The Covid-19 digital certificate is again compulsory in different cases, but there are situations where being vaccinated is not enough and a negative test will be required.
These are the new rules in Portugal
These are the new rules in Portugal Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

The Government has announced a new package of measures to respond to the worsening of the Covid-19 pandemic in Portugal. From 1 December, a State of Emergency will be declared for the whole continental national territory, and from this date the restrictions will take effect. The Covid-19 digital certificate will again be compulsory in different cases, but there are even situations where being vaccinated will not be enough and a negative test must be presented, in addition to the certificate. Here is a guide with the new rules.

Digital certificate mandatory: where?

The presentation of the digital certificate, which can be for vaccination, testing or recovery, had been dispensed with under the last deconfinement measures, but the obligation returns now due to the worsening of the epidemiological situation.

The presentation of the digital certificate will be compulsory for access to

  • Restaurants;
  • Tourist establishments and local accommodation;
  • Events with marked seats;
  • Gymnasiums.

Compulsory Covid-19 testing: where?

Requirement for mandatory negative testing (even for those vaccinated), PCR or antigen, for access to:

  • Visits to nursing homes;
  • Visits to patients admitted to healthcare facilities;
  • Large events, whatever their nature, without assigned seats (or in improvised venues) and sports venues (such as football stadiums);
  • Nightclubs and bars.

Air travel: what changes?

The presentation of a diagnostic test with a negative result will also become mandatory for all passengers flying to Portugal from 1 December, "whatever the point of origin and whatever the nationality of the passenger".

"It is the obligation of all airlines that they only allow people to board who are properly tested," said Prime Minister António Costa. "They cannot transport to Portugal anyone who is not properly tested," he stressed.

In addition to this obligation, airlines that transport passengers without a negative Covid-19 test will incur fines of 20,000 euros per person and the Government will also "increase the accessory sanctions that may culminate in the suspension of the flight licences of these companies to national territory". 

The Prime Minister also referred to the strengthening of control at airports, resorting to hiring private security companies so that there will be systematic verification of all passenger entries into national territory

"In each airport there will be a reserved area for the retention of those who have been illegally transported to Portugal without being tested, and the aviation companies will be responsible for all accommodation and food expenses imposed on those who, testing positive, have to remain in prophylactic isolation until they can be returned to their place of origin," said António Costa.