Is Sal safe?
Generally safe for visitors with normal care. Petty theft on the beach and after dark is the main issue; currents and wind are the physical risks.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-12-17.
- Homicide rate in Cabo Verde: 7.0 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Cabo Verde: 26.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 132 · Ambulance 130 · Fire 131 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Sal at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Phone and bag theft from beaches and bars in Santa Maria, occasional room break-ins, and persistent street sellers. |
| At night | Santa Maria's main street is lively and fine until late. Take a taxi instead of walking dark back streets or the beach. |
| Solo women | Most solo women report no serious problems. Expect persistent attention from touts and some beach vendors; stick to busy areas at night. |
| Other risks | Strong currents and wind off exposed beaches; Sun and dehydration; Rough roads and dust on island drives |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Bracelet and souvenir sellers who put items on your wrist then demand payment
- Unmetered taxis quoting inflated fares to tourists
- Street 'tour guides' taking deposits for excursions
Take care
- Quiet beach stretches at night: opportunistic muggings
- Swimming off Santa Maria pier area in strong currents and swell
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences carry heavy penalties
- Topless sunbathing is not accepted on public beaches
How Sal compares in Cabo Verde
Quick answers
Is Sal safe for solo female travelers?
Most solo women report no serious problems. Expect persistent attention from touts and some beach vendors; stick to busy areas at night.
Is Sal safe at night?
Santa Maria's main street is lively and fine until late. Take a taxi instead of walking dark back streets or the beach.
What is the crime rate in Sal?
Phone and bag theft from beaches and bars in Santa Maria, occasional room break-ins, and persistent street sellers. Nationally, Cabo Verde records 7.0 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Sal?
Police 132 · Ambulance 130 · Fire 131 · All emergencies 112.
More about Sal
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Cabo Verde Airports (ASA)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.