All set.
Now, experience Sal.

Requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and length of your trip. Check your passport and current requirements through consular channels. The official EASE portal provides traveller pre-registration. Ask your travel agency whether this is included and keep your confirmation. Verify the address of any website claiming to be official.

• Passport and requirements for your nationality
• Pre-registration and applicable fees
• Accommodation and travel confirmations

Amílcar Cabral International Airport is Sal’s air gateway. Check your flight status with your airline and arrange where to meet your driver or booked transfer. Before leaving, save your accommodation address and an assistance contact that you can access offline.

• Flight and terminal confirmed
• Transfer meeting point arranged
• Accommodation address available

Combine flights and ferries according to your destination and operators’ actual schedules. Do not assume that every island has direct connections to every other island or that services run daily. Confirm baggage allowances, terminal arrival times and possible changes; allow extra time between an inter-island journey and a separately booked international flight.

• Route and date checked with the operator
• Baggage allowance and ticket conditions checked
• Time allowed for schedule changes

The local currency is the Cabo Verdean escudo, identified as CVE. Carry cash for small purchases and check whether cards are accepted before ordering or buying. Exchange money at authorised locations and check your bank’s fees. Ask your accommodation which taxes and charges are included in the final price.

• Cash for small payments
• Cards and fees checked
• Final price and taxes confirmed in writing

Sal’s climate allows outdoor activities for much of the year, but wind, sun and sea conditions shape every plan. The tourism portal describes a generally drier season from November to July and a wetter season from August to October. Check the forecast close to your trip; seasonal patterns do not guarantee daily weather.

• Hat and sun protection
• A light layer for the wind
• Suitable footwear and water for excursions

Portuguese is the official language, and Cabo Verdean Creole is central to everyday life. Do not assume every service is available in Spanish. Keep addresses in writing and confirm the language of any activity. A greeting, patience and asking permission before photographing people help you travel respectfully.

• Visit language confirmed
• Addresses and contacts saved
• Consent obtained for photographs

Before renting, check the required licence, insurance, roadside assistance and vehicle condition. Wear a helmet on scooters and quads. For cycling or motorised trips, confirm permitted tracks and areas with your operator: a track shown on a map does not establish permission to use it. Avoid dunes, nesting beaches and restricted access areas.

• Licence and insurance suitable for the activity
• Helmet and vehicle checks
• Route and access checked

Conditions vary from coast to coast. Respect beach flags and lifeguards’ instructions; stay out of the water when swimming is discouraged. Waves and currents can be strong. For lessons or sea excursions, ask a professional about the required skill level, equipment and insurance cover.

• Flags and instructions followed
• Sea conditions checked
• Activity suited to your ability

Before your trip, ask a healthcare professional about your individual needs and review current travel health advice. Bring your usual medicines with supporting documentation and take out suitable insurance for medical assistance and planned activities. Save your insurer’s contact details and locate a healthcare facility before you need it.

• Insurance and local assistance checked
• Medicines and documentation prepared
• Emergency and hospital contacts saved

Choose bottled water and take particular care with hand and food hygiene. Tourism authorities advise caution with tap water and ice. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, explain them and confirm ingredients and preparation with the establishment; a short menu description may not be enough.

• Water and food from safe sources
• Hand hygiene
• Allergies clearly communicated

Santa Maria has a large share of the island’s tourist accommodation. When choosing, compare the actual location, airport transfer options and the services you need. Ask about beach access, meal plans, cancellation terms and included taxes. A map helps locate the accommodation; the establishment’s confirmation is your reference for its services and availability.

• Location and transport checked
• Final price and cancellation terms in writing
• Services and accessibility confirmed

Cachupa, made with corn, beans and different combinations of ingredients, is a good introduction to Cabo Verdean cooking. You will also find fish and seafood dishes on Sal. Ask what is being prepared that day and take the opportunity to discover local shops and crafts, remembering that an information listing is not a verified commercial recommendation.

• Ask about ingredients and preparation
• Check options for your diet
• Support local crafts and shops

Browse the restaurant directory ↗ for establishment websites and contact details. Always confirm opening hours, menus and reservations directly.

Check your specific requirements before booking: steps, bathrooms, beach access, transport and assistance during excursions. Request airport or airline assistance in advance and confirm it has been accepted. A general accessibility label is no substitute for a specific answer about the journey you will make.

• Actual accommodation access checked
• Accessible transfer confirmed
• Flight assistance requested

Check the documents and travel authorisations each child may need, particularly when not travelling with both parents. Confirm with your carrier and consular authorities before departure. For activities, ask about age limits, supervision, equipment and safety; do not assume a trip suitable for adults is also suitable for children.

• Children’s documents checked
• Authorisations verified
• Suitable activity and equipment

Before using mobile data, check your provider’s roaming charges. If you choose a local SIM or eSIM, review compatibility, activation, coverage and terms on the operator’s website. Download maps, booking confirmations and essential contacts before an excursion so you can access them without a connection.

• Roaming and data usage under control
• Compatible SIM or eSIM
• Maps and phone numbers downloaded