Cape Verde is currently in a ‘state of alert’.
While the government has eased some of the restrictive measures previously in place, there are many rules members of the public still need to observe including the fact they must keep a social distance of at least 1m.
To add to this, there is the required use of Covid certificates and negative test results to access certain services and activities including gyms and nightclubs.
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Here is the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at the time of publication, but this is updated regularly so ensure you check the government's guidance before flying.
Inter-island travel
There are ferry and airline connections operating between islands. If you’re travelling between islands, you’ll need to complete an online health surveillance form and present one of the following:
- a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate showing you are fully vaccinated
- a Covid-19 recovery certificate showing you recovered from Covid-19 no more than 90 days before you travel
- a negative RT-PCR test done 72 hours before departure or an antigen test done 48 hours before departure
Children aged 11 and under are exempt from these requirements.
Tests are available at health centres and cost 6500CV Escudos (around £55). You can find a list of health centres online.
Public places and services
The Cape Verde government has eased some of the restrictive measures previously in place, while maintaining the need to observe some rules on social distancing and hygiene:
- keep a social distance of at least 1m
- wash your hands regularly
- respect the rules on maximum occupancy in shops and services, restaurants, cafés and on public transport
If you test positive for Covid-19, it is still mandatory to self-isolate at your accommodation or in accommodation provided by the health authorities for 14 days. If you test positive but do not have any symptoms you will still need to self-isolate for 10 days at your accommodation.
With ongoing effect:
- Shops and stores close at 8:30pm, with the exception of pharmacies and bread shops which close at 9pm
- Bars, open-air cafés selling alcoholic drinks, restaurants, snack bars and takeaways close at 12am in most areas but 2am in pedestrianised and beach-front areas
- Lounge bars, night clubs and discos close at 4am
- Cultural, recreational, sporting and leisure activities and family events, such as weddings and christening, are permitted, subject to the rules on social distancing and hygiene
Use of COVID certificates and negative test results
The required use of Covid certificates and negative test results to access certain services and activities remains, including:
- to enter, lounge bars, night clubs and discos
- to use gyms
- to check in to hotels and other tourist accommodation (with the exception of children up to the age of 18 when accompanied by a parent or guardian)
- to attend cultural, sporting, corporate, recreational and family events (with the exception of children up to the age of 18 when accompanied by a parent or guardian)
There are three Cape Verde Covid certificates – one proving the holder has been vaccinated, one proving the holder has recovered from Covid-19 and one showing evidence of a negative Covid test.
If you are resident in Cape Verde, check whether you are eligible for a Covid certificate on the Cape Verde government website.
If you are not eligible for a Cape Verde Covid certificate, you may show a negative Covid test result, obtained by one of the following means:
- Certified PCR test done within the previous 72 hours
- Certified antigen test done within the previous 48 hours
Demonstrating your COVID-19 status
Covid-19 proof of recovery and vaccination records can be used for internal travel and to access services in Cape Verde.
Cape Verde will only accept the UK’s letter version of proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. They will not accept digital proof.
Your NHS appointment card from a vaccination centre is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status
Wearing a mask in Cape Verde
You must wear a face mask in enclosed spaces, such as shops and supermarkets, health centres, schools, airports and ports, cafes and restaurants and on public transport.
You should wear your face covering when you enter the building and keep it on until you leave. In cafes and restaurants, keep your mask on until you are seated.
These measures apply to everyone over the age of 10.
You may be exempt from using a face mask on medical grounds if authorised by the health authorities.
Entry requirements
Travellers from the UK need to complete an International Travel Form and show one of the following to enter the country:
- a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate showing you are fully vaccinated
- a Covid-19 recovery certificate showing you recovered from Covid-19 no more than 90 days before you travel
- a Covid-19 PCR test done 72 hours before departure or an antigen test (Ag-RDT) done 48 hours before departure
Children aged 11 and under are exempt from the requirements above.
REMEMBER You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.
Before you travel, you’ll also need to complete and submit the Airport Security Tax Form (TSA) on the EASE website.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Cape Verde.
Visas
If you have a British Citizen passport, you can enter Cape Verde as a visitor for up to 30 days without a visa.
Before you travel, you must register with the Cape Verde authorities on the EASE website and, if arriving by air, pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA) of 3,400 escudos (approximately £30). This does not apply to visitors under 2 years of age or those who are normally resident in Cape Verde.
Check with your tour operator or airline what arrangements are in place for your booking, as some tour operators and airlines may complete this on your behalf and have specific registration requirements.
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