Cape Verde

Only six hours flying time from the major airports of Europe, the volcanic Cape Verde archipelago, lying in the Atlantic Ocean off the bulge of Africa, is rapidly emerging as an inspiring holiday destination for those seeking something different.

The nine inhabited islands are bristling with their own individual character and melodious with a unique musical culture, besides offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation or active pursuits.

The rapidly developing island of Sal, in particular, with its long white sandy beaches, has been discovered by European beach buffs and water sports enthusiasts. The main tourist town, Santa Maria, near the international airport, is earning its place on the map as being the world's latest surfing Mecca, also a major draw for windsurfers and kite surfers, with its trade winds and winter swells.

A former Portuguese colony, Cape Verde is now a struggling Republic, scourged by drought in the last century, which prompted heavy emigration. Exploiting the natural assets of the islands by encouraging tourism has now become a valuable injection for the economy.

Apart from beaches, the islands also offer impressive mountains, volcanoes, delicious seafood and an interesting African/Portuguese cultural mix. The distinctive music of the islands, carried abroad by renowned artist, Cesara Evora, 'the barefoot diva', also adds to Cape Verde's character.

Most visitors utilise the inter-island ferries or domestic airline to explore more than just one of these somewhat barren and rugged islands, each of which has unique sights or experiences to offer. In a frenetic world Cape Verde remains slow, unsophisticated and secure with a stable democratic government, ready to welcome those seeking a simple holiday far from the madding crowd.

Climate

The tropical climate of Cape Verde is tempered by trade winds, temperatures remaining constant most of the year. The rainy season is during August, September and October, the amount being rather unpredictable.

Language

The official language is Portuguese and a patois known as Crioulo.

Time

Local time is GMT -1.

Money

The unit of currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), broken down into 100 centavos. The CVE is tied to the Euro at CVE 110.27 = 1 Euro. There is a bureau de change at the airport, and local banks will change travellers cheques and foreign currency. There is an ATM at the international airport, but no others in the islands as yet. Major credit cards are accepted only in a few main resort hotels and restaurants. Banks will give cash on credit cards but commissions are high. To avoid additional charges, carry travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Passport Visa

Visitors of any nationality require a passport, valid for the period of intended stay, to enter the Cape Verde Islands.

Entry Requirements

US citizens require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival. UK passport holders require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival. Canadians require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival. Australians require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival. South Africans require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival. Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival. New Zealand nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.

Embassy Consulates

United States Embassy, Praia: +238 260 8900.

British Consulate, Sao Vincente: +238 232 2830.

Canadian Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for Cape Verde): +221 889 4700.

South African Embassy, Dakar, Senegal (also responsible for Cape Verde): +221 865 1959.

Health

No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and yellow fever (compulsory for travellers entering from a yellow fever infected area). There is a limited risk of malaria on Santiago Island between September and November. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines in short supply. Visitors receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation.

Safety

Visits to Cape Verde are usually trouble free. The political situation is stable and crime rate low. The only danger is presented by occasional hazardous sea conditions around the islands.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz.

Business

Most business correspondance is conducted in English.

Communications

The country code is +238. The outgoing code is 0 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. The archipelago's main cities can be reached by International Direct Dialling. A GSM 900 mobile network is in operation throughout the islands; coverage is good in most towns. Internet is available in the main towns and major hotels offer laptop connections.

Duty Free

Travellers to Cape Verde are permitted the following items without incurring customs duty: a reasonable amount of perfume or eau de cologne and some gift items. In principle there is no free import of alcohol and tobacco products. The import or export of narcotics is strictly prohibited and pharmaceutical products may only be imported by public institutions.