Africa
Is Cabo Verde safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Cabo Verde safe?
One of Africa's safest countries; petty theft and pickpocketing in Praia and Mindelo, and occasional muggings after dark, are the main concerns. Rip currents are a real hazard.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-12-17.
- Homicide rate: 7.0 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 26.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 132 · Ambulance 130 · Fire 131 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Solo women travel here comfortably; expect attention, especially in tourist areas, and avoid empty beaches at night.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Strong currents and undertow; swim at guarded beaches
- Pickpocketing and bag theft in Praia and Mindelo
- Steep, winding mountain roads on Santo Antão
- Dust-heavy winds (harmattan) and drought
Common scams
- Touts selling overpriced tours or 'free' bracelets
- Taxi overcharging when no meter or fare is agreed
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences carry heavy penalties
- Topless sunbathing is not accepted on public beaches
Safety by place in Cabo Verde
Quick answers
Is Cabo Verde safe for tourists?
One of Africa's safest countries; petty theft and pickpocketing in Praia and Mindelo, and occasional muggings after dark, are the main concerns. Rip currents are a real hazard.
Is Cabo Verde safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here comfortably; expect attention, especially in tourist areas, and avoid empty beaches at night.
What is the emergency number in Cabo Verde?
Police 132 · Ambulance 130 · Fire 131 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Cabo Verde EASE
- Cabo Verde Remote Working
- UK FCDO travel advice: Cape Verde
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.