Portugal: Authorities extend COVID-19-related international entry restrictions until May 16 /update 42

Portugal to extend COVID-19 international entry restrictions until May 16. Domestic restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Portugal have extended the nation's COVID-19-related international restrictions until at least May 16. Generally, 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 inhabitants may only make essential trips to Portugal. These countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.

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 cases per 100,000 inhabitants must also self-isolate for 14 days on arrival; as of May 3, this measure applies to travelers from Brazil, Cyprus, Croatia, France, India, Lithuania, South Africa, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The land border with Spain reopened on May 1.

Domestic restrictions
Certain COVID-19-related domestic restrictions remain in place. Workers must continue to telecommute wherever possible. Facemasks are still mandatory in indoor public spaces. Restaurants and other catering establishments are allowed to operate daily until 22:30. Tighter restrictions remain in place in the municipalities of Odemira, Portimao, Aljezur, Resende, Carregal do Sal, Paredes, Miranda do Douro, and Valongo.

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.