Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Verde

Visa requirements for entry to Cape Verde depend on the nationality of the visitor. Citizens of Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and many other countries can visit Cape Verde without a visa for up to 30 days. However, citizens of other countries must apply for a visa prior to their arrival.

To obtain a visa to Cape Verde, a number of mandatory documents must be provided, such as:

• A passport valid for at least six months after the expected end date of the trip.
• A completed visa application form.
• Color photographs that meet the size and quality requirements.
• Confirmation of hotel or accommodation booking for the duration of the trip.
• Round trip airplane tickets.
• Proof of sufficient funds for accommodation during the trip.
• Payment of visa fee or entry tax.

Depending on the purpose of the trip, additional documents may be required, such as a conference invitation or letter from an employer for business travel, or documents confirming student status or purpose of visit. It is also recommended that you have health insurance that is valid for the duration of your trip.

Check visa requirements in advance, as procedures and requirements may vary depending on the country from which you plan to visit Cape Verde.

EASE (Electronic Authorization for Entry System) for Cape Verde is an electronic registration system designed for citizens who do not require a visa for a short-term stay in Cape Verde and for those who already have a visa for this country. The permit is issued to foreign nationals who arrive in the country by air and use it for purposes other than transit.

The permit is valid for 1 year and the maximum length of stay is 30 days. This system facilitates the travel process for citizens visiting Cape Verde for tourism, business purposes, as well as for medical treatment and study for short periods of time.

For long-term visas, insurance is a prerequisite. For all other citizens who are applying for short-term visas or who are allowed visa-free entry, travel insurance is recommended for travel to Cape Verde.

Travel insurance provides protection and assistance in various situations such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage and other unforeseen situations. In the event of illness or accident, the insurance can cover the costs of medical care, evacuation and other medical services.

In addition, travel insurance can also cover the cost of canceling a trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, family emergencies or other emergencies.

Thus, travel insurance is an important and recommended aspect of preparing for a trip to Cape Verde. However, you should always thoroughly research the terms and coverage before purchasing insurance to make sure it fits your needs and plans.

For direct flights from Europe: no vaccination is required. And if in the last 6 days before entering Cape Verde there will be an intermediate stopover or a transit stopover of more than 12 hours where there are epidemic foci of yellow fever, then a valid certificate of vaccination against the disease is required (except for children under 1 year of age). Despite official regulations, proof of vaccination may be required even for shorter transit journeys.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry from:

Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Argentina, Ethiopia, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire, French Guyana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, Kenya, Colombia, Republic of Congo, Dem. Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Mali, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Peru, South Sudan, Suriname, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela, Central African Republic. Republic.

Cape Verde consists of 18 main islands and several smaller islands and rocks that make up an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The main islands of Cape Verde include the islands of Santiago, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Santo Antão, Brava, Fogo, Mayo, Sal, and Boa Vista. Each of these islands has its own unique character, nature and culture, making the Cape Verde archipelago a wonderfully diverse and amazing place to travel.

Cape Verde has a rich and varied culinary heritage, reflecting the country's long history and the blending of different cultures. The national cuisine of Cape Verde is characterized by a combination of many wonderful seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables.

One of the most popular dishes is Cachupa, a traditional soup made from various meats, beans, corn, yams and other vegetables. Another traditional dish is "Cachupinha", a seafood version of Cachupa. Also worth trying is "Couscous", a wheat dish, "Kushi" bread cake with fish, tropical fruits and various fish dishes.

Cape Verde's culinary heritage is thus rich and varied, offering visitors unique and delicious dishes that reflect many aspects of local culture and traditions.

Flights depart from various German cities to Cape Verde International Airport. There are several airports in Cape Verde, but the main international airports are on the islands of Sal and Santiago. Popular airlines that fly from Germany to Cape Verde include TUI fly, Condor and others.

The duration of a flight from Germany to Cape Verde can vary depending on the specific route, airline and transit stops. On average, a direct flight takes about 6-7 hours. However, if the flight includes transit stops, the travel time may increase depending on the length of connections.

Yes, Cape Verde has its own unique traditions and customs specific to the local culture. Here are some of them:

1. Music and Dance: Music and dance play an important role in Cape Verdean culture. Locals love the morna and coladera genre of music, and visitors are often encouraged to enjoy live performances and dancing in the streets and restaurants.
2. Hospitality: Hospitality is an important aspect of the local culture. Cape Verdeans are hospitable and friendly to foreign visitors. Guests are often invited to sample local food and are treated to a variety of delicacies.
3. Religious Holidays: Cape Verde celebrates many religious holidays, including Catholic, Protestant and African traditions. Tourists may be interested in visiting local churches and participating in the festivities.

Respect for local customs and traditions is an important aspect of visiting Cape Verde. Visitors should show respect for local culture, wear respectful clothing in places of worship and public places, and pay close attention to their manners when interacting with locals.

In the Cape Verde Islands, Portuguese and Creole (Caboverdian Creole) are the official languages. Portuguese is the language of education and the official language in the business sphere, while Creole is widely used in everyday life, among the population and in different cultural contexts. Different varieties of Creole predominate in different parts of the country.

Yes, the Cape Verde Islands have markets and stores where tourists and locals can buy various goods, gifts and souvenirs. A wide variety of fruits, vegetables, fish, local handicrafts and other goods can be found in the local markets. The Mercado do Sucupira market in Praia, the capital of Santiago Island, is one of the largest markets where you can find a variety of goods including local handicrafts, clothing, shoes and souvenirs.

