to use their service.”
“We were served by a helpful nurse who we found to be very knowledgeable about Cape Verde, professional, and super friendly. It was a very enjoyable experience.”
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