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20 Apr 2021 | 02:36 PM UTC

Equatorial Guinea: COVID-19 restrictions remain tightened as of April 20 /update 18

Authorities in Equatorial Guinea maintaining tightened COVID-19 restrictions as of April 20.

Critical

Event

As of April 20, authorities are maintaining tightened restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. The following measures are in place:

Domestic Measures

  • Lockdown measures are in place across the country and interdistrict travel is prohibited expect for travelers on essential missions; travelers must present evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or proof of being vaccinated.

  • Interregional commercial transport, likely between continental Equatorial Guinea and the capital island, is limited to one maritime service per week.

  • Domestic flights have resumed; however, under current guidelines, domestic flights will be limited to two per week for domestic service providers. Passengers will need to fulfill additional testing requirements to use these services. Negative PCR test certificates are required to conduct domestic travel.

  • Bars, discotheques, casinos, and other entertainment venues remain closed. Weddings, baptisms, and other celebratory events have been suspended.

  • Places of worship must adhere to strict preventative guidelines.

  • Protective facemasks are compulsory in public places.

International Travel
Limited international travel is ongoing, and nationals, residents, diplomats, businesses, and those who have received government approval are permitted to travel. Several requirements are in place, including the following:

  • All arriving passengers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or a PCR test upon arrival, taken no more than 48 hours prior. If a negative test is not provided, travelers will be tested at the port of entry and will be quarantined at a government location for 3-5 days until results have been provided.

  • All travelers are required to quarantine for five days, regardless of COVID-19 test results. Travelers will then be required to take a second test once the five days have passed.

  • Those who test negative after the second test will be free to leave quarantine; however, those who test positive will be transferred to a health center allocated by the government and will be required to quarantine for a further 14 days.

  • Diplomatic and international organizations must submit a list of names and contact details to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation before arrival.

  • Authorities may withdraw passports from passengers if an invalid PCR test is presented; however, this mandate is not strictly enforced.

  • Travelers from countries with variant strains of the disease may be prohibited from entering the country until further notice.

  • Sea and land borders are open and are subject to similar entry restrictions.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Fines for noncompliance to the outlined restrictions will be issued.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all official advisories and remain non-confrontational if stopped by authorities. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays and possibly result in quarantine. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)

Government of Equatorial Guinea Press Portal