(Searches and filters our Q&A list below).
Q. What is Advance Passenger information (API)?
As a result of UK Government legislation, we are required to collect Advance Passenger (passport) Information from all customers (including infants) travelling to and from the UK by air. If we do not receive this information, tickets cannot be processed.
What information is needed per passenger?
- Full name, as per your passport including any middle names.
- Your date of birth.
- The travel document 'type' eg: passport.
- Your nationality.
- Passport Country of Issue.
- Passport number and expiry date.
When is the information required by?
- Either at the time of booking or at least 7 days before travel in order for your tickets to be processed in time. Failure to do so will prevent tickets from being issued. Any API details received within 7 days of departure will result in a Ticket on Departure being arranged, for which you may be charged.
How can I provide this information?
- Please visit our API page on our website where you can input the information. Alternatively you can call Administration on 0845 330 2068. We advise you not to email this information due to data protection reasons.
What if I book late?
- Our website will not confirm a booking within 7 days of travel, unless you input your API details, so please have them to hand.
- Ticket on Departure information will not be provided until we have your API details.
Q. How do I arrange my Visa?
When you receive your booking confirmation please telephone our Administration Department on 0845 330 2068 to give us the information required to obtain your visa(s). You will need to have all passenger passports to hand. This should be done as soon as your booking confirmation has been received and certainly no later than 7 days before departure. After this time we may not be able to obtain your visa before departure from the UK.
If you prearrange your visa with us, your details are logged electronically so passport control can access it on your arrival. If you have already given us your passport details but are asked to pay for your visa on arrival, please request the assistance of a Barracuda Tours Representative. You can choose to apply for a visa yourself on arrival in Sal or Boa Vista however this will delay you. You will also be asked to pay directly to the authorities a fee of approximately 25 euros per person.
A normal tourist Visa is valid for up to 4 weeks
Q. Do I need a visa to visit the Cape Verde Islands?
A full British 10 year passport is required for entry into Cape Verde, valid for at least 6 months after your date of arrival back in the UK. All British Nationals require a visa to enter Cape Verde issued on arrival. Organising your visa is included in your holiday price providing that we receive the appropriate information no later than 7 days prior to departure. We are unable to arrange visas if you have only booked your accommodation with us, however we can arrange visas for flight only bookings when requested at a charge of £15 per person. For late bookings made within 7 days of departure our administration staff will try to pre order your visa however if unsuccessful this can also be purchased on arrival and the cost refunded by our representative.
Q. I am a late booker, where do I collect my Ticket on Departure?
Your tickets and travel documents will be issued at the airport on the day of travel, so you will need to allow sufficient time for collection. Unless you are advised otherwise, please collect your tickets from the Ace Handling representative who will be near the check in desk indicated beside your flight number on the departure screens.
If you are travelling from Gatwick, please collect your tickets from the Ace Handling representative who will be situated near the Thomson Airways Ticket Desk. The desk is on the left hand side after you enter the North Terminal.
Q. Who do I tell about my flight requests?
If you have any special requests for your flight, please ensure that they are requested at the time of booking. We shall be pleased to pass on your requests to the airline however we cannot guarantee that they will be met. Seats together and the carriage of sports equipment are available to book at a supplement outside of 3 weeks to departure, however these are subject to availability. It is best to advise us of any requests or requirements as early as possible. Thomson flights offer a buy on board meal service therefore no pre booked meals are available.
For booking requests please contact Administration on 0845 3302068.
Q. When will I receive my tickets?
These can be expected 2 weeks prior to your date of travel and will include our Cape Verde Travel Guide (package holidays only), which we hope you will find useful. For security reasons, tickets can only be posted out to the billing address. Your actual flight timings will be those shown on your tickets, please check them carefully as soon as you receive them as the airline may have changed these since the time of booking.
Q. What is my hand luggage entitlement?
This is usually no more than 5kgs. Dimensions can vary from airline to airline but the maximum size is typically 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Please ensure that you only carry one piece of hand luggage and that it does not contain any sharp objects. Most airlines will only carry one piece of hand luggage per passenger, which includes handbags and laptops. Infants are not entitled to hand luggage.
