Short answer: yes, Cape Verde and Santiago are safe to visit. As anywhere, normal precautions apply. Below we explain what that is based on: official sources, and what we see and do every day as a local tour operator on Santiago.
Last checked: 3 October 2026.
As a local tour operator on Santiago, this is the question we get most often from first-time visitors from the Netherlands and Belgium: is Cape Verde actually safe? Cape Verde lies off the coast of West Africa, and that location sometimes leads to unfair assumptions. In this article we explain how things really are, based on official sources and our daily experience on Santiago.
International recognition and the official travel advice
Cape Verde is regularly named internationally as one of the safer travel destinations in Africa. The 2025 Risk Map by International SOS, reported on by Forbes reportedplaces Cape Verde in the lowest risk category.
The official Dutch travel advice from Nederland Wereldwijd gives Cape Verde code yellow: travel is permitted, with attention to a few specific points. There is no acute terrorist threat. It does warn about pickpocketing and theft in tourist areas, and about natural phenomena such as tropical rains (August to October) and sandstorms (December to February).
What we see as local guides on Santiago
We work with travellers on Santiago every day. Our guides walk through neighbourhoods in Praia, hike in the interior, drive to Tarrafal and take people around Cidade Velha. This is what we see:
- Travellers walk freely and without worry through towns and villages
- Local people are welcoming and helpful without being pushy
- In the evening, too, central Praia is calm and easy to find your way around
- In the villages and the interior the atmosphere is generally relaxed
We guide groups of all ages: families with children, over-60s and solo travellers. This is our experience, not a guarantee, but it is what we see day after day.
Pickpocketing and theft: realistic, no need to panic
Both the Dutch and the British travel advice name pickpocketing, bag snatching and occasional robberies as the main safety risk, especially in Praia and on the tourist islands of Sal and Boa Vista. These are not incidents we often hear about on our tours, but the risk is never zero. Practical tips we follow ourselves:
- At busy markets such as Sucupira in Praia, keep your bag in front of you rather than on your back
- Leave valuables in the hotel safe and don't carry large amounts of cash or eye-catching jewellery
- Vermijd ’s nachts alleen door onverlichte of verlaten straten lopen
- The outer districts of Praia are fine during the day; in the evening we recommend going with someone who knows the area
These are the same precautions you would take in Lisbon, Barcelona or Rotterdam.
Transport and road safety on Santiago
On Santiago you get around by shared taxi (aluguer), private taxi or rental car. The British travel advice points out that intercity minibuses are not always driven to Western standards, and advises always wearing a helmet when renting a scooter or quad and checking your insurance carefully, as medical evacuation after an accident can be expensive and complicated.
On our tours we arrange the transport ourselves, with a regular, experienced driver. So you don't have to find an aluguer or negotiate the roads yourself; we take care of that for you.
Want to know more about taxis, aluguers, car hire and airport transfers on Santiago? Take a look at our detailed transport guide for Santiago.
Hiking and walking: exploring nature safely
Santiago has beautiful walking routes, from the easy town walk in Cidade Velha to the climb up Pico de Antónia (about 1,394 meters). For most hikes a normal level of walking fitness is enough, but the terrain can be rough and waymarking is limited.
- Head into the interior with a local guide: not because of danger, but to find your way on unfamiliar trails
- Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, especially on the more challenging routes
Also take a look at our Pico de Antónia hike and the full overview of hikes on Santiago for the levels and details of each route. Not sure about the best season for a hike? Read our guide to the best time to visit Santiago.
Sun, heat and hydration
Santiago gets a lot of sun all year round, and it can get very hot, especially between August and October. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear a hat and sunglasses, and avoid the strongest midday sun where possible. Drink plenty of water, especially on a hike or a day at the beach, and pay extra attention to this with children and older people.
Beach and sea: watch out for currents
The ocean around Cape Verde can have strong currents and unpredictable waves. Where possible, swim at beaches with lifeguards and take care at unfamiliar or remote beaches, such as parts of Tarrafal. If in doubt, always ask locally what the sea is like that day; we always do this ourselves for our beach excursions.
Health and medical care
Medical care in Cape Verde is more limited than in the Netherlands or Belgium. The largest hospitals are in Praia (Santiago) and Mindelo (São Vicente); facilities elsewhere are limited. Good travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is therefore essential, as the European Health Insurance Card is not accepted here.
Follow normal travel hygiene: preferably drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes of unknown origin and choose well-cooked dishes. Bring enough of your own medication for the whole trip, with a few extra days' supply in your hand luggage.
Emergency numbers and useful contacts
These numbers come from the official British and Dutch travel advice and were checked by us on 3 October 2026:
- Police: 132
- Ambulance: 130
- Fire brigade: 131
There is no Dutch embassy in Cape Verde. For consular emergencies you can contact the Dutch embassy in Dakar (Senegal) or the 24/7 emergency centre of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Is Santiago safe compared with the other Cape Verdean islands?
Santiago is the largest island and home to the capital Praia, so it feels a little more urban than Sal or Boa Vista. That doesn't mean less safe; it means more energy and more local life. Sal and Boa Vista are mainly resort islands with little local interaction; Santiago offers a deeper experience with markets, villages and culture, in a similarly safe environment.
Travelling with children or solo
We regularly guide families with young children and solo travellers, including women travelling alone. Cape Verdeans are generally very child-friendly, and as a solo traveller you won't feel out of place on our tours.
What Kaapverdië Tours does to guide you safely
This is practical experience from our own business, not an official guarantee:
- Our excursions are small-scale and personal, with Dutch-speaking local guides who know the island inside out
- Transport during the tour is included and provided by a regular, experienced driver
- On hikes, our guides take into account the fitness level of the group and the weather on the day
Conclusion
Cape Verde and Santiago are no reason to stay away. The official travel advice is moderately positive (code yellow, no acute threat), and our own experience on Santiago confirms that travellers generally feel at ease here quickly, as long as you take the same ordinary precautions as at any other holiday destination.
More practical information about Santiago, including visas, transport and the best time to visit, is gathered on our page practical information about Santiago.
Do you have specific questions about safety on Santiago, or would you like to know which areas suit your trip best? Contact us, and we'll be happy to help.
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