Yesterday, the President adopted new important rules that will have a significant impact on all residents and persons travelling to and from Equatorial Guinea. The new rules that will be in force as of 6 December, can be summarized as follows:

• All international flights to and from Equatorial Guinea will be suspended from 6 December, 2021 to 2 January, 2022.
• PCR certificates and vaccination cards are required for passengers boarding all domestic and international flights, regardless of airline company, including charter flights. All passengers arriving in EG must comply with the mandatory quarantine at an approved hotel and bear their own expenses.
• The curfew in all national territory has been reduced: it will now be imposed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Vaccination against Covid-19 is mandatory for all residents in national territory, both nationals and foreigners.
• Foreigners travelling from countries where the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has been identified will not be allowed into the country. This prohibition will not apply to EG citizens traveling from these countries, but they must comply with the mandatory quarantine at an authorized hotel.
• Travel between districts and provinces may only be undertaken for essential purposes, such as work or health. Those allowed to travel will be required to show proof of vaccination. Those traveling from Malabo and Bata will need to show proof of a negative PCR test in addition to the vaccination certificate.
• The transport of goods, materials and equipment by air and sea is authorized. International charter flights will not be suspended provided that they are duly authorized by the competent authorities.
• Maritime transport between Malabo and Bata is maintained, at the rate of one weekly trip per shipping company, and with a maximum capacity of 250 passengers for the Viteoca and San Valentín shipping lines. Proof of a negative PCR test and the vaccination certificate will be required to purchase the ticket, check-in and board. The Elobey vessel operation is limited to cargo and goods. Passenger transportation is prohibited: exceptions may apply in case of valid justification.
• Students returning from abroad after completing their studies, will need to present a PCR certificate when boarding the plane. Once in national territory, and after completing the mandatory quarantine, they will have to proceed with vaccination.

Despite there being a downward trend in the number of new cases of Covid-19, the new measures are, reportedly, being adopted as a way to prevent the transmission of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

The above rules were approved by means of Decree No. 151/2021, of 1 December 2021, which amends Decree No. 129/2021, of 1 November 2021.

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