Avoid the queues at the airport and the stress by getting a visa agency to arrange your visa. - Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com.

Visa requirements in Cape Verde for Americans: US citizens require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.

Visa requirements in Cape Verde for UK nationals: UK passport holders require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.

Visa requirements in Cape Verde for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.

Visa requirements in Cape Verde for Australians: Australians require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.

Visa requirements in Cape Verde for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.

Visa requirements in Cape Verde for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.

Visa requirements in Cape Verde for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required unless travelling in an organised tourist group and holding a 'Certificado Colectivo de Identidade et Viagem'. Individual travellers should obtain a visa prior to travel, unless there is no diplomatic representation of Cape Verde in their country, in which case a visa may be obtained at the airport on arrival.

Passport/Visa Note: Visitors of any nationality require a passport, valid for the period of intended stay, to enter the Cape Verde Islands. Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

There are no specific inoculations required for travel to the Cape Verdes, except for those travelling from West African countries with endemic yellow fever. It should not be necessary to take anti-malaria pills. But enquire further if travelling to Praia in late summer. The UK Foreign Office advises passengers to have inoculations against typhoid and hepatitis. Hepatitis exists as it does in the UK and USA. For more health advice consult your own doctor.
Stomach upsets and dysentery are caused by dirty food. Care should be taken with drinking water or eating shellfish or any uncooked, unpeeled fruit and vegetables. Be careful of any meat or fish, which has not been fully cooked. Sea urchins and jelly fish are rare but could cause a painful sting. Sharks do swim in deep water but there has only been one attack recorded.