Message for U.S. Citizens: COVID-19 Tests No Longer Needed for Inter-Island Travel From Santiago But Required From Fogo, Maio, Sao Vicente, and Santo Antao
Inter-island Travel
As of December 28, COVID-19 rapid test results are no longer required for inter-island passengers traveling from Santiago island. Islands with a COVID-19 infection rate below 20 per 100,000 inhabitants are considered “green;” passengers from those islands do not need COVID-19 tests for inter-island travel. As of December 28, tests are not required for those traveling from Santiago, São Nicolãu, Sal, Boa Vista, and Brava or for passengers under the age of seven. By contrast, Fogo’s infection rate is 323 per 100,000 and Maio’s rate has risen to 133 per 100,000. Therefore, passengers traveling from Fogo, Maio, São Vicente, or Santo Antão to any of the “green” islands must show a negative COVID-19 rapid test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. All inter-island travelers are required to fill out a Health Surveillance Survey prior to departure.
For available flights, please visit https://www.ticv.cv. For the latest ferry schedule, please visit https://www.cvinterilhas.cv/routesschedules.
All Other Restrictions Remain in Place
Fogo is in a “State of Calamity” through January 14. All other islands remain in a “State of Contingency.” The November 5 mandate for face coverings in public spaces remains in effect. Exceptions include children under the age of ten and individuals with health conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering. Anyone in violation of the law may be subject to a fine up to 15,000 CVE (approximately $158). U.S. citizens in Cabo Verde are reminded that all Cabo Verdean laws and regulations apply to them.
International Travel
Effective December 15, the Government of Cabo Verde has authorized the use of antigen tests (Ag-RDT) to detect COVID-19 prior to travel. Travelers entering Cabo Verde must present results of a negative COVID-19 PCR-RT test or an antigen test (Ag-RDT, commonly known as a “rapid test”) administered no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure to gain entry to Cabo Verde. Children under age seven are exempt from presenting test results to gain entry to Cabo Verde. Please contact your airline or ship operator directly to confirm details regarding COVID-19 testing documentation requirements as well as requirements for any other stopover on your journey. PCR test results are still required to transit Lisbon and the Azores.
Upon arrival in Cabo Verde, each traveler will have their temperature checked and must submit a completed health questionnaire. Anyone displaying symptoms such as fever may be put in isolation and subjected to a COVID-19 test on arrival.
COVID-19 Testing
U.S. citizens requiring a COVID-19 PCR-RT test for international travel departing Cabo Verde should contact their nearest health delegation. The cost for the PCR-RT test is 11,000 CVE (approximately $115).
U.S. citizens requiring a rapid test (Ag-RDT) for international or inter-island travel should contact their nearest health delegation or a private lab. The cost for a rapid test is generally less than 2,000 CVE (approximately $20).
COVID-19 Cases in Cabo Verde
As of December 28, Cabo Verde had a total of 110 known active COVID-19 cases. The active cases are on Fogo (11), Santiago (37), São Vicente (38), Santo Antão (17), Maio (6), and Sal (1). Boa Vista, Brava, and Sao Nicolãu had no known active cases. Additional information is available at https://covid19.cv.
Note: This information will continue to be sent regularly for the benefit of new registrants in STEP. Should you wish to stop receiving these updates, please send an email to PraiaConsular@state.gov requesting to be removed from STEP enrollment.
Actions to Take:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates from the Embassy.
- Review ourFrequently Asked Questionswebsite for information on current travel restrictions and the phased resumption of routine consular services.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Consider What the U.S. Government Can and Can’t Do for Citizens in a Crisis.
- View President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airline, cruise line, or travel operator regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Cabo Verde.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Praia
RuaAbilio Macedo 6
Praia, Cabo Verde
Phone: (+238) 260-8900
PraiaConsular@state.gov
https://cv.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444 - Cabo Verde Country Information
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