Is Cape Verde safe for religious-minority travellers?
Broadly safe
Cape Verde is broadly protective for religious-minority travellers in law across every area we track.
What to know as a religious-minority traveller
the sourced facts that weigh most for you · concerns first
Broad anti-discrimination protections are in place.
Government restrictions on religion are low.
There are no blasphemy laws.
Identity & recognition
Same-sex relationships
Legal, no recognitionSame-sex activity is legal, but relationships have no legal recognition.
Legal gender recognition
Medically gatekeptChanging legal gender is possible but medically or judicially gatekept.
Anti-discrimination protection
BroadBroad anti-discrimination protections are in place.
Disability rights
CRPD ratifiedRatified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2011.
Women's legal rights
Mostly equal, some gapsWomen’s legal rights are mostly equal, with some gaps — the WBL index scores 86/100 (2023) across mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood and property.
LGBTQ+ legal equality
Partial protectionsLegal protections for LGBTQ+ people are partial — Equaldex scores 55/100 (2026); some rights are recognised, others are not — check specifics before you travel.
Body & health
Abortion access
On requestAbortion is available on request (subject to gestational limits).
Cannabis & personal drug law
IllegalCannabis is illegal.
Faith & conscience
Government restriction of religion
Low restrictionsGovernment restrictions on religion are low.
Blasphemy & apostasy law
No such lawsThere are no blasphemy laws.
Speech & press
Freedom of expression
Free · 92/100Rated Free, 92/100, by Freedom House (2025).
Your obligations on arrival
Address / residence registration
Foreign students should confirm any residence-permit or registration requirement with Cape Verde’s immigration authority soon after arrival.
Student work rights
Whether a student visa permits paid work varies — check the conditions of your Cape Verde student visa.
Health insurance
Comprehensive health insurance valid in Cape Verde is strongly recommended and is often required for the student visa.
Bringing medication
Carry prescriptions in original packaging; controlled medicines may be restricted — check Cape Verde’s rules before travelling.
Laws differ from lived experience and this is not legal advice. Each fact shows its evidence type, date and source. Full method & sources →
Emergency numbers
Travel-medical cover that works abroad with no local address, and a data eSIM so maps and messaging work the moment you land.