Portugal: Authorities to tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Dec. 24 /update 60

Event

Authorities will tighten COVID-19 related restrictions over the Christmas and New Year holiday period amid rising cases linked to the Omicron virus variant. Customers must show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test result to attend organized New Year celebrations or enter restaurants and casinos Dec. 25-26, 31, and Jan. 1. Outdoor public gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 10 people. In addition, the following measures will apply between Dec. 26 and Jan. 10:

• Bars and nightclubs must remain closed.

• People will need to show evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test result to enter hotels or attend corporate, entertainment, or cultural events.

Domestic Measures
A state of calamity is in effect, and the following domestic measures apply:

• Facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces.

• COVID certificates proving the holder is vaccinated against, recovered from, or recently tested negative for COVID-19 are required for access to restaurants, gyms, tourist establishments and accommodations, and for events.

• A recent negative COVID-19 test is required for access to healthcare facilities, nightclubs, bars, sports events, and large events without fixed seating.

• Teleworking is recommended for all where possible.

Restrictions will be tightened further Jan. 2-9; during this period, teleworking becomes mandatory, and schools will remain closed.

International Travel Restrictions
As of Dec. 23, all individuals arriving by air, regardless of vaccination or recovery status, must present to the carrier proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken 48 hours before boarding. This can be in the form of an EU Digital COVID Certificate or other accepted certificates; the measure will remain in place until at least Jan. 9. Carriers will likely deny boarding to travelers not meeting this requirement. Individuals who are in possession of a valid certificate of recovery demonstrated via the EU Digital COVID Certificate; or who have a valid certificate of recovery from Albania, Andorra, Armenia, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, or the UK are exempt from the testing measure.

Travelers from EEA-associated states, Brazil, Canada, the UK, and the US, in addition to Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, UAE, and Uruguay can enter the country for nonessential purposes, including tourism. 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. Any permitted arrivals who have visited Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe within the previous 14 days must quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

All arrivals must also fill out a passenger locator form before departure, available by clicking here.

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