As holidaymakers and tourists from across the world prepare to flock to Portugal to enjoy the summer holidays, there are still some COVID restrictions and rules that should be kept in mind, including COVID entry requirements to Portugal. Whether you're travelling to Portugal from the UK, Ireland, the USA or beyond, we have all the details of the latest Portugal travel restrictions so that you can have peace of mind before jetting off this summer 2022.
Portugal COVID entry requirements
Anyone can currently travel to Portugal, including mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira, regardless of their origin. There are no longer any red-list countries, however, there are some entry requirements that must be adhered to when it comes to presenting documents to gain entry to Portugal this summer. Here's all you need to know:
Travelling to Portugal from the UK and non-EU countries
When travelling to Portugal from the UK and non-EU countries, it is compulsory to present the following (note that these rules apply only to mainland Portugal and the Azores):
- Proof of full vaccination: this can include the EU Digital COVID Certificate, the UK COVID Pass or the equivalent COVID vaccination certificate issues under reciprocal conditions
- A negative test result: if you haven't been fully vaccinated, you need to present a negative result for either a PCR taken within 72 hours before departure, or an antigen test taken within 24 hours before your flight
- Proof of recovery if you have had COVID-19 in the last 6 months.
Note that these rules do not apply to children under 12, and there are also no restrictions on entry to the island Madeira meaning that no COVID related documents need to be presented upon arrival.
Travelling to Portugal from the EU
There are no differences in the entry requirements to Portugal depending on your country of origin. Therefore, someone travelling to Portugal from the USA will have to present the same documents as a traveller from Spain, for example. In the case of those travelling to Portugal from the EU, the EU Digital COVID Certificate should be the document shown to prove vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery.
Portugal Passenger Locator Form
Passengers travelling to Portugal by plane no longer need to complete a passenger locator form before departure and the law with this requirement has been removed.
Driving to Portugal COVID entry requirements
If you are planning to drive to Portugal, therefore entering Portugal from Spain by car, there are no restrictions and no COVID-19 documents need to be presented.
Portugal COVID restrictions
While the majority of Portugal's COVID restrictions have been relaxed or removed, the most obvious one still in place is the wearing of face masks. Wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory indoors or outdoors, but there are a few exceptions:
- masks in Portugal must be worn on public transport, including taxis
- masks must also be worn in all health facilities (hospitals, health centres, care homes etc).
Apart from this rule, the Portuguese Government encourages travellers to follow general health and safety measures, including washing your hands often, using hydroalcoholic gel, keeping a safe distance and wearing a mask if you're not able to maintain social distancing.
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