If you’ve been scanning maps of West Africa and keep landing on a small cluster of islands floating in the Atlantic, you’re not imagining things—Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is quietly becoming one of the smartest first-time travel choices in 2026.
This isn’t a destination you stumble into. You choose it because you want predictable weather, political stability, and something that doesn’t feel overrun or performative. And in 2026, Cape Verde feels more organized, more intentional, and—thanks to new entry rules—more transparent than it’s ever been.
What follows is not a sales pitch. It’s the stuff you actually need to know before booking flights, choosing islands, or standing at immigration wondering if you missed a form.
Why Cape Verde Feels Different (Especially for First-Time Visitors)
Cape Verde isn’t “Africa-lite,” and it’s definitely not a Caribbean substitute. What makes it work for first-time travelers is how clearly defined everything is.
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The country consists of 10 volcanic islands, each with a specific role
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Tourism is concentrated, not chaotic
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Infrastructure is simple but functional
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English isn’t universal, but communication rarely becomes stressful
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed planning a trip where “everything looks amazing but logistics are unclear,” Cape Verde is the opposite. You don’t come here to see everything. You come here to choose one or two islands and experience them properly.
2026 Entry Rules: What Actually Changed (and What Didn’t)
Cape Verde updated its border system in 2026, and this is where most online advice becomes outdated or misleading.
The EASE Registration (Non-Negotiable)
Every traveler, including visa-exempt nationals, must complete EASE (Electronic Airport Security Entry) registration at least 5 days before arrival.
During registration, you pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA):
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Cost: ~3,400 CVE (about €31)
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Paid online
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Checked before boarding
If you skip this, airlines can deny boarding.
Visa Rules in 2026: The Big Shift
This is where people get caught out.
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Visa on arrival is no longer available for many nationalities
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Citizens from 96 affected countries must now secure a visa before travel
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This is done through:
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A Cape Verdean embassy, or
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The official online visa portal
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Who is still visa-free (up to 30 days):
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EU citizens
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UK
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USA
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Canada
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Brazil
Even if you’re visa-free, EASE registration is still mandatory.
Required Documents at Immigration
Have these ready:
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Passport valid 6+ months beyond departure
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Proof of onward travel
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Accommodation details
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EASE confirmation
Yellow Fever Rules (Specific, Not Universal)
You only need a Yellow Fever certificate if you are arriving from a high-risk country (such as Senegal or other West African states). Flying from Europe or North America? No certificate required.
When to Visit Cape Verde: Timing Actually Matters
Cape Verde is often described as “year-round,” but that hides important differences that affect what you’ll actually do there.
November to June: Dry Season (Best Overall Choice)
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Consistent sunshine
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Minimal rain
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Cooler evenings
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Ideal for:
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Hiking in Santo Antão
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Volcano trekking on Fogo
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Kitesurfing and windsurfing in Sal
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This is also peak season, so accommodation prices rise slightly—especially from December to February.
July to October: Green Season (Underrated)
This isn’t a monsoon period. Rain comes in short, heavy bursts, usually at night.
Why some travelers prefer it:
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Landscapes turn green, especially on Santiago and Santo Antão
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Fewer tourists
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Warmer ocean temperatures
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Better value on hotels
The Wind Factor (January–March)
The Harmattan winds blow in from the Sahara:
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Can cause dry haze
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Reduces long-distance visibility
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Perfect for sailing and kite sports
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Less ideal for photographers chasing sharp horizons
Choosing the Right Island (This Is the Most Important Decision)
Trying to visit all 10 islands on your first trip is the fastest way to ruin it. Inter-island flights exist, but weather delays are common, and ferries are not always predictable.
Choose based on how you want to spend your days, not what looks good on Instagram.
Sal & Boa Vista: For Easy Beach-First Travel
These islands are built for travelers who want low friction.
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Direct international flights
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Modern resorts and guesthouses
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Reliable taxis
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English widely spoken
Don’t Miss: Pedra de Lume Salt Crater (Sal)
You float in saltwater inside an extinct volcano, surrounded by crater walls. It’s not a gimmick—it’s one of the most unusual experiences in the Atlantic.
Tip: Go early morning to avoid tour groups.
Boa Vista feels less developed than Sal but offers:
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Vast dunes
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Empty beaches
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Slower pace
Santiago: Where Cape Verde Actually Lives
If you want to understand the country beyond resorts, start here.
