All about the COVID-19 digital certificate Portugal
All about the COVID-19 digital certificate Portugal

Do I need a COVID digital certificate in Portugal? How to get a COVID digital certificate in Portugal? What must be done? Does it cost anything? What is it good for? The need and importance of having a COVID-19 digital certificate, sometimes known as a vaccination passport in Portugal, is a hot topic in Portugal and across the EU. With the help of Deco Alert, we're going to tackle some of the most frequent questions about the digital COVID certificate in Portugal which is now available on the SNS24 portal and app.

What is a digital certificate?

The COVID-19 digital certificate is a document that facilitates the free movement of citizens within the European Union (EU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not currently a prerequisite for movement, nor a true free pass and can also be downloaded and printed on paper.

There are three types of certificate (vaccination, test and recovery) and when travelling, certificate holders will in principle be exempt from restrictions on free movement, as Member States should not impose additional travel restrictions on certificate holders unless they are proportionate and necessary to protect public health.

Since 1st July 2021, travel to Portugal for any reason by travellers holding a COVID EU digital certificate is allowed.

Who can obtain the digital certificate?

  • Vaccination certificate: this is for anyone who is fully vaccinated and has been for at least 14 days;
  • Test certificate: this applies to those who are not fully vaccinated and have taken a PCR test and got a negative result in the last 72 hours, or 48 hours if its a rapid antigen test;
  • Certificate of recovery: this certificate is for those who have recovered from the virus following a positive test result more than 11 days and less than 180 days ago.

In Portugal, you can obtain the COVID certificate through the SNS24 portal or mobile application, and it can be sent to the holder at the email address registered in the National User Registry or in the Electronic Health Record.

Do I have to have the digital certificate to travel?

No. The certificate is optional and only facilitates circulation. Citizens who do not have the certificate may still travel, however, they may be subject to additional measures, such as testing procedures or quarantine upon arrival in their destination.

Does the COVID digital certificate cost anything?

No, the certificate is free.