We've put together a list of answers to questions we are often asked by our customers before travelling to Cape Verde. We hope you find these helpful.
If you have any other questions that are not covered here, please contact our reservations team on 0845 330 2047 or email your question to us »
Q. When do I found out what time my inter island flights are?
Inter island flight times are sent with our confirmation invoice which is sent within 24 hours of booking. Even through times have been confirmed they can still change as TACV can amend their schedules without much notice.
Q. What are the local restaurants like?
Again this depends very much on the island. In Santa Maria on Sal and Mindelo on São Vicente there are some very good restaurants in and outside the hotels. A selection of Creole, Portuguese, international and seafood will generally be on the menu, however service can generally be a little slow. On other islands such as Boa Vista and Santo Antão, there are only a few restaurants with no specific menu, only the special of the day.
Q. Is it safe to go out at night?
The crime rate in Cape Verde is low although it has increased slightly in the last year. As in all destinations, especially in the larger towns, we advise you to exercise caution and not show valuables or large amounts of cash.
Q. What is the currency and where can I get some?
The currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo which can only be obtained in the islands. Euros are widely accepted throughout the islands but credit cards are not. Please be aware the charges for changing travellers cheques can be quite high.
Q. What clothing should I take?
Most hotels and restaurants are fairly informal although some prefer gentlemen to wear long trousers in the evenings. If it is windy in the evening it can feel quite cool, so taking a sweater is advisable.
Q. What's the weather like?
The temperature does not vary much year round and stays between the mid and late twenties. There can be strong winds so humidity is low however severe asthma sufferers should not travel between February and April due to dust in the air from the Harmattan winds.
Q. Can I take day trips to other Islands?
We have day trips from Sal to Santiago, Boa Vista, Fogo and São Vicente. You can register for day trips on our website which doesn't guarantee a place but due to limited numbers available, but does give you a higher priority for places.
Q. How much building work is happening?
This really depends on which island you are travelling to as some islands have very little building work and on others there is a fair amount. Our reservations team have details of any current work going on.
Q. Do you have to take Malaria tablets?
No, there is no malaria present in Cape Verde with the exception of Santiago during September to November. If you are visiting Santiago during these months please check with your GP for the latest advice.
Q. How does the visa work?
All British nationals require a visa to enter Cape Verde and we can organise this for you providing we have received your passport details no later than 7 days prior to your departure. The visa takes the form of a stamp from immigration on arrival in Cape Verde and is included in your package price.
Q. If 'Verde' means green, are all the islands green?
No, due to low rainfall and years of drought many of the islands are very dry and barren with little or no vegetation. Parts of Santo Antão, Santiago and Fogo are the exceptions with mountainous areas that are lush, with tropical plantations of crops and fruit.
Q. What is the weather like?
The Cape Verde Islands enjoy year round sunshine and because of their location in the Atlantic they enjoy fairly constant cooling breezes which keep the atmosphere mostly free of humidity.
Q. Can I use my mobile phone?
UK mobile phones do work in Cape Verde (except pay as you go) however calls can be expensive. A cheaper option is to buy a pre-paid SIM card for your phone on arrival in Cape Verde and be given a local number.
Q. Room check-in and out times?
The standard international practice is to let rooms from midday to midday. However times do vary and as a general rule rooms are available from 3pm on arrival, with you being asked to vacate your room by 10am on the day of departure.
Q. What does the price include?
All prices shown on this site for package bookings include:
- Return flight from the UK to Cape Verde
- Luggage allowance of 20kgs
- Transfers from airport to your accommodation (except flight only)
- Accommodation and meal basis as detailed in our booking confirmation invoice
- Visa (if we receive details 7 days before departure date)
- Inter-island flights, ferries and transfers for twin-centre holidays (as appropriate)
- The services of our local agent or representative
- Airport departure taxes both in the UK and Cape Verde
- UK Air Passenger Duty (APD)
Q. How do I apply for a Visa?
When you receive your booking confirmation please telephone our administration department on 0845 330 2068 to give us the information required to obtain your visas. You will need to have all passenger's passports to hand. This should be done as soon as your booking confirmation has been received and certainly no later than 7 days before departure. After this time we may not be able to obtain your visa before departure from the UK.
You can apply for a visa on arrival in Sal however this will delay you and you will be asked to pay directly to the authorities a non-refundable fee of £45 per person.
Q. Do I need a visa to visit the Cape Verde Islands?
A full British 10 year passport is required for entry into Cape Verde, valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival back in the UK. All British Nationals require a visa to enter Cape Verde issued on arrival in Sal. Organising your visa is included in your holiday price providing that we receive the appropriate information no later than 7 days prior to departure. For late bookings made within 7 days of departure our administration staff will try to pre order your visa however if unsuccessful this can also be purchased on arrival and the cost refunded by our representative.
Q. Where can I get extra safety information about the Cape Verde?
We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Their website at: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo is packed with essential tips, travel advice and up-to-date country specific information.
Q. Are there hotels at the UK Airport?
We can offer a range of hotels with or without parking to suite all budgets located at or near your departure airport with prices from £24.50 per person.
Q. Can I leave my car at the Airport?
Conveniently located car parks are available at all airports, which offer a free 24-hour transfer service to and from the airport terminal. Further details will be sent with your holiday documentation.
Q. Will I need Medication?
Vaccinations are not required to visit the Islands.
Q. What are the Transfer times like?
As the Islands are small, generally speaking the transfer time from the airport to your hotel will average 20 minutes.
Q. Are children welcome on the islands?
Children are welcome everywhere as the Cape Verdeans love, and take excellent care of their young ones. They will love playing on the beaches and some of the hotels have small play areas and sections of the pool for children (largely unsupervised). However there are few organised activities for children.