Portugal: Authorities extend domestic COVID-19 restrictions until May 30; travel from the UK permitted from May 17 /update 43

Portugal extends domestic COVIDID-19 restrictions until May 30; travel from the UK permitted from May 17

Event

Authorities have extended the nation's state of calamity and domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 until at least May 30. Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Catering establishments are permitted to remain open until 22:30, with up to six people to a table indoors and 10 people to a table outdoors. Shops can remain open until 21:00. Workers must continue to telecommute wherever possible. Facemasks remain mandatory in indoor public spaces. Tighter restrictions remain in place in the municipalities of Odemira, Resende, Arganil, and Lamego.

International Entry Restrictions
Generally, entry is only permitted for travelers from EU-associated states, in addition to Australia, China, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Travel will also be permitted from the UK as of May 17. 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 14, this measure applies to travelers from Brazil, Cyprus, Croatia, France, India, Lithuania, South Africa, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The land border with Spain is open.

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.