Angola: Authorities amend COVID-19 measures as of Jan. 27 /update 17

Event

As of Jan. 27, amended restrictions are in place across Angola as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Authorities have extended the country's sanitary cordon to at least Feb. 9. Other measures in place include the closure of all air, land, and sea borders to travel to and from Australia, Nigeria, UK, and South Africa due to the emergence of new variants of COVID-19 in those countries. Arrivals from Portugal and Brazil have also been banned. Several other international travel and domestic restrictions remain in place.

International Measures:

Limited international travel is permitted for only citizens or residents of the country, humanitarian transport, medical emergencies, and diplomatic missions.
All land and sea borders remain closed until further notice.
Persons entering the country must complete a Travel Registration Form (FRV) up to 72 hours before the travel date.
Persons entering the country require a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travelers must also undergo a rapid COVID-19 test immediately on disembarking the plane. Travelers who test negative may continue; however, positive travelers will be quarantined at a government facility.
Persons who test negative need to comply with a mandatory home quarantine period of at least 10 days. All nonresidential essential workers will be required to quarantine at a government-approved facility. Persons will be permitted to leave quarantine once testing negative for COVID-19.

Domestic Restrictions:

A state of public calamity is in place.
Domestic flights are ongoing; a negative serological COVID-19 test obtained 72 hours before travel is required. Other domestic travelers are also required to present a negative test.
Authorities have recommended that individuals remain indoors 2200-0500; however, no official curfew is in place.
Religious groups are permitted to hold services four days per week.
Commercial establishments are permitted to operate at full capacity 0700-2200.
Restaurants and cafes are permitted to operate at 50-percent capacity 0600-2100, and until 2200 for sites offering takeaway services.
Public transport is limited to 75-percent capacity.
It is mandatory to wear facemasks on public transport and in public spaces.
Restrictions on gatherings in public spaces are in force.

Those caught in breach of COVID-19 measures and restrictions will be subject to fines. Authorities may amend existing regulations or introduce new restrictions with little notice depending on local and international disease activity in the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.