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Cape Verde travel health
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Overview
Most visitors to Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) will not need unusual pre-travel medicines, but prepare for common travel risks: food- and water‑borne gastrointestinal infections, mosquito‑borne viruses (dengue, Zika), and occasional localised public‑health events. Yellow fever certification is only required for travellers arriving from countries with ongoing yellow fever transmission. Healthcare services are limited on smaller islands; plan for continuity of prescription medicines and consider travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation for serious illness.
Health system and access to care
Basic hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are available in larger towns such as Praia and Mindelo, but services (and standards) are limited on smaller islands; serious cases may require repatriation. Travelers should carry a written list of medications, insurance details and a plan to access care. Cabo Verde travel guidance WHO country situation report.
Vaccinations and entry requirements
Separate legal entry rules from clinical recommendations. Check your full itinerary (including islands and recent transit countries) before you travel.
Yellow fever (entry rules)
Cape Verde requires an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) only from travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (age ≥1 year). This is an administrative entry requirement and different from clinical vaccine advice. If your trip includes transit or recent travel through a yellow fever area, obtain the vaccine and the certificate well before departure. Cape Verde border health form (IGRP) CDC travel health: yellow fever notes.
Routine and commonly recommended vaccines
Make sure routine immunizations are up to date (MMR, tetanus-diphtheria, polio, etc.). Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most unvaccinated travelers to Cape Verde; hepatitis B is recommended for travelers who may have sexual or medical exposure to local populations. Typhoid vaccine is commonly advised for travellers staying outside standard tourist sanitation conditions. Discuss these with a travel-health clinician at least 4 weeks before travel when possible. CDC: vaccine recommendations.
Rabies
Dog rabies is uncommon, but post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be limited outside major urban centres. Consider pre‑exposure rabies vaccination if you will work with animals, spend long periods in remote areas, or anticipate delayed access to medical care. If bitten or scratched, wash wounds immediately and seek medical care for PEP. CDC: rabies advice.
COVID-19 and other certificates
As of current national guidance, Cape Verde has lifted routine COVID-19 travel restrictions; however, airlines or transit countries may have different requirements—check before you travel. Carry proof of vaccination and test results if advised by carrier or destination. Visit Cabo Verde: COVID-19 travel information.
Other health risks
Non‑vaccine risks for travelers include mosquito‑borne viruses, gastrointestinal infections, and sun/environmental injuries. Follow the specific practical advice below for the highest‑relevance hazards.
Mosquito‑borne diseases: dengue, Zika and bite avoidance
Dengue has caused large outbreaks in recent years and remains a seasonal risk where Aedes mosquitoes are present; Zika virus is also possible and carries special risks in pregnancy. Use daytime and nighttime bite prevention (EPA‑registered repellents, long clothing, screens, air conditioning, permethrin‑treated clothing). Pregnant travelers should discuss Zika risk with a clinician. WHO: dengue and vector control report CDC: mosquito‑borne disease advice.
Gastrointestinal infections (Shigella, Salmonella, travellers’ diarrhea)
Repeated multi‑country clusters of Shigella and several Salmonella clusters have been associated with travel to the Santa Maria (Sal) and Boa Vista resort areas; some hotel/resort guests have been affected. Practice strict food and water precautions (drink bottled water, avoid ice, prefer cooked foods served hot, careful hand hygiene). Seek medical care if you develop high fever, bloody diarrhea or severe dehydration. CDC: traveller health notice ECDC: shigellosis update UK: TravelHealthPro outbreak notice.
Malaria
WHO certified Cape Verde malaria‑free in January 2024 after three consecutive years without indigenous transmission. This status means routine chemoprophylaxis is not recommended for most travellers; focus on mosquito bite prevention instead. However, public health authorities continue to monitor for imported or sporadic local cases and the risk of reintroduction remains, particularly in urban hotspots; seek assessment for fever during or after travel. If your itinerary includes remote stays or specific islands where local guidance indicates risk, consult a travel clinician. WHO: malaria‑free certification CDC: malaria country table Journal of Travel Medicine: reported sporadic cases and vigilance.
Sun, heat and environmental risks
Cape Verde is sunny and exposed; high UV index and heat can cause sunburn, heat exhaustion and dehydration. Use high‑SPF sunscreen, wear a hat and loose clothing, and carry sufficient water. Sea and beach safety varies by island—follow local warnings and lifeguard advice. Cabo Verde travel guidance.
Current health alerts
The items below reflect events and sustained patterns reported by national and international public‑health bodies; check local notices close to your departure date.
Ongoing: gastrointestinal infection clusters linked to Santa Maria (Sal) and Boa Vista
Since late 2022 with renewed clusters from October 2025 onward, multiple countries have reported travelers with Shigella (often S. sonnei) and several Salmonella clusters linked to stays in the Santa Maria (Sal) and Boa Vista resort areas. Investigations point to a persistent source or route of transmission, but the specific vehicle has not been publicly confirmed. Travelers should take enhanced food/water precautions, and clinicians should consider recent travel to Cape Verde when testing for enteric infections. ECDC: epidemiological update UK Health Security Agency notice TravelHealthPro outbreak report.
Recent dengue activity and vector concerns
A large dengue epidemic occurred in 2024 and authorities took contingency measures in 2025 to limit spread during the rainy season. Local dengue transmission and seasonal increases in mosquito abundance remain possible; travellers should use bite prevention. WHO: dengue and contingency actions.
Measles risk (global)
Measles activity is rising in multiple regions; all international travelers should be fully vaccinated (MMR) before departure. CDC: measles and routine vaccines.
Before you travel
Plan at least 4–6 weeks before travel when possible to allow time for recommended vaccines and medical advice.
Preparation checklist
See a travel‑health clinician for personalized advice; bring an up‑to‑date vaccination record, any required yellow fever certificate (if arriving from a risk country), prescription medicines in original containers, a basic travel first‑aid kit, and comprehensive travel health insurance. Follow strict food, water and hand‑hygiene precautions, use mosquito bite prevention measures, and seek prompt care for fever or severe gastrointestinal illness. This information summarizes published public‑health guidance. A travel‑health professional can advise on your itinerary, medical history and vaccination needs. CDC: travel health summary for Cape Verde WHO: malaria certification and ongoing vigilance.
