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West Africa

🇨🇻 Vaccines for Cape Verde

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Cape Verde

Cape Verde requires no specific travel vaccines for most visitors. Hepatitis A is recommended given variable food and water hygiene, though the islands generally have better infrastructure than mainland West Africa given their tourism-focused development, particularly on Sal and Boa Vista. Dengue occurs periodically; Zika has been reported historically. There's no malaria risk on the main tourist islands, which sets Cape Verde apart favourably from mainland West African destinations. Healthcare on Sal and Santiago is reasonable for routine tourist needs; smaller islands have more limited facilities. Most visitors come for beach holidays and increasingly, surfing and kitesurfing.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry

No vaccines required for entry to this destination.

Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Dengue (periodic outbreaks)
  • ⚠Zika (limited risk)
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
—
None required for entry
Recommended vaccines
~€140
(~$152)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
NigeriaGhanaSenegalCôte d'Ivoire
Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Cape Verde?
No vaccines are required for most visitors to Cape Verde. Hepatitis A is recommended given variable food and water hygiene, though tourism-focused islands like Sal generally have better infrastructure than is typical for the wider West African region.
Is there malaria in Cape Verde?
No malaria risk on the main tourist islands including Sal and Boa Vista. This is one of the notable health advantages Cape Verde has over many mainland West African destinations, where malaria prophylaxis is often essential.
Is tap water safe in Cape Verde?
Tap water quality varies by island, with desalination being common given limited fresh water sources. Bottled water is widely available and recommended, particularly on smaller or less developed islands.
What is the healthcare like in Cape Verde?
Healthcare on Sal and Santiago (the main tourist and capital islands) is reasonable for routine needs and minor emergencies. Smaller, less developed islands have more limited facilities. For serious medical issues, evacuation to Portugal or Senegal may be necessary — comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.