Portugal: Authorities extend COVID-19-related border controls with Spain until May 3 /update 40

Portugal extends COVID-19-related land border controls until May 3; international entry restrictions and domestic measures remain in effect.

Event

Authorities have announced that the border with Spain will remain closed for nonessential crossings until at least May 3 as part of efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Other related restrictions will also remain in place. Entry is only permitted for travelers from EU-associated states, as well as Australia, China, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Travelers from EU/EEA countries with an incidence rate of over 150 cases per 100,000 people may only make essential trips to Portugal.

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 72 hours before 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.

Portugal lifted a ban on flights to and from the UK and Brazil April 16.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities previously extended the nationwide state of emergency until April 30. Residents of mainland Portugal must stay at home except to perform essential tasks, such as acquiring basic goods or going to work. Some nonessential businesses remain closed, and catering establishments are open for outdoor services only. All public events, except religious ceremonies, are prohibited. Stricter restrictions are likely to remain in force in areas of higher COVID-19 activity.

Some restrictions have been eased, with daycare centers, preschools, and primary schools, as well as bookstores and libraries and some close-contact services, permitted to open. Authorities plan to further relax restrictions from April 19, with indoor restaurants, shopping malls, and cinemas reopening in accordance with strict hygiene and social-distancing protocols.

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.