In addition, most tourist areas on the islands have stores where you can buy clothing items, jewelry, souvenirs and other goods. Popular souvenirs include local handicrafts, jewelry using local minerals, musical instruments, and traditional music records and other authentic items.

The Cape Verde Islands offer a variety of modes of transportation to get around these unique destinations. In most communities, tourists can take a cab or a rental car to explore the islands at their own discretion. On larger islands such as Santiago, San Vicente and Sal, public buses and shuttles are also available, although schedules and availability can be erratic. To travel between islands, domestic flights offered by local airlines or inter-island ferry services from the ports of Mindelo, Praia and Tarrafal are often used. Finally, on some islands, especially the more remote ones, infrastructure may be less developed and local traditional modes of transportation such as donkeys or carriages may be used to get around.

Basic things to bring for a trip to Cape Verde, but the final list depends on your preferences and vacation plans:

• Light and comfortable clothing, including beach outfits, summer dresses and t-shirts. As well as modest clothing for trips to small towns or villages
• Shoes for the beach (sandals), shoes and slippers, and comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
• Sunscreen: sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the bright sun.
• Mosquito and other insect repellent, especially if you plan to visit nature reserves or tourist attractions.
• Medications and first aid kit: bring necessary medications as well as a first aid kit.
• A camera or camera to capture the beauty of the local scenery and culture.

Cape Verde offers many traditional crafts, products and souvenirs that reflect the local culture and the skill of local artisans. Some of the popular souvenirs and goods include:

• wood crafts in the form of animal figurines,
• traditional African masks,
• tortoise shell items such as jewelry boxes, eyeglass cases, pencil cases, notebook covers, key chains.
• Colorful and unique pottery items such as vases, dishes and jewelry.
• A variety of jewelry made from local materials such as seashells, coral and pearls.
• various products such as bags, hats and baskets made from palm leaves, which is a traditional craft in the islands.

This is just a small list of what you can buy in Cape Verde. It is important to remember that buying souvenirs is not only a way to support local crafts, but also a unique way to preserve the memory of your trip.

Each island in Cape Verde has its own unique charm. However, many tourists find the islands of Sal and Boavista particularly attractive. Sal is famous for its stunning beaches, well-developed tourist infrastructure and water sports facilities. Boavista is known for its vast sandy beaches, including the picturesque Praia de Santa Monica, as well as its diverse marine life and fiery sand dunes. Both islands offer a combination of natural beauty, entertainment and amenities that appeal to tourists. Ultimately, choosing the most beautiful island in Cape Verde depends on individual preferences and expected experiences.

Cape Verde is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Crime rates are relatively low and the locals are known for being friendly and welcoming. Tourist areas such as Sal Island and Boavista Island are usually a calm and safe place. However, petty thefts and robberies can occur in remote areas during the hours of darkness. Larger towns such as Praia and Mindelo have higher crime rates than the national average. It is recommended to avoid openly displaying large amounts of money and valuables, not to leave belongings unattended on the beach, and to keep documents and large sums of money in the hotel safe.

In Cape Verde, the hottest months are usually in July and August, when temperatures can rise to 30-35 degrees Celsius. But even in the cooler months, visitors can still enjoy comfortable and pleasant vacation weather.

Cape Verde offers a variety of activities for visitors. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, islands and water sports, many tourists choose to relax on the coast by surfing, kitesurfing, diving or fishing. In addition, excursions to historical sites, hiking along scenic routes, exploring the local cuisine and culture, music and dance events, and visiting markets and workshops all create a unique vacation atmosphere.

The choice of time to travel to Cape Verde depends on the individual preferences of the tourist. During the cold season, many people prefer to visit the Cape Verde Islands to enjoy the warm tropical climate. At this time of year, you can avoid the greatest heat and numerous tourist crowds. In the summer, the islands attract outdoor enthusiasts and water sports fans due to the warmer temperatures and excellent surfing and diving opportunities. At the same time, many tourists prefer the rainy season when nature comes alive and the islands become green and lush. Thus, the best time to go to Cape Verde depends on the kind of vacation experience a tourist would like to have

Best time to visit Cape Verde:

• for hiking: November and December
• for snorkeling and diving: July to December
• for kitesurfing: December to March
• for whale watching: March-May
• for turtle watching: mid-July to October
• for visiting Cape Verde during carnivals: February/March

Cape Verde, known for its beautiful beaches and variety of water sports, offers a variety of options for travelers. Here is an overview of the best islands for different types of vacations and activities:

• The islands of Sal, Boa Vista and Maio offer beautiful beaches and clear waters for those looking for a calm and relaxing beach vacation.
• The islands of Santo Antão, Fogo, São Nicolau and Brava offer stunning views and local attractions ideal for hiking.
• The islands of Santiago and San Vicente are rich in history, museums and authentic culture. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of the Cape Verdeans.
• In addition to beach vacations, the islands of Sal, Boa Vista and São Vicente offer excellent water sports activities including surfing, windsurfing and diving.
• Boa Vista Island offers unparalleled whale watching opportunities, especially between March and May. The islands of San Vicente and Sal are the best places for turtle watching between July and October.
• The islands of San Vicente, Santiago and Fogo are centers of musical culture where you can enjoy local live music and dance. And the historical monuments, architecture and museums will tell you about the rich history of the archipelago.