Q. What is my baggage allowance?
Standard luggage allowance on flights is 20kgs and any luggage above this weight will be charged for. Individual items which exceed 32kgs will not be accepted. Usually in addition to an adult's allowance, a pushchair or pram will be carried at no charge and Thomson usually allocate a small baggage allowance for infants. If in doubt, call our Administration department on 0845 330 2068.
If you are Island hopping, your internal baggage allowance cannot exceed more than 20kgs.
Q. When do I find out the timings of my inter island flights?
Inter island flight times are on your confirmation invoice. Even when the times have been confirmed they may still change, as TACV sometimes amend their schedule without much notice and flights can be delayed or even cancelled. In circumstances such as this you will be advised immediately and your booking will be amended to the most appropriate alternative flight. Your internal flight tickets will be issued upon arrival in Cape Verde.
Q. Do you have to take Malaria tablets?
No, there is no malaria present in Cape Verde with the exception of Santiago during September to November. If you are visiting Santiago during these months please speak with your GP for the latest individual advice.
We do recommend that you take insect repellent, to avoid insect bites.
Q. Will I need Medication?
Vaccinations are not required to visit the Islands. Please, as always, discuss any individual concerns you may have with your GP.
Q. What form of payment do you accept in the UK?
Debit cards (no handling charge)
- Switch/Maestro
- Visa Electron (through our call centre)
- Delta
Credit cards (will incur a 2% handling charge)
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
Unfortunately we are not able to accept Solo cards.
Cheques made payable to The Cape Verde Experience and your holiday reference added to the reverse of the cheque along with your name and address.
Bank transfers
- Account number: 06019129
- Sort code: 60-18-46
Please quote your booking reference number on all bank transfer transactions.
Q. How will I receive my insurance documents?
If you have booked online or have received an email confirmation from us, the insurance policy will appear as a PDF link within your emailed invoice. If you receive a posted invoice, the insurance policy will be in the form of a booklet. In both cases your booking reference acts as the policy number and your invoice is the insurance certificate.
Q. Should I take out travel insurance?
Insurance is a must, we feel it is so important that we insist you either take out our special travel insurance or arrange a policy yourself at the time of booking. If you chose your own policy we would suggest that it provides cover equal to our own standard policy which, for example, covers for delayed or cancelled internal flights within Cape Verde.
Q. What happens if there is a delay?
Occasionally, despite the best efforts of all concerned, flights are delayed for reasons beyond our personal control. In the event of such a delay we will always do our very best to provide a snack or meal when appropriate. Should there be an extended delay to your homeward flight we will endeavour to delay your departure from your holiday accommodation, and in the case of an overnight delay, overnight accommodation will be provided, although this may not be at your final holiday accommodation.
Q. How do I go about changing my booking?
Any amendment will be subject to availability, amendment charges, plus any difference in costs. This is in addition to any carriers' amendment or cancellations fees. Further details should be obtained from our Administration Department on 0845 3302068. Amendments within 7 days of travel are not always possible.
Q. Is it safe to go out at night?
The crime rate in Cape Verde is generally low. As in all destinations, especially in the larger towns, we advise you to exercise caution and not show valuables or large amounts of cash. For example, taxis are recommended at night on Santiago as it has fewer tourists than other islands. Taxis are available and are generally of a good standard, although it is advisable to check the price of the fare before setting off.
Q. What is the currency and where can I get some?
The currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo or CV Esc which can only be obtained in the islands. Euros are widely accepted throughout the islands but be careful as credit cards are not. Maestro or Switch cards are currently not accepted, only the Visa and MasterCard sign. Also please be aware that charges for changing travellers cheques can be quite high.
Q. Can I take day trips to other Islands?
There are excursions from Sal to Santiago, Boa Vista, Fogo and Sao Vicente available. You can speak to your representative in resort about what is available and to how to book. Please note that some excursions are subject to minimum numbers. You can view some of the excursions and approximate prices on our website.
