COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Cape Verde (31 May Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter, including for tourism.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• All arrivals will have their temperature scanned at the entry ports. Travellers recording a high temperature may undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• To enter Cape Verde, travellers must have a negative COVID-19 Antigen or RT-PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours prior to departure to Cape Verde. Children under seven years of age are exempt from this requirement.

• Anyone departing from Cape Verde will need to show a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within the last 72 hours prior to departure from Cape Verde. Booking for the test on some of the islands can be done here. Children aged below 12 years are exempt.

• Ship passengers without a test certificate will need to contact Cabo Verde immigration authorities prior to arrival. All 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.

• Based on the above restrictions, travellers are not required to go through quarantine upon arrival, unless they have symptoms noted during their arrival health screening.

Is a vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• All arrivals will need to fill the Health Questionnaire and Airport Security Tax Form (TSA) prior to travel for Cape Verde. Children aged 2 years or below are exempted. Arrivals travelling with tourist packages must check whether the cost of the TSA is included in the package.

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 link.

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

Border restrictions

• Minimal

• Air and maritime borders are open.

• Domestic travel among the islands is allowed.

• 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

• There is no curfew in place at this time.

• According to the civil protection rules, there are 4 “states” in Cape Verde: State of Emergency (highest), State of Calamity (2nd highest), State of Contingency (3rd highest), and State of Alert (lowest). Each ‘state’ has its own restrictions. All islands remain under the State of Calamity.

Social restrictions

• Minimal

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

• Social gatherings are banned.

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.

• Internal inter-island flights and passenger ferries are operational. Those travelling between islands will need to complete an online health surveillance form and for some of the islands, travellers will need to present a COVID-19 test done in the last 72 hours before travels. Children aged below 7 years are exempt.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Commercial facilities are allowed to remain open until 20:30 (local time).

Accommodations open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Limited hotels are open.

• Travellers are advised to book hotels that have been awarded the “Cabo Verde – Secure Tourism” certification.

• There are also self-catering options available.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to operate with limited hours on all islands.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are allowed to operate at limited hours.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches are open. Local jurisdictions may impose their own restrictions.

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

• Parties are banned.

• 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 public places. Children under the age of ten and individuals with health conditions that prevent them from wearing face-covering are exempt from the requirement. Individuals who are exercising and able to observe social distancing are also exempt from the requirement.

Other

• All cultural, recreational, sporting, leisure, and entertainment facilities are closed, including those which had re-opened earlier.

• Most nightclubs, dance halls, event venues and facilities, sporting academies, and gymnastics and martial arts clubs remain closed.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance with other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.