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Home to Praia (the capital)
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Political and economic center
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Less polished, more real
Cidade Velha (UNESCO Site)
This was the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. You can walk between:
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Old fortifications
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Slave routes
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Churches built in the 16th century
Market Insight: Assomada
Visit on Wednesday or Saturday. This isn’t for souvenirs—it’s where farmers sell produce, livestock, and tools. You’ll understand local pricing, food habits, and rhythms in one morning.
Fogo: For Travelers Who Want One Defining Experience
Fogo is dominated by Pico do Fogo, an active volcano.
The highlight isn’t just hiking—it’s staying inside the crater at Chã das Caldeiras.
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Lava-stone houses
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Vineyards grown in volcanic ash
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Stark landscapes that feel otherworldly
Try Manecom wine, grown locally. It’s rough, mineral-heavy, and completely specific to this place.
Santo Antão: The Island You Walk Through
You don’t casually visit Santo Antão—you commit to it.
Access:
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Ferry from São Vicente
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Can be rough in windy months
Why it’s worth it:
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Deep canyons (“ribas”)
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Terraced farming villages
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Stone footpaths connecting settlements
This is Cape Verde’s hiking capital, and guided walks support local communities directly.
Getting Between Islands in 2026
Flights
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Operated mainly by Cabo Verde Airlines
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Short hop flights (30–50 minutes)
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Weather delays are common—don’t plan tight connections
Ferries
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Cheaper than flights
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Slower
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Subject to cancellation due to sea conditions
Planning rule: Build buffer days into your itinerary.
What Things Actually Cost in 2026
Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), pegged to the euro.
€1 = 110.265 CVE
| Travel Style | Daily Budget | What That Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $60–$90 | Guesthouses, local food, shared vans (alugueres) |
| Mid-Range | $120–$200 | Boutique hotels, seafood dinners, taxis |
| Luxury | $350+ | Resorts, private guides, inter-island flights |
Money Tips That Matter
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Euros are accepted in Sal and Boa Vista—but exchange rates are worse
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ATMs exist, but can run out of cash
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Carry CVE for markets and taxis
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Credit cards aren’t universal outside resorts
Safety, Health, and Common Sense in 2026
Cape Verde is one of the safest countries in Africa, but that doesn’t mean careless.
In Praia (Santiago)
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Petty theft has increased
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Avoid empty beaches after dark
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Use official taxis:
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Tan/cream nationwide
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Blue/yellow on Sal
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Ocean Safety
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Strong currents are common
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Respect beach flags
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On Sal’s Shark Bay:
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Lemon sharks are harmless
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Rocks are sharp—wear water shoes
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Health Considerations
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Drink bottled water
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No high malaria risk
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Zika appears occasionally—use repellent if pregnant or planning to be
Understanding “No Stress” (Before It Tests Your Patience)
You’ll see “No Stress” painted on walls, menus, and taxis.
It doesn’t mean poor service. It means:
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Meals take time
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Schedules are flexible
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People value calm over speed
If you arrive expecting efficiency-first travel, you’ll struggle. If you adapt, Cape Verde becomes relaxing instead of frustrating.
Is Cape Verde Worth Visiting in 2026?
Yes—especially if:
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You want a first Africa-adjacent trip without chaos
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You prefer clarity over constant improvisation
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You value landscape and rhythm over packed sightseeing
It’s not a party destination. It’s not a checklist destination. It’s a choose-your-island, settle-in, and experience it properly destination.
If you’re also comparing destinations across Africa, you may find it useful to contrast this with places that require more preparation—this guide on travel to Angola in 2026 offers a helpful counterpoint in terms of logistics and expectations:
👉 https://jetsettrail.com/travel-to-angola-2026/
Official Government & Tourism Sources
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Cape Verde Government Tourism Portal – official info on islands, entry rules, and visas
https://www.governo.cv/en/tourism -
Cape Verde Immigration & Visa Info (EASE System) – official visa and registration requirements
https://www.e-caboverde.gov.cv -
UNESCO Cidade Velha Listing – historical and cultural info
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1310/
Practical Travel & Research Sources
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Lonely Planet – Cape Verde Travel Guide – practical tips on islands, hiking, beaches
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cape-verde -
World Bank – Cape Verde Overview – economy, infrastructure, and currency info
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/caboverde/overview -
CIA World Factbook – Cape Verde – safety, health, climate, and population data
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cape-verde/
Specialized Travel Data
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Weather Atlas – Cape Verde Climate – seasonal and wind patterns
https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/cape-verde -
Nomad List – Digital Nomad Info Cape Verde – cost of living and accommodation prices
https://nomadlist.com/cape-verde
