Cape Verde
West Africa · Arid (Atlantic islands)
An Atlantic island nation off West Africa, certified malaria-free by WHO in 2024. Dengue occurs intermittently; overall a lower-risk destination than the mainland.
WHO-certified malaria-free since 2024
In January 2024 the WHO certified Cabo Verde as malaria-free — only the third country in the WHO African Region to achieve this. No malaria chemoprophylaxis is needed for travel to Cape Verde. Standard mosquito-bite prevention is still advised against dengue and other Aedes-borne viruses.
WHO ↗ · Updated 2026
Yellow fever entry certificate from endemic countries
There is no yellow fever risk in Cape Verde, so vaccination is not needed for direct travel from Switzerland. However, a YF certificate is required for entry from travelers arriving from (or in transit through) a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Relevant mainly if combining Cape Verde with mainland West Africa.
CDC / WHO International Health Regulations ↗ · Updated 2026
Dengue outbreaks
Dengue circulates in Cape Verde and significant outbreaks have occurred in the past. Daytime mosquito-bite prevention is the main protection, as there is no specific treatment.
CDC / EKRM ↗ · Updated 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
NoneNo malaria risk. The WHO certified Cape Verde as malaria-free in January 2024 after sustained interruption of local transmission. No chemoprophylaxis is required (a historical low-level residual focus on Santiago island was eliminated).
- Status
- Malaria-free (WHO-certified 2024)
- Prophylaxis
- Not needed
Yellow fever
NoneNo yellow fever risk in country, so vaccination is not needed on medical grounds. A certificate is required for entry only from travelers arriving from a YF-risk country (see country alert). Direct travel from Switzerland is not affected.
- Status
- No risk in country
- Entry rule
- Cert required if arriving from YF country
Dengue
ModerateDengue circulates and notable outbreaks have occurred in Cape Verde. Transmitted by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes; daytime mosquito-bite prevention is the main protection.
- Vector
- Aedes mosquitoes — bite during daytime
- History
- Periodic outbreaks
- Prevention
- Daytime repellent, covering clothing
General prevention
Food & water
Use bottled or reliably treated water in less-developed areas; most resort areas have safe food and water. Standard precautions reduce the risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid — note that Shigella infections have been reported in travelers returning from Santa Maria and Boa Vista.
Mosquito protection
Although Cape Verde is now malaria-free, daytime mosquito-bite prevention still matters: dengue (with periodic outbreaks), Zika, and other Aedes-borne viruses occur. Use DEET or picaridin repellent and covering clothing during the day.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
Visiting more than one country?
Build a combined itinerary and get merged recommendations across all destinations.
This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.