Getting There
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By Air
Amílcar Cabral International Airport is Cape Verde's busiest airport and the main gateway to Sal Island (Wikipedia, 2025). The airport is located just 2 km from Espargos and approximately 15 km from Santa Maria.
Direct Flights from UK: London Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow (TUI UK, 2025)
Flight Duration: Approximately 6 hours from the UK (TUI UK, 2025)
Airlines: TUI Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and charter airlines
Sources: TUI UK (2025); Wikipedia (2025)
Visa Requirements
Important: All visitors to Cape Verde require a visa
British citizens and most other nationalities need a visa to enter Cape Verde (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2025).
Option 1: Pre-Registration (Recommended)
Complete online pre-registration at least 5 days before departure (TUI UK, 2025).
- Cost: Approximately €30-35 per person
- Valid for: 30 days
- Processing: Email confirmation
Source: TUI UK (2025)
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
Purchase visa at the airport (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2025).
- Cost: €31 (cash payment required)
- Valid for: 30 days
- Note: Have exact cash ready in euros
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025)
Passport Requirements
- Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2025)
- Must have at least one blank page
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025)
Currency & Money
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Currency
Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) is the official currency. Exchange rate: approximately 110 CVE = 1 EUR (Wikipedia, 2025).
Accepted Currencies
- Euros: Widely accepted in tourist areas
- US Dollars: Accepted in some places
- British Pounds: Less common, better to exchange (TUI UK, 2025)
ATMs & Banking
- ATMs available in Santa Maria and Espargos
- Most accept Visa and Mastercard
- Inform your bank before traveling (Cape Verde Islands, 2025)
Sources: Cape Verde Islands (2025); TUI UK (2025); Wikipedia (2025)
Health & Safety
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations required (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2025). Recommended:
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT)
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid (for extended stays)
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025)
Travel Insurance
Essential and highly recommended (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2025)
- Ensure coverage includes medical treatment
- Check water sports activities are covered
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025)
Sun Protection
The sun in Cape Verde is intense year-round (TUI UK, 2025):
- Use high SPF sunscreen (30+)
- Wear hat and sunglasses
- Stay hydrated
Source: TUI UK (2025)
Water & Food Safety
- Tap water not recommended for drinking (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, 2025)
- Bottled water widely available
- Food safety standards good in tourist areas
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025)
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (November - April)
Weather: Dry, sunny, 24-28°C (TUI UK, 2025)
Best for: Perfect weather, ideal for all activities
Note: Higher prices, more crowded
Source: TUI UK (2025)
Shoulder Season (May - June, October)
Weather: Warm, mostly sunny, 25-29°C (Cape Verde Islands, 2025)
Best for: Good weather with fewer tourists
Note: Better accommodation prices
Source: Cape Verde Islands (2025)
Low Season (July - September)
Weather: Hot, humid, occasional rain, 26-30°C (Wikipedia, 2025)
Best for: Lowest prices, turtle nesting season
Note: Higher humidity, possible brief showers
Source: Wikipedia (2025)
What to Pack
Essentials
- Passport and visa documents
- Travel insurance documents
- Credit cards and cash (euros)
- Phone and chargers (UK plugs work)
Clothing
- Light, breathable clothing
- Swimwear
- Sun hat
- Comfortable shoes
Sun Protection
- High SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- After-sun lotion
Sources: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025); TUI UK (2025)
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services
- Emergency: 132
- Police: 132
- Ambulance: 130
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025)
British Consular Support
- British Embassy: +238 260 8900
- UK Emergency: +44 20 7008 5000
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025)
Need More Information?
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