London to Praia (LGW–RAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter Cape Verde visa-free for stays up to 30 days. The visa exemption was introduced in January 2019 for tourism purposes. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry with at least two blank pages. Stays beyond 30 days require a visa extension from the Directorate of Immigration in Praia.

All travelers must register online at ease.gov.cv before arrival and pay a pre-registration airport security tax of EUR 30 (about $33). This is separate from any visa requirement and is mandatory for all nationalities. Complete the form at least 5 days before travel. You need proof of accommodation and a return ticket.

Direct flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Sal (SID) or Boa Vista (BVC) run about 6 hours on TUI. Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), fixed at 110.265 CVE per EUR 1. Euros are widely accepted in tourist resorts on Sal and Boa Vista. No vaccination requirements for UK arrivals, but yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Tap water is not safe to drink on most islands.

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from London Victoria to the South Terminal in 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes (from £21.50 one-way; advance fares cheaper online). Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon are slower (35–45 min) but significantly cheaper; often £10–13 on Oyster or contactless. Southern trains also serve the route.National coaches (National Express, Megabus) connect Gatwick to Victoria Coach Station for £6–15. Taxis from central London cost £70–100+ depending on traffic. Driving via M23 and A23 takes 35–60 minutes; multi-storey car parks are directly connected to both terminals by a 2-minute monorail shuttle.