Q. How much building work is there?
This really depends on which island(s) you are travelling to, and when, as some islands have very little building work and on others there is a fair amount.
Our reservations team have details of any current work going on and we will always try to advise you of anything that we know before you travel.
Q. Can I use my mobile phone?
UK mobile phones do work in Cape Verde (except pay as you go) however calls can be expensive. A cheaper option is to buy a pre-paid SIM card for your phone on arrival in Cape Verde and be given a local number.
Q. Room check-in and out times?
Check - in times do vary but as a general rule hotel rooms are available from 3pm on arrival, with you being asked to vacate your room by Midday on the day of departure.
Q. Where can I get extra safety information about the Cape Verde?
We are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to do all we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Their website at: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo is packed with essential tips, travel advice and up-to-date country specific information.
Q. What are the transfer times like?
Transfers are included if you have booked a package holiday with us. As the Islands are small, generally speaking the transfer time from the airport to your hotel will on average take around 20 minutes (with the exception of Pedracin Village) depending on how many hotels are being stopped at. Transfers will usually be by taxi, minibus or 4 wheel drive where required.
Q. I have booked all inclusive, what drinks are included?
Most hotels include alcoholic drinks and unlimited soft drinks, however some hotels do not include internationally known brands and may charge for bottled water. For more specific hotel information please contact our Administration Team on 0845 3302068.
Q. Is there any time difference between here and The Cape Verde Islands?
During GMT the Islands are 1 hour behind the UK. During British Summer Time, the Islands are 2 hours behind us here in the UK.
Q. What are the local restaurants like?
This does depend very much on the island. In Santa Maria on Sal and Mindelo on São Vicente there are some very good restaurants in and outside the hotels. A selection of Creole, Portuguese, international and seafood will generally be on the menu, however due to the laid back lifestyle service can be a little slow. On other islands such as Boa Vista and Santo Antão, there are only a few restaurants with no specific menu and sometimes only the special of the day is available.
Q. What clothing should I take?
Most hotels and restaurants (especially 4 & 5* hotels) prefer gentlemen to wear long trousers and sleeves for dinner in the evenings and no beach wear for all. Out and about if it is windy in the evening it can feel quite cool, so taking a sweater or a wrap with you is advisable. For cultural sensitivity we advise you to dress modestly when visiting any towns or countryside.
Q. What's the weather like?
The temperature does not vary much year round and stays between the mid and late twenties. There can be strong winds so humidity is low however severe asthma sufferers should not travel between February and April due to dust in the air from the Harmattan winds.
Q. What does the price include?
All prices shown on this site for package bookings include:
- Return flights from the UK to Cape Verde
- Luggage allowance of 20kgs pp
- Transfers from airport to your accommodation
- Accommodation and meal basis as detailed in our booking confirmation invoice
- Visa (if we receive your details 7 days before departure date)
- Inter-island flights, ferries and transfers for twin-centre holidays (as appropriate)
- The services of our local agent
- Airport departure taxes both in the UK and Cape Verde
- UK Air Passenger Duty (APD of £60)
- CAA ATOL Protection Contribution
- If additional inter island flights are required, these will be at a supplement.
- When booking a holiday or flights close to the departure day, tickets will be arranged for collection at the airport. We reserve the right to make a charge of £15pp for this.
Q. Are there hotels and car parks at my UK Airport?
We would recommend that you contact Holiday Extras on 0871 360 1367 or at holidayextras.co.uk/capeverde for information. Conveniently located car parks are available at all airports, which offer a free 24-hour transfer service to and from the airport terminal.For your convenience, Holiday Extras can also arrange business lounges at our UK airports.
Q. Are children welcome on the islands?
Children are welcome everywhere as the Cape Verdeans love and take excellent care of their young ones. They will love playing on the beaches and some of the hotels have small play areas and sections of the pool for children (mostly unsupervised). There are few organised activities for children.
Q. What in-flight service can I expect?
Tui flights do not offer in-flight meals and there is a limited snacks service available on board, therefore we suggest that you have a meal before your flight if possible. Please note: There is no in flight entertainment on flights to Cape Verde.
