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

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Last Updated 2 weeks 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 July 2021)

• Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces, and outdoor where 2 meters cannot be maintained.
• Portugal is in the 4th lockdown phase from May 1. Most things have reopened like restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, etc.
• On May 17, 2021, Portugal reopened for leisure and non-essential travel from the EU, UK, and a small list of third-party countries
• 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

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 – Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, South Korea, United States of America, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, New Zealand, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Republic of Northern Macedonia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

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 July 1, 2021, EU travelers using the Digital Green Certificate can circumvent testing requirements if fully vaccinated.

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.

However, passengers from high-risk countries (with an incidence rate of 500 cases or more per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days) must complete a 14-day isolation period after entry to mainland 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.

Madeira is making 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

Currently, mainland Portugal is not requiring any passenger to be fully vaccinated for entry.

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