Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Cape Verde
A winter-sun favourite for Sal and Boa Vista. For most UK travellers it's routine vaccines plus hepatitis A, with a yellow fever certificate only needed in certain cases.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Cape Verde?
For most UK holidaymakers heading to Sal or Boa Vista, Cape Verde is a relatively straightforward destination. The core advice is to be up to date with routine vaccines such as tetanus, and to have hepatitis A cover. Typhoid may also be recommended, particularly if you're staying longer, visiting more rural islands, or eating outside the main resorts.
One point that often causes confusion: Cape Verde has no risk of yellow fever itself, but it may ask for a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from, or have recently travelled through, a country where yellow fever is present. That's a certificate requirement, not a vaccine everyone needs, so it only affects certain itineraries. The recommendations here follow TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC) and are confirmed for your trip at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Leaving a little time before departure means any vaccines have a chance to work and can be spaced properly if you need more than one. If your trip is sooner than that, still get in touch, as we can often help at shorter notice.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Cape Verde
These reflect TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC) guidance and are tailored to your plans at your appointment.
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water, so it's advised for most travellers even on a resort-based beach holiday.
Tetanus
Most travellers
Worth checking you're up to date, as cuts and scrapes on a beach or activity holiday can happen anywhere.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Considered for most travellers, especially with longer stays, rural travel, or eating and drinking away from main resorts.
Dengue
Some travellers
Dengue is spread by day-biting mosquitoes; vaccination may be discussed for some travellers based on history and length of stay.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Suggested for some travellers, including longer trips or where medical or personal contact risk is higher.
Tuberculosis
Some travellers
Relevant for a smaller group, such as longer stays or closer contact with local communities.
Entry rules — separate from your jabs
Yellow fever certificate: what Cape Verde requires
A yellow fever certificate requirement is a legal condition of entry — it is not the same thing as the vaccine being recommended for your health. The recommendation (when there is one) appears in the vaccine list above; the entry rule is below.
Flying direct from the UK? No yellow fever certificate needed for Cape Verde
Cape Verde only asks for a certificate (ICVP) from travellers aged 1 year+ who arrive from — or pass through — a country with yellow fever risk. That catches out multi-country itineraries, so check your whole route, not just your destination.
There is no yellow fever transmission risk in Cape Verde itself — this rule exists purely to stop the virus being carried in from elsewhere.
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria and mosquito-borne illness in Cape Verde
Malaria tablets are not generally recommended for Cape Verde, and the tourist islands of Sal and Boa Vista are considered low risk. Bite avoidance still matters though, as mosquitoes can carry dengue and other illnesses where they're present. A few simple habits go a long way.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin
- Cover up around dawn and dusk when biting is more likely
- Choose accommodation with screens, nets or air conditioning
FAQ
Cape Verde travel vaccines — FAQs
Getting ready for Cape Verde?
Book a quick travel health consultation and we'll confirm exactly what you need for Sal, Boa Vista or beyond. As a registered yellow fever centre in Timperley, we can also advise on certificates if your route needs one.