Portugal: Authorities to lift COVID-19-related border controls with Spain, ease some domestic restrictions from May 1 /update 41

Portugal to lift COVID-19-related land border controls, ease certain domestic measures May 1.

Event

Authorities in Portugal plan to lift the nation's existing COVID-19-related border controls with Spain and ease certain domestic restrictions. Effective May 1, the land border with Spain will reopen for regular traffic. In addition, permissible hours of operation for restaurants and other catering establishments will be extended until 22:30 daily; gyms will be allowed to reopen. Furthermore, the attendance limit at private celebrations such as weddings and baptisms will be increased from 25 to 50 percent of the venue's capacity.

Workers must continue to telecommute wherever possible. Facemasks are still mandatory in indoor public spaces. Tighter restrictions remain in place in the municipalities of Odemira, Portimao, Aljezur, Resende, Carregal do Sal, Paredes, Miranda do Douro, and Valongo.

International Entry Restrictions
Other than the Spanish border reopening, Portugual's international travel restrictions remain largely unchanged. 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.

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.