Portugal: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Aug. 1 /update 51

Event

Portuguese authorities will ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Aug. 1 as the vaccine rollout in the country progresses. From this date, restrictions will be the same nationwide. Any curfews will be lifted, bars and catering and cultural establishments can remain open until 02:00, and teleworking will become recommended rather than mandatory. Most businesses and services were previously permitted to open subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements, though evidence of vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19 or a recent negative COVID-19 test is required to access some facilities, including inside restaurants on weekends and for mass events. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
Portuguese authorities are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of July 30. Travelers from EEA-associated states and Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, the UK, and the US can enter the country. Officials require travelers from the UK to provide evidence that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or quarantine for 14 days on arrival. 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 purposes. Authorities may announce they will reopen to travelers from elsewhere in the coming days, providing they can confirm they have been fully vaccinated by a European Medicines Agency-approved vaccine.

All permitted arrivals must present either an EU Digital COVID Certificate, a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding, or an antigen test taken within 48 hours before boarding. All arrivals must also fill out a passenger locator form prior to departure, available here. Travelers who have visited Brazil, India, Nepal, and South Africa 14 days before arrival in Portugal must also self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.

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.

Resources

Ministry of Health COVID-19 Hub (Portuguese)
Schengen Area countries