Portugal: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of July 26 /update 50

Event

Portuguese authorities are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of July 26. 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.

Domestic Restrictions
Facemasks remain mandatory in indoor public spaces nationwide. Most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to strict hygiene and social distancing measures, though catering establishments must close at 01:00. Those visiting hotels must present either an EU Digital COVID Certificate or evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result. Telecommuting is recommended where possible. For details of local restrictions by municipality, click here.

In municipalities designated as very high and high-risk, individuals must present a digital COVID-19 certificate or negative test to dine indoors at restaurants from 19:00 on Friday and all day each Saturday, Sunday, and on public holidays. In high-risk municipalities, restaurants and cafes may operate until 23:30 daily, with a group size capped at six people indoors and 10 people outdoors. In very high-risk municipalities, there is a 23:00-06:00 curfew. Restaurants and cafes must close at 22:30, with a maximum of four people to a table indoors and six people to a table outdoors. Retail and other service providers must close by 21:00 on weekdays and 15:30 on weekends.

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