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.
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/
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.
A digital vaccine certificate or a negative COVID 19 test is required for air and sea travel, cultural, sporting, and business events, residential for elderly, hospitals, bars and discos.
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 3 began on October 1st 2021:
- Restaurants, bars, disco, cafés, and cultural events/shows continue to function under normal hours at full capacity. Weddings, christenings, and similar celebrations now at full capacity
- Max capacity at commercial/retail spaces increased (venue dependent)
- Masks continue to be mandatory indoors while using public transportation, elder care facilities, hospitals, theaters, large event spaces such as stadiums and arenas, public spaces such as shopping centers, and supermarkets. Outdoors, protective masks are recommended when social distancing is not possible, such as large events, and for vulnerable citizens.
- Social Distancing measures are recommended (to include mandatory use of protective masks in closed public spaces).
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 October 1st 2021 (checked on October 20th 2021)
Portugal Official Tourism Website https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/421175
Published on October 1st 2020 (checked on October 20th 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx