Portugal
Travel restrictions
As of July 2nd 2021, non-essential travel is allowed for resident of the following countries: Countries of the European Union and Schengen Associated countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland), Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, South Korea, United States of America, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Northern Macedonia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan & special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.
In order to enter Portugal, people from these countries need to present one of the following documents:
- RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) - 72h before boarding
- Rapid Antigen Test - 48h before boarding
- EU Digital COVID Certificate
- All passengers need to fill a Passenger Locator Card (individually) before departure to Portugal.
These measures will be reviewed every two weeks and currently expire midnight on July 25th 2021 unless renewed.
Travelers are not able to board an outbound flight from Portugal without a negative COVID test. Under the State of Contingency, the Portuguese Government can impose obligatory quarantine for individuals infected with COVID-19 and individuals deemed by health officials to require special medical observation.
Azores Specific:
- Passengers aged 12 and older arriving to the Azores, even on domestic flights from outside the Azores, must either show their EU digital Covid certificate (other proof of vaccination, such as a white CDC card, is not acceptable at this time), provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to departure or proof of recovery from the disease or must test upon arrival and remain in isolation until the results are known. To speed the process on arrival, the Regional Government of the Azores suggests travelers complete a health questionnaire at least 72 hours before disembarking.
- Passengers aged 12 or older who travel from the island of Sao Miguel to any of the other eight islands of the Azores, must either provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to departure or proof of recovery from the disease or must test upon arrival and remain in isolation until the results are known. The costs of inter-island tests are paid by the Regional Government when visiting an approved lab with proof of travel (confirmed booking).
For more information on testing and other requirements, visit: https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt/
Measures taken by the government
As of May 1st 2021, Portugal is in a country-wide State of Calamity (until August 31st 2021). Please note specific restrictions based on conditions in each municipality may also apply.
For more information on the specific levels of risk and restrictions for each municipality visit:
https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/new-state-of-emergency-measures/
The Government of Portugal announced a phased deconfinement plan for the gradual lifting of restrictions based on the overall vaccination rate in Portugal. The plan, implemented in three phases. Phase 1 will begin August 1st 2021 provided more than 50% of the population in Portugal is fully vaccinated). During phase 1, all COVID mitigation measures will be implemented throughout Portugal (not just continental Portugal), all previous curfews are eliminated and there will be an end of limits on opening hours and homogenization of closing times.
Current COVID-19 Safety Measures for Portugal:
- Masks are mandatory for all indoors occasions. Masks are also required outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
- Social distancing measures enforced.
- Telework still recommended, when possible.
Mandatory submission of an EU Digital Vaccination Certificate or a negative COVID test result (PCR 72 hours; antigen 48 hours; rapid test before health official 24 hours; or a rapid test) on arrival in front of an employee is now required upon check-in at accommodations.
The Government of Portugal announced a phased deconfinement plan for the gradual lifting of restrictions based on the overall vaccination rate in Portugal. The plan is implemented in three phases. Phase 2 began August 23rd 2021 (Provided Portugal achieves a >70% vaccination rate): Restaurants, bars, cafés, and cultural events/shows continue to function under normal hours (bar a 2am limit), with seating limitations expanded to groups of 8 indoors (instead of 6) and groups of 15 outdoors (instead of 10), Cultural events/shows now at 75% capacity, Weddings, christenings, and similar celebrations now at 75% capacity, Elimination of capacity restrictions on public transport (including taxis and Ubers), Increased max capacity at commercial/retail spaces (from 5 to 8 people per 100m2).
You can consult the Travel FAQ issued by the Portugal Official Tourism at the following link:
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/421189
Testing
PCR and/or antigen tests are available for travellers in Portugal and test results are reliably available within 72 hours.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Mainland Portugal – (+ 351) 808 24 24 24 (Press 9 for English)
Azores – (+351) 808 24 60 24
Madeira – (+351) 800 24 24 20
Source:
US Embassy in Portugal https://pt.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on September 21st 2021 (checked on September 22nd 2021)
Portugal Official Tourism Website https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/421175
Published on September 17th 2020 (checked on September 22nd 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx