Is Cabo Verde safe to travel to?

Cabo Verde is often safe and relaxed for visitors, but the practical traveler risk is elevated (about 42/100), mainly due to petty theft and tourist scams in busier areas. The official advisory is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, so most travelers have a good experience with sensible precautions.

What are the main travel risks in Cabo Verde?

The main risks in Cabo Verde are pickpocketing and theft (especially in crowded streets, beaches, and nightlife zones), plus scams targeting tourists such as overcharging or fake services. Transport can also be inconsistent between islands, so delays and last-minute schedule changes are common.

What is the current travel advisory for Cabo Verde?

Cabo Verde is currently under a Level 1 travel advisory: Exercise Normal Precautions, with an advisory score around 20/100. Travelers should still stay vigilant in tourist hotspots where petty crime and scams are more frequent.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Cabo Verde?

Use app-based rides or reputable taxis after dark, and keep valuables discreet—especially in crowded areas and on the beach. Confirm prices before services (taxis, tours, rentals), keep accommodation doors and windows secured, and allow extra time for inter-island travel due to occasional transport delays.

Cabo Verde

Africa

Higher risk than 48% of countries. Main concerns: petty crime and tourist scams.

Government Advisory

Low

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

Traveler Practical Risk

Elevated

Confidence: high. Main drivers: petty crime, tourist scams, civil unrest.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

🔓Petty Crime

Africa avg: 5968

🎭Scams

Africa avg: 6058

📢Civil Unrest

Africa avg: 7050

🚌Transport

Africa avg: 5550

🌊Natural Disaster

Africa avg: 2424

🏥Health

Africa avg: 4518

⚠️Violent Incident

Africa avg: 5017

Practical advice

✓Use app-based rides after dark and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 12/18/2025 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cabo Verde

Is Cabo Verde safe to travel to?: Cabo Verde is often safe and relaxed for visitors, but the practical traveler risk is elevated (about 42/100), mainly due to petty theft and tourist scams in busier areas. The official advisory is Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, so most travelers have a good experience with sensible precautions.
What are the main travel risks in Cabo Verde?: The main risks in Cabo Verde are pickpocketing and theft (especially in crowded streets, beaches, and nightlife zones), plus scams targeting tourists such as overcharging or fake services. Transport can also be inconsistent between islands, so delays and last-minute schedule changes are common.
What is the current travel advisory for Cabo Verde?: Cabo Verde is currently under a Level 1 travel advisory: Exercise Normal Precautions, with an advisory score around 20/100. Travelers should still stay vigilant in tourist hotspots where petty crime and scams are more frequent.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Cabo Verde?: Use app-based rides or reputable taxis after dark, and keep valuables discreet—especially in crowded areas and on the beach. Confirm prices before services (taxis, tours, rentals), keep accommodation doors and windows secured, and allow extra time for inter-island travel due to occasional transport delays.

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