DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT THE ISLANDS OF CAPE VERDE?

Foreign citizens usually require visas for entry and stay in Cape Verde. However, they can enter Cape Verde without a visa under terms of mobility and circulation agreements. To verify this information, consult the following portals:

• Portal Consular
• EASE

Pre-registration and TSA

All foreign citizens who intend to travel to Cape Verde are required to pre-register up to 5 days before the start of their trip and pay the Airport Security Fee.

The TSA is a service paid for services provided to air transport passengers for the prevention and suppression of illegal acts and the promotion of the civil aviation security system.

Do Cape Verdean emigrants pay TSA?

No, upon presentation of a document proving your nationality. Cape Verdean citizens and citizens traveling on foreign passports are not subject to the TSA fee and are not subject to pre-registration.

Do I need a covid test to enter Cape Verde?

If you are vaccinated, you do not have to submit the covid test, and if you are not vaccinated, you must have a covid PCR or antigenic test in order to enter Cape Verde.

Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?

Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact a Bu Country Tours Specialist for price information.

I'm a single traveller, will I be charged a single supplement?

Most of our trips do have a single supplement option. Some tours have an optional single supplement or rarely a mandatory single supplement. This means that if the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if you are travelling on your own, you may request your own private room while on tour. The cost and the details vary by trip, so please refer to each trip summary page for details.

How early should we reserve our tours?

We recommend that you book your tour as early as possible to ensure the dates and times that you prefer. Please note that places are limited.

Do your tours include international and/or national airfare?

Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours in Cape Verde and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. Therefore, some inter-island packages include internal flights. However, we would be happy to help you arrange international flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.

What happens if I am the only person booked on a tour/activity?

Most of our tours do not necessarily require a minimum number of participants. Only Sailing Boat Tours, Group Tours, Bird watching, or similar activities that may require a minimum number of participants. In the event of a tour cancellation, the visitor will receive the next available tour or will be refunded in full. To find out if a tour requires a minimum number of participants, please read the "important information" section in the description of each activity.

I don’t want to travel in a group, do you organise individual tours?

Yes, we do. All our itineraries are customizable and can be run as individual or small-group tours. If you are travelling with friends and there are 4 or more of you, you can set your own dates and we will organise a tour just for you without charging any additional fee. If you are travelling solo or with less than 3 companions we will organise a slightly more expensive tailored tour according to your time schedule and specific geographical preferences. Please contact us for more information.

Once I make my reservation, when will I receive the tickets for my tour?

You will have instant confirmation on the screen at the end of the payment process and will be given a booking reference number. You will also receive confirmation to your e-mail with a ticket/voucher and your invoice attached. You can print voucher out and show it to the guide (it is not mandatory as the guide and assistant coordinator will have a list of each member of the tour, it is also a proof of purchase).

What is your cancellation policy?

iagoTours offers the option to change the day or cancel the tour free of charge up to 24h before the activity starts, in most of its Daily Tours. We recommend that you read our complete Privacy Policy before booking any of our services.

I have strict dietary requirements. will this cause any issue during the tour?

No, it won't. We just ask you to let us know in advance about your needs and specifics so that we can organise your meals accordingly. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, lactose/gluten intolerant or just a bit picky? No problem, we'll find a solution.

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF CAPE VERDE?

In Cape Verde, Portuguese is the official language, used in official, governmental, educational, and media contexts. The country is also rich in Creole languages, vernacular variants rooted in Portuguese with African influences. Each island in the archipelago has its own version of Creole, reflecting unique characteristics. While Portuguese is widely spoken, especially in urban areas, Creoles play a fundamental role in Cape Verde's culture and identity, often used in daily interactions and cultural contexts.

WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT CAPE VERDE?

The best time to visit Cape Verde varies according to your interests:

• Dry Season (November to July): It's a great time for beaches, outdoor activities, and water sports, with stable weather, mild temperatures, and low rainfall.
• Rainy Season (August to October): Be prepared for occasional rain. Although vegetation becomes greener and lush, visibility for diving can be compromised.
• Cultural Events: For a cultural experience, consider the months of festivities such as in August (International Music Festival), Cavala Fresk Festival, March and the June festivals, theater and many other cultural events.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO CAPE VERDE?

Cape Verde is recognized as a safe destination with a welcoming population. However, common precautions are recommended, such as avoiding dark areas at night and protecting your belongings. When visiting the country for the first time, it is essential to inform yourself and follow local authorities' advice. Since any situation about a destination's safety can change from one moment to another, it is advisable to check updated information before traveling (Risk Map — International SOS) and follow local authorities' guidelines.

IS CAPE VERDE SAFE FOR FAMILIES?

Families and children are welcome in all the islands of Cape Verde. Children can play freely on the beaches and the sea is relatively calm. Some of the hotels have small play areas and swimming pools exclusively for children, and there are some with children's clubs and organized activities for children.

HOW DOES TRANSPORTATION WORK IN CAPE VERDE?

Here are some transport options in Cape Verde:

• Air/Plane: Local airlines offer flights between islands, making it a quick and convenient option for covering longer distances. In addition to 4 (Four) International Airports, Amílcar Cabral International Airport, located on Sal Island, is the country's main air transport hub.
• Maritime/Boat/Ferry: Between the islands, it's possible to travel by boat or ferry. However, options may be limited, and the duration of the journey can vary depending on sea conditions.
• Land/Taxi: Taxis are common on the islands and are used for short trips within cities as well as longer journeys. It's important to negotiate the price or ensure the taxi meter is on before starting the trip.
• Land/Car Rental: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the islands independently. Roads can vary in quality, so it's advisable to choose a vehicle suitable for the local terrain.
• Land/Public Transport: On some islands, there are bus services that can be used to move between towns and villages. However, schedules and frequency may be irregular.
• Land/Walking: In some areas, such as Santo Antão Island, hiking is a popular way to explore the stunning landscapes and scenic trails.
• Land/Bike Rental: On some islands, like Sal Island, you can rent bicycles to actively explore local areas.

CAN I USE DOLLARS OR EUROS IN CAPE VERDE?

The national currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo, but payments in euros can also be made. The remaining currencies must be exchanged. You can exchange money at airports, hotels or banks and there are ATMs in all cities. Credit cards and Visa Electron cards are accepted for ATM withdrawals.