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Cape Verde
Risk:
Low
Health Overview
Cape Verde is Level 1 — one of Africa's most stable destinations. WHO certified malaria-free 2023. NO hyperbaric chambers on any island (critical for divers — decompression illness = medevac to Lisbon ~4 hours). Brava and Santo Antão have no airports (ferry only — weather-dependent). Dengue present (Aedes; 2009 outbreak). Praia Level 2 sub-region for crime.
Key Health Risks
Moderate
Ocean and Water Hazards
Strong currents; undertows; rip tides throughout. Drownings documented. Sea urchins in rocky areas. NO hyperbaric chambers on ANY island — scuba DCS = medevac to Lisbon (~4 hours). Conservative dive planning only.
Low-Moderate
Dengue
Malaria-free but Aedes present. 2009 dengue epidemic affected thousands. Zika documented (CDC purple zone). DEET recommended especially Jul-Oct rainy season.
Low-Moderate
Inter-Island Transport Safety
Brava and Santo Antão: ferry-only (no airports). Atlantic swells regularly suspend crossings. Medical transfer can be significantly delayed by weather. Light aircraft serve other islands but connectivity limited.
Health Risk Callout
No hyperbaric chambers anywhere in the archipelago is the most underappreciated risk for dive tourism. Malaria-free is genuine and recent. Dengue still possible despite malaria elimination.
Other Health Risks
Fogo volcanic hazard (active; last eruption 2014); Harmattan dust Nov-Mar; counterfeit medications (bring all meds from home); romance/financial scams; ocean rip tides; road traffic injuries
Regional Information
Regional Risk Callout
Praia (Santiago; Level 2 crime — avoid hillside stairways). Mindelo (São Vicente; safer; music/cultural hub). Sal/Boa Vista (beach resorts; petty theft). Fogo (active volcano; 2014 eruption). Brava/Santo Antão: NO airports — ferry only; any emergency = boat then flight.
Regional Healthcare Callout
Outside Santiago/São Vicente: severely limited. Brava/Santo Antão: no airports — boat first. Regional hospitals on Sal; Fogo basic only.
Vaccine and Malaria Prevention
💉 Entry Vaccine Required
YF required from Senegal/West African endemic transit. Pre-register at ease.gov.cv. No visa needed ≤30 days. $20 security fee on entry and departure.
🛡️ Recommended Vaccines
CDC recommend YF (from endemic countries; CDC recommends all ≥9 months given proximity to endemic West Africa); Typhoid; Hep A; Hep B; routine (MMR; Tdap). NO malaria prophylaxis (WHO malaria-free 2023).
🦟 Malaria Information
No malaria risk.
Physician Note
Dr. Robert
Emergency Medicine · 25+ Years · 40+ Countries
Cape Verde: 'WHO malaria-free since 2023 — no prophylaxis needed.' Genuinely pleasant news. But: no hyperbaric chambers on any island. For dive tourism destination; that fact must be front of mind.
DCS = air evacuation to Lisbon; four hours. Conservative dive planning; no pushing depth late in trip.
Pre-Departure Checklist
8+ Weeks
- Be sure to consult your Dr. prior to travel to discuss
- CDC recommends YF (from endemic
- Recommended all ≥9 months)
- Typhoid
- Hep A/B
- MMR/Tdap. NO malaria prophylaxis. DEET for dengue. Medevac insurance (no hyperbaric).
2-4 Weeks
- STEP
- If diving — verify no chambers exist
- Plan DCS protocol to Lisbon. Pack all meds from home.
Day Of
- Police 132
- Medical 130
- Embassy +238-991-3325
- Flagged swimming zones only.
Trip Type Guidance
Adventure
- Windsurfing/kitesurfing (Sal
- Boa Vista — globally ranked)
- Diving (NO hyperbaric — conservative only)
- Hiking (Fogo volcano
- Santo Antão mountains)
- Whale watching. Beach/
Family
- Sal and Boa Vista reliable sunshine
- Resort infrastructure
- Calm lagoons.
Notes
Special Evacuation Notes
Medevac from Praia to Lisbon (~4 hours; TAP). NO hyperbaric chambers — DCS = immediate medevac. Brava/Santo Antão: ferry to another island first; then air.
Safety Notes
Praia: avoid hillside stairways. Sal/Boa Vista: standard beach precautions. Fogo: monitor volcanic activity. Swimming: flagged zones only. Divers: NO hyperbaric chambers — conservative planning only.
partner recommendation
Medical Evacuation & Assistance
A medical crisis far from home can cost $50,000+ to evacuate. Global Rescue — the partner we personally trust — provides worldwide evacuation and round-the-clock medical assistance.
Good For
Adventure
Family
Beach