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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.
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:
- Check if you need a visa for entry to Portugal.
- Check if your country is permitted to visit Portugal during COVID-19
- Get proof of a negative 72-hour PCR test or 24-hour antigen test
- 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
Marina
Saturday 15th of January 2022
Hi can you tell me if wanting to travel to Portugal , if unvaccinated do we only need a Covid test for entry ? And if vaccinated do we need a test as well ?
Stefanie
Thursday 8th of July 2021
I understand that a US citizen can travel to Morocco via a layover in Lisbon; however, will we be able to go back on the same route? It doesn't look like Portugal will allow us to come from Morocco, even for a connecting flight, but I'm wondering if you have any ideas about this.
sergen
Wednesday 7th of July 2021
Is the list of countries allowed to enter Madeira the same as Mainland Portugal?
sergen
Wednesday 14th of July 2021
@Kashlee Kucheran, I have just called Airport Tourist Information Office in Madeira +351 291 524 933. The entry requirements are not the same as mainland Portugal. This is unexpected but any Nationality from any country can arrive Madeira (vaccinated or unvaccinated). You have 2 options. Either have a PCR Test 72 hours before, If you do not have a PCR test a free one will be done at Madeira International Airport and you will need to isolate 12-24 hours in the hotel room until you get the negative result. I will be going next week from London and my partner will depart with a direct flight from Kiev to Madeira. I will keep you updated with our experience once we both land.
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 8th of July 2021
yes, I believe so
VV
Monday 21st of June 2021
Do you know if US citizens traveling to Portugal on