VISA
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 (obtainable from Totally Cape Verde - ask), 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.


CLIMATE
The tropical climate of Cape Verde is tempered by trade winds, temperatures remaining constant most of the year. The rainy season is during August, September and October, the amount being rather unpredictable.


HEALTH
No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, however it is recommended that precautions be taken against typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and yellow fever. There is a limited risk of malaria on Santiago Island between September and November. Water is unsafe to drink without prior treatment, and milk is unpasteurised. Medical facilities are limited and some medicines in short supply. Visitors receive free hospital treatment in general hospitals on presenting their passports, but health insurance is strongly advised, with coverage for emergency repatriation.


CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), broken down into 100 centavos. The CVE is tied to the Euro at CVE 110.27 = 1 Euro. There is a bureau de change at the airport, and local banks will change travellers cheques and foreign currency. There is an ATM at the international airport, but no others in the islands as yet. Major credit cards are accepted only in a few main resort hotels and restaruants. Banks will give cash on credit cards but commissions are high. To avoid additional charges, carry travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.