Can You Vape or Smoke in Cape Verde?

If you’re heading to Cape Verde for a holiday, you may be wondering whether you can smoke or vape while you’re there. The short answer is that smoking is permitted in some outdoor areas, but restrictions apply in enclosed public spaces and certain venues. Vaping can also be subject to restrictions, so it’s best not to assume you can vape wherever smoking is allowed.

For most visitors, the rules are fairly straightforward. You’ll generally find designated smoking areas at hotels and resorts, while restaurants, bars, airports and other public spaces may have their own restrictions.

Here’s everything you need to know about smoking and vaping in Cape Verde, including where you can use them, what to expect at your hotel and what to know before travelling.

In This Article

• Is Smoking Allowed in Cape Verde?
• Can You Vape in Cape Verde
• Where Can You Smoke or Vape in Cape Verde?
• Can You Buy Cigarettes and Vapes in Cape Verde?
• Can You Bring Cigarettes or a Vape to Cape Verde?
• Smoking Etiquette in Cape Verde

Is Smoking Allowed in Cape Verde?

Smoking is allowed in Cape Verde, although there are restrictions on where you can smoke.

As a general rule, smoking is more restricted in enclosed public spaces, such as indoor areas of restaurants, bars and other establishments. Outdoor areas tend to be less restrictive, although individual businesses can introduce their own rules.

This means you may be able to smoke while sitting outside at a restaurant or bar, for example, but you shouldn’t assume that smoking is permitted simply because you’re in an outdoor area.

It’s also worth remembering that hotels, resorts and other private businesses can have policies that are stricter than the national rules. Always look for signs or ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

Can You Vape in Cape Verde?

Vaping is slightly less straightforward, as the rules and policies around e-cigarettes can differ from those applying to traditional tobacco products.

Even where vaping isn’t specifically prohibited, you shouldn’t assume that you can vape indoors or in areas where smoking is restricted. Restaurants, hotels, airports and other venues may have their own policies on e-cigarettes.

If you’re unsure, the safest approach is to treat vaping in the same way as smoking: use it in designated smoking areas or outdoors where it is clearly permitted.

This is particularly important in hotels and resorts, where individual policies can vary.

Where Can You Smoke or Vape in Cape Verde?

Knowing the general rules is useful, but if you’re already planning your holiday, you’re probably more interested in what they mean in practice.

Can You Vape or Smoke on the Beach in Cape Verde?

Smoking outdoors on beaches may be permitted, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that every beach or resort area allows smoking.

If you’re visiting a busy beach, particularly one attached to a hotel or resort, check for signs or designated smoking areas. You should also be considerate of other people, particularly families and children.

There’s another good reason to avoid simply dropping cigarette ends into the sand. Cape Verde is known for its beaches and natural landscapes, and cigarette waste can be harmful to the environment as well as unpleasant for other visitors.

If you smoke or vape on the beach, take your cigarette ends and empty vapes with you or dispose of them in a suitable bin.

Can You Vape or Smoke at Hotels and Resorts?

Hotel and resort vaping and smoking policies can vary considerably depending on the venue.

Many properties provide designated smoking areas, which may include outdoor terraces, gardens, pool areas or other specific parts of the property. Some hotels may also have smoking and non-smoking rooms.

Don’t assume that you can smoke on your balcony simply because it is outside. Some hotels prohibit smoking on balconies or terraces, while others may permit it.

If you’re booking accommodation and smoking is important to you, it’s worth checking the hotel’s smoking policy before travelling. This can save you from arriving at your accommodation only to discover that smoking is restricted throughout the property.

Can You Smoke or Vape in Restaurants, Bars and Cafés?

Smoking is generally more restricted inside restaurants, bars and cafés than it is in outdoor areas.

If a venue has an outdoor terrace, patio or other open-air seating area, smoking may be permitted there, depending on the establishment’s rules.

However, don’t assume that an outdoor table automatically means you can smoke. A restaurant may have a completely smoke-free policy, even where the law allows smoking outdoors.

The easiest option is to check for signs or ask staff.

Can You Vape or Smoke in Public Areas?

Outdoor public areas are generally less restrictive than enclosed spaces, but common sense and local rules still apply.

If you’re walking around a town or resort, you may see people smoking outdoors. However, it’s best to avoid smoking directly next to crowded queues, children or people eating.

If you’re unsure whether smoking is permitted in a particular area, look for signs or ask someone locally.

Can You Smoke at Cape Verde’s Airports?

Airports have their own rules and security requirements, so you shouldn’t assume that you can smoke wherever you like while travelling.

Smoking may be restricted to designated smoking areas, and these can vary between airports and terminals.

If you’re flying from Cape Verde, check the signs at the airport and only smoke in clearly designated areas. The same principle applies to vaping.

It’s also worth considering the rules around carrying e-cigarettes and vaping equipment when flying. Airlines and airports can have specific requirements for transporting these products, so check with your airline before travelling.

Can You Buy Cigarettes and Vapes in Cape Verde?

Cigarettes are widely available in Cape Verde, particularly in larger towns, tourist areas and resorts.

Availability of vaping products can be more variable. If you use a particular type of vape, e-liquid or disposable product, it may not be as easy to find your preferred brand or flavour as it is at home.

For this reason, regular vapers may want to check what they can legally bring with them before travelling rather than relying on being able to buy exactly what they use once they arrive.

Can You Bring Cigarettes or a Vape to Cape Verde?

If you’re travelling with tobacco or vaping products, make sure you check the latest Cape Verde customs and airline requirements before your trip.

Tobacco products may be subject to customs allowances, while e-cigarettes and vaping devices can have separate rules relating to air travel.

In particular, airlines commonly have restrictions around where vaping devices can be packed and whether they can be used during a flight.

Because these requirements can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest guidance from your airline and the relevant Cape Verde authorities before you travel.

Smoking Etiquette in Cape Verde

Even when smoking is technically allowed, it doesn’t always mean it’s appropriate in every situation.

Cape Verde is a popular holiday destination, and you’ll often be sharing beaches, restaurants, pools and public spaces with other visitors. A little consideration goes a long way.

A few simple things to keep in mind:

• Ask before smoking around other people, particularly at a shared table.
• Avoid smoking close to children or directly next to people who are eating.
• Follow designated smoking areas at hotels and resorts.
• Don’t assume outdoor areas are automatically smoke-friendly.
• Dispose of cigarette ends properly, especially on beaches.
• Follow signs and staff instructions, even if you’ve seen other people smoking elsewhere.

When in doubt, simply ask. A quick “Is it OK if I smoke here?” is usually much easier than accidentally breaking a venue’s rules.

Find Your Perfect Cape Verde Getaway

Whether you’re planning to spend your days relaxing on the beach, exploring the islands or making the most of your resort, The Lagoon has a range of hotels to suit your Cape Verde holiday. From family-friendly stays to adults-only escapes, you’ll find a welcoming base for your time in the sun.

Explore our collection of Cape Verde hotels and start planning your next island escape.