Portugal: COVID-19 Entry Requirements All Travelers Need To Know

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Portugal received over 20 million annual visitors before the pandemic decimated the tourism sector. Now visitors have began flocking back to the country to enjoy its famous beaches, landmarks, architecture, culture and religious sites. 

Below are all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for Portugal in 2021 all travelers need to know before booking their trip. 

Temporary Restrictions and Updated News for Portugal

(last updated November 30, 2021)

• Masks are mandatory in indoor and outdoor spaces
• There are no occupancy limitations in public transportation.
• Most things have reopened like restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, bars, etc.
• Large outdoor and indoor events are allowed with reduced occupancy.
• As of July 1, 2021, more third-party countries now have access and Portugal started using the EU's digital green certificate for EU travelers
• As of 1 December 2021, all passengers flying to Portugal need to show a negative test result, regardless of vaccination status.
• All visitors must hold a valid Digital COVID-19 Certificate. This will be needed to enter restaurants, tourists establishments, and local accommodations, and gyms.
• In addition to the Digital COVID-19 Certificate, a negative test result will be required for ALL visitors when visiting homes, healthcare facilities, large events without individual seats, sports venues, discos, and bars.

Countries Permitted To Visit Portugal:

Travelers from the following countries may enter Portugal:

• All European Union countries
• Schengen Associated Countries – Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.
• Third Part Countries – Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, United States of America, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements 

Mainland Portugal – All travelers will need to present a negative PCR test, performed no longer than 72 hours before arrival, or a 48-hour antigen test.

As of 1 December 2021, all passengers flying to Portugal need to show a negative test result, regardless of vaccination status.

Traveler WILL be required to present a negative COVID-19 test when flying into:

• Azores
• Madeira Islands

Travelers will have to present a proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 72 hours (Time from when test was performed to arriving in Portugal).

Passenger Locator Form

All travelers will need to fill out a passenger locator form before arrival.

Quarantine Entry Requirements

Many travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Portugal.

Madeira and Azores Travel

The regions of Madeira and Azores have their own travel regulations. All passengers visiting Madeira and Azores will be required to provide a 72-hour PCR test, even if they are coming from mainland Portugal.

Passengers traveling to Azores must submit a Questionnaire for Risk Assessment and Early Detection before departure and complete a health declaration form upon arrival. Meanwhile, passengers traveling to Madeira must answer an epidemiological test before departure.

Azores and Madeira do have some exceptions for recovered and vaccinated passengers.

Madeira Travel Rules

Azores Travel Rules

Travel Insurance Requirements for Portugal

While not required for entry, every traveler should have travel health insurance for the duration of their trip, especially one that covers some aspects of covid.

Land Borders

As of May 1, 2021, the land border with Spain has reopened

Vaccine Requirements For Portugal

Madeira is making some exceptions for vaccinated travelers.

As of July 1, 2021, mainland Portugal is allowing the EU's green digital certificate for EU passengers.

Visa Information For Portugal

Use this government page to find out if you need a visa before traveling to Portugal.

Travelers that require a visa must apply at a Portugal embassy/consulate in their home country.  

Portugal Covid-19 Entry Requirements:

1. Check if you need a visa for entry to Portugal.
2. Check if your country is permitted to visit Portugal during COVID-19
3. Get proof of a negative 72-hour PCR test or 24-hour antigen test
4. Follow all health protocols while in Portugal

Read More: 

Countries open for vaccinated travelers

Countries Reopening the Complete List

Travel Insurance That Covers COVID-19

For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions, Join Our: Facebook Community

Sources: VisitPortugal / DiscoverMaderia

Disclaimer: Current Portugal travel rules can change without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

Article originally published August 31, 2020 with updates