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⚠️ Update: June 24, 2021
Entry conditions: Allowed travelers and COVID-19 test requirements
Entry for non-essential travel is currently permitted for travelers who arrive from EU and Schengen Associated countries, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, China, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, and the United States of America.
Permitted travelers must present a negative RT-PCR test (or similar NAAT test) result obtained 72 hours before boarding, or a negative Rapid Antigen test result obtained 48 hours before boarding. Click here for more information.
Domestic restrictions
General safety guidelines across the country include practicing social distancing and mandatory use of face masks in public.
Restaurants, cafes, and cultural facilities must close by 1 am. Certain venues are subject to capacity restrictions.
Check Turismo de Portugal for updates.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed travel forever. Many countries have closed their international borders to tourists and many countries have strict restrictions in place. Countries have been put on lockdown and rules such as the mandatory wearing of masks are in place. However, travel is slowly beginning to regain traction, and countries have begun to reopen their borders. Portugal has since opened its borders to selected travelers for tourism. We ask the hard question — “Is it safe to travel Portugal?” so you can make the right choices and feel comfortable on your trip.
Traveling to Portugal
Travel to and from Portugal is allowed for certain travelers. Those allowed to enter the country must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before boarding your flight for Portugal.
Portugal is the first country in Europe to be awarded the “Safe Travels” badge that recognizes their commitment to safety for all travelers. Read more about the WTTC and the new Safe Travels protocols here.
Turismo de Portugal, Portugal’s tourism authority, has also created a “Clean & Safe” stamp. Turismo de Portugal ensures that tourism enterprises, tourist entertainment companies, travel agencies, and tour operators are compliant with cleaning and hygiene requirements. This avoids all risks of COVID-19 contagion, making Portugal a safe and fun tourist destination for all.
Domestic travel
Certain domestic travel restrictions are in place:
- Face masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces.
- Cafes and restaurants must close by 10:30 pm each night.
- Certain municipalities such as Odemira, Portimao, Aljezur, Resende, Carregal do Sal, Paredes, Miranda do Douro, and Valongo may be subjected to tighter restrictions.
Specific regions
Turismo de Portugal encourages all travelers to apply for the Portugal Health Passport upon their arrival to Portugal. The Portugal Health Passport provides a holistic package of English-speaking healthcare services for tourists. These include the availability of health screenings including the COVID-19 test and high-quality urgent medical care at selected hospitals.
Madeira archipelago
Travelers flying to the Madeira archipelago have to present a negative COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours before embarkation. They also have the option to take the test upon arrival.
Protective masks must be worn in all public spaces.
Azores archipelago
Travelers flying to the Azores archipelago must submit proof of testing COVID-19 up to 72 hours prior to the flight’s departure. They will be allowed entry if the test comes back negative. Travelers also have the option to perform the test on arrival and stay in prophylactic isolation until the result is obtained. If the isolation exceeds seven days, the passenger must contact the health services of the county on the fifth day so that a second test can be taken.
Travel out of Portugal
Portuguese citizens are generally prohibited from traveling outside of Portugal with several exceptions.
Lockdown restrictions
Events
Local trade and culture events closed. Fairs and markets are allowed to be open only to sell food.
All religious ceremonies are suspended.
Businesses and establishments
Grocery stores and supermarkets can be open with limited capacity to 5 people per 100 square meters. They must close at 8 pm during weekdays, and may remain open on weekends until 5 pm.
Restaurants, bars and cafes are only open to take-away and home delivery. Restaurants in shopping centers are closed. Consumption of food and drinks in close proximity to restaurants and cafes is prohibited.
Sports
All sports facilities are closed. Individual outdoor exercise is allowed. Congregating in public spaces such as gardens, beaches, and parks is not allowed.
Is Portugal on your travel bucket list? Check out our two-minute guide “Why travel to Portugal?” to discover the country’s best highlights!
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