COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Cape Verde (17 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners, including tourists, are allowed to enter.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• All arrivals will have their temperature scanned at the entry ports. If a traveller has a high temperature, they may have a COVID-19 test done.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Travellers must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within the last 72-hours prior to their arrival. Children under seven years of age are exempt from this requirement.

• Anyone departing from Santiago, Fogo, or any other islands and wishing to enter Sal or Boa Vista, will need to have a negative test certificate issued within the last 72-hours prior to departure.

• Ship passengers without a test certificate will need to contact Cabo Verdean immigration authorities prior to arrival. All such arrivals will also need to be tested upon arrival and will not be allowed to disembark until they test negative.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers who develop any symptoms for COVID-19 will need to self-isolate for 14-days.

Entry form required?

• All arrivals (except residents and children below two years of age) in Cape Verde will need to complete a health questionnaire and pay an airport security tax here.

• All arriving travellers to and from other islands must complete the health surveillance survey through this link.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Commercial flight services have resumed.

• Domestic inter-island flights are operating. Anyone wanting to travel between islands must complete a form online prior to departure which can be found at this site. Travellers to and from Sal and Santiago, São Nicolau, and Fogo must have a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within the last 72 hours before boarding.

• Travellers arriving with TAP Air Portugal from Lisbon to Santiago and São Vicente islands will need to provide proof that their journey is essential.

• Health screening measures are in place at all the entry ports including airports.

Border restrictions

• Minimal

• Maritime borders are open.

• Domestic travel among the islands is operating.

• People on other islands may return to their home island with prior approval from the local authorities only after being tested negative for COVID-19.

• Cruise ships and other boats are allowed to dock at the entry ports.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The “State of Calamity” has been extended for Santiago and Fogo until 14th December. Other islands remain under State of Contingency where restrictions remain in place on businesses, public gatherings as well as restaurant operations.

• There is no curfew in place at this time.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• The social distancing measures, including hand washing and maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters, are in place.

• Private family gatherings are limited to 10 people.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• It is mandatory to wear a non-surgical mask when using public transport in Cape Verde and when accessing ports and airports.

• Inter-island travel is allowed among all islands. Maritime travel to and from Sal and Santiago has resumed.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• The opening hours for shops are limited in Sal, Santiago, and Fogo.

• Stores and other shops must close by 20:30 (local time).

Accommodations open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Some hotels are open.

  • Look for hotels that have been awarded the “Cabo Verde – Secure Tourism” certification.

• There are also self-catering options available.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants must close by 23:59 (local time) on all islands, except Santiago and Fogo, where they must close by 23:00 (local time).

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes with exception

• Bars remain closed in Santiago.

• Cafes must close at 22:00 (local time).

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• In Sal, Santiago, and Fogo, the opening hours for beaches are limited from 06:00 to 10:00 and 12:00 to 15:00 and is subject to social distancing measures.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious activities will be allowed with limited capacity with the condition that social distancing protocols are maintained.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• Gatherings at private events should not exceed more than ten people.

• At funerals, a maximum of 20 people may attend.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• The use of face masks is mandatory for all individuals in indoor public places.

Other

• Water sports, recreational, cultural, nightclubs, entertainment, and leisure activities remain closed in Santiago.

• Public services will be allowed only by appointment.

• Food stalls must be closed at 22:00 (local time).

Råd

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.