Before you travel
Health preparation for Cape Verde
Cape Verde has become a popular alternative winter-sun destination, generally visited for beach resorts on islands such as Sal and Boa Vista.
Health risks are generally considered lower here than on the West African mainland, though routine travel vaccines are still worth discussing.
Final vaccine and medicine recommendations always depend on your medical history, previous vaccinations, current travel health guidance, trip duration and planned activities. This page is general information, not a personal clinical recommendation — book a consultation so our pharmacist can assess your individual trip.
Personalised recommendations
Vaccines commonly discussed
No single list applies to everyone. Recommendations depend on your route, trip length, activities, health and previous vaccinations.
Mosquito-borne illness
Malaria risk and bite prevention
Considered very low risk on the main tourist islands.
Risk can differ within a country and can change over time. A consultation assesses your exact itinerary and whether antimalarial medicine should be considered.
Read the malaria prevention guideBeyond vaccination
Practical advice for your trip
- Food and water hygiene, especially outside resorts
- Sun protection
- Strong winds and watersports safety on some islands
Food, water and traveller's diarrhoea
Follow careful food and water hygiene where standards are uncertain. Vaccination does not replace these everyday precautions.
Climate planning
November to July avoids the wetter late-summer months.
Entry requirements
UK passport holders can generally obtain a visa on arrival or e-visa; check current rules.
Entry and certificate rules can change. Check the latest official foreign travel advice before departure. Yellow Fever vaccination is not currently administered at this clinic; where a requirement is relevant, the pharmacist can discuss your itinerary and explain that an authorised Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre may be needed.
Common questions
Cape Verde travel health FAQs
Generally, yes, particularly around malaria, but routine travel vaccines and food and water precautions are still worth discussing at consultation.
If you feel seriously unwell
- If you are seriously unwell abroad, seek local emergency medical care immediately.
- If you are seriously unwell after returning to the UK, call 999 or go to A&E — always mention any recent travel.
- For urgent but non-emergency advice in the UK, call NHS 111 or contact your GP.