Cape Verde: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic

Stay alert

Overall verdict for Cape Verde: Stay alert. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.

Cape Verde: read the 3 riskiest rules free →

🎁 Free, no account: Drugs, Weapons, Drones

The 23 topics at a glance

Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed

Get the exact rules for your trip

This page gives you the level. The app gives you the rule, the numbers and the penalties for Cape Verde, offline, in 23 languages.

Cape Verde: read the 3 riskiest rules free →

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How Cape Verde compares

With 3 of 23 topics flagged red, Cape Verde is more relaxed than 37 of the 41 other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (regional average: 7.3). Worldwide, Cape Verde ranks #86 of 148 for strictness (tied with 16 other countries).

What sets it apart

Fines: relaxed here, while 132 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
Remote work: relaxed here, while 121 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.

What to watch most in Cape Verde

🔪 Weapons · Guides by topic

Pocket knives, multi-tools and even a corkscrew can be classified as a weapon depending on blade length and lock type.
Pepper spray and personal alarms are banned or restricted in a surprising number of countries.
Tasers and knuckledusters are prohibited essentially everywhere.

💊 Drugs · Guides by topic

Almost every country separates use, possession and trafficking — and the line between them is a weight, not an intention.
Being caught with several bags, a scale or cash next to the drug will usually reclassify "use" into "dealing".
Carrying for a friend counts as your possession. There is no shared-responsibility defence.

Cape Verde at a glance

CapitalPraia

CurrencyCape Verdean Escudo (CVE)

LanguagePortuguese

Emergency number112

Driving sideRight

Mains voltage220 V

Calling code+238

Time zoneUTC-01:00

Plug typesC · F

Land bordersNone (island or enclave)

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Verde strict with tourists?

Overall verdict: Stay alert. 3 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Drugs, Weapons, Drones), 7 require caution.

What can get me fined or arrested in Cape Verde?

The strictest topics for travellers in Cape Verde are: Drugs, Weapons, Drones. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.

Where do I find the exact rules for Cape Verde?

In LawsTravels: open Cape Verde, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.

What is the emergency number in Cape Verde?

In Cape Verde, dial 112. Capital: Praia. Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Main language: Portuguese.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Cape Verde?

In Cape Verde, traffic drives on the right. Mains voltage: 220 V. Calling code: +238. Time zone: UTC-01:00. Plug types: C · F.

Countries with the closest profile

🇸🇨 Seychelles 🇲🇺 Mauritius 🇧🇼 Botswana 🇳🇦 Namibia 🇦🇷 Argentina 🇨🇱 Chile

Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.