Kap Verde

Översikt

Cape Verde has high deficit and debt levels, which are contributing to slow economic growth. Unemployment levels are also high and the country’s dependence on economic conditions elsewhere, particularly in the Eurozone, creates structural vulnerabilities. Despite this, Cape Verde continue to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. 

Human rights and basic freedoms are largely preserved in Cape Verde, although widening income inequality poses a latent risk of protests and civil unrest. The failure to integrate rural communities into the country’s economic growth plans poses a potential future source of civil society tension.

Cape Verde is an important transit point in the illegal trade in drugs from South America through West Africa into Europe. The exact scale of the illegal trade is unknown, but its impact on the internal security dynamics of Cape Verde is limited. The availability of drugs is a factor in the rising crime rate in the country, although the threat from petty crime remains relatively low compared to the wider West African region.

Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. While Cape Verde has few natural resources, it is rapidly becoming established as one of the most exciting new markets for tourism development.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Cape Verde. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Cape Verde. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

Risk of malaria exists only on Boa Vista Island and São Tiago. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is risk of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Cape Verde. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Cape Verde. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is a significant health problem in Cape Verde.

Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited. The largest hospitals are situated in Praia and Mindelo, with other smaller facilities in other cities and islands. The islands of Brava and Santo Antao cannot accommodate air evacuation; Brava also does not have daily inter-island ferry service.

Pass

Passports must be valid at time of entry. Proof of return tickets is also required. One page required for entry stamp.

Visum

Visas are valid for six months from date of issue for visits of up to 90 days, multiple-entry visas are valid for up to one year. A visa may be obtained upon arrival to Cape Verde, depending on the country of departure, but it can take up to two hours to process at the airport. Travellers are recommended to apply for a visa in advance. 

Note: Authorities may not issue visas to travellers arriving from countries affected by epidemics. This has been the case for Ebola.