Portugal: Authorities to extend COVID-19-related international entry restrictions, including ban on flights with UK and Brazil, until March 31 /update 36

Portugal to extend COVID-19-related international entry restrictions until March 31. Domestic restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Portugal have issued orders extending the nation's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions through at least March 31. The government permits entry for travelers from the EU, Schengen Area, Australia, China, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Travel from other countries remains prohibited except in limited essential cases, including EU citizens and residents returning home, reuniting with family, and commuting for essential work or study. All permitted arrivals must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the 72 hours prior to boarding. Travelers arriving from countries with COVID-19 incidence rates of over 500 per 100,000 inhabitants must also self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

Additionally, all flights to and from UK and Brazil will remain suspended through at least March 31. Only humanitarian and repatriation flights from these countries will be permitted. All permitted travelers from these locations must be in possession of a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure and must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Moreover, the border with Spain remains closed for nonessential crossings until at least April 5.

Domestic Restrictions
Portugal's existing state of emergency is slated to remain in effect through at least March 31, although certain domestic restrictions have been eased. Daycare centers, preschools, and primary schools, as well as bookstores and libraries, have been allowed to reopen. Also, certain close-contact service establishments, such as hair and cosmetics salons, have resumed operations. Starting April 5, authorities plan to allow shops having floor space of up to 200 square meters (2,150 square feet), gyms, and outdoor dining at catering establishments to reopen.

Under the updated state of emergency, residents of mainland Portugal must stay at home except to perform essential tasks, such as acquiring basic goods or going to work, among other things. Travel between municipalities will be banned the weekend of March 20-21, as well as over the March 26-April 5 Easter holiday season. Many nonessential businesses remain closed. Dining establishments are open for delivery and carryout services. All events, except religious ceremonies, are 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.