Is Cape Verde safe for Black travellers?
Low-crime Creole islands; mainland West African migrants face prejudice
Why this rating
Cape Verde is one of the safer destinations in this batch: the US rates it Level 1 (Level 2 for Praia) and the FCDO describes crime as generally low. Most of the population is of African or mixed descent, but reporting documents prejudice against mainland West African migrants, so attitudes and service scores are slightly lower than in mainland majority-Black countries. We found no documented pattern of mistreatment of Black British or American tourists.
Vibe check
Essentials
- Currency
- CVE (Escudo)
- Language
- Portuguese + Crioulo
- Best time to visit
- Nov-Jun
- Visa
- Visa on arrival for most nationalities.
- Health
- No specific vaccines required.
- Emergency
- Police 132 路 Ambulance 130 路 Fire 131
- Plugs
- Type C, F 路 220 V, 50 Hz
- Driving
- On the right
Know before you go
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and muggings concentrate in Praia, Sal and Boa Vista (FCDO)
- Reporting documents stigma against mainland West Africans, who are called 'manjaco'
Border & airport: Sal and Praia airports smooth.
SafeRoute tip: Keep your passport to hand, as Black visitors may be taken for mainland migrants. Take care after dark in Praia, Sal and Boa Vista.
Travelling to Cape Verde?
Join SafeRoute free to share your experience of Cape Verde, post travel reports and find Travel Twins heading there. No paywall, ever.
Create a free accountBlack-owned in Cape Verde
No verified Black-owned listings here yet. Know one? Tell us in the app and we will check it.
Cape Verde: common questions
Is Cape Verde safe for Black travellers right now?
SafeRoute rates Cape Verde 80/100 (generally safe for Black travellers), last reviewed Sep 2026. Cape Verde is one of the safer destinations in this batch: the US rates it Level 1 (Level 2 for Praia) and the FCDO describes crime as generally low. Most of the population is of African or mixed descent, but reporting documents prejudice against mainland West African migrants, so attitudes and service scores are slightly lower than in mainland majority-Black countries. We found no documented pattern of mistreatment of Black British or American tourists.
What is the official travel advice for Cape Verde?
US Level 1 (Dec 2025; Praia Level 2); FCDO: no area-specific warnings. Advice changes, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov before you book.
Do I need a visa to visit Cape Verde?
Visa on arrival for most nationalities. Rules depend on your passport and change often, so confirm with the official embassy or e-visa site.
What should Black travellers know before going to Cape Verde?
Keep your passport to hand, as Black visitors may be taken for mainland migrants. Take care after dark in Praia, Sal and Boa Vista. Sal and Praia airports smooth. Key warnings: Pickpocketing, bag snatching and muggings concentrate in Praia, Sal and Boa Vista (FCDO); Reporting documents stigma against mainland West Africans, who are called 'manjaco'.
Can I share my own experience of Cape Verde?
Yes. Create a free SafeRoute profile to post a travel report on Cape Verde, rate how you were treated and find Travel Twins heading there. It is free, with no paywall.
Editorial summary, not an official safety rating; conditions, visa and health rules can change without notice. Check official advice before you travel, e.g. GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov.