Portugal: Authorities extend COVID-19-related border restrictions until March 1 /update 31

Portugal extends border closure with Spain until at least March 1 as part of COVID-19 measures; domestic restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities have extended the closure of the border with Spain to nonessential travelers until at least March 1 as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Officials have also announced that they will likely extend the ongoing state of emergency (SOE) until at least mid-March; the SOE is currently scheduled to expire Feb. 14.

As of Feb. 10, the government has prohibited nonessential foreign travel to and from Portugal; exemptions apply for freight transport, residents returning from Schengen countries, and travel for professional or study purposes. In addition, a ban on flights connecting with Brazil, South Africa, and the UK has been extended until March 2 in response to the identification of new COVID-19 variants in these countries; during this time, only humanitarian and repatriation flights will be permitted. All permitted travelers from these locations must be in possession of a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure and must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.

Authorities permit entry for travelers from the EU and Schengen Area countries, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand; these individuals do not require a COVID-19 test unless their final destination is the Azores or Madeira. Travel from other countries remains prohibited, except for limited essential reasons, including EU citizens and residents returning home, reuniting with family, and commuting for essential work or study. All such arrivals are required to submit a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding; however, Portuguese nationals and residents may arrange to take the test on arrival at their own expense.

Domestic Restrictions
Under the SOE, residents of mainland Portugal must stay at home, except for essential reasons, such as acquiring basic goods or going to work if telecommuting is not possible, among other things. Nonessential businesses remain closed. Dining establishments are open for delivery and carryout services. All events, except religious ceremonies, are prohibited.

Authorities classify each mainland municipality as being at one of four COVID-19 risk levels - extremely high, very high, high, or moderate - based on local disease activity. More than 150 municipalities are listed as extremely high or very high risk, including Lisbon and Porto. In addition to the nationwide measures, these municipalities are also subject to a 2300-0500 curfew on weekdays and a 1300-0500 curfew on weekends and public holidays.

In addition, a daily curfew will be in effect in the Azores over the Feb. 12-17 carnival period; the measure will apply from 2000-0500, during which time nonessential businesses must close and all gatherings between members of different households will be prohibited.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over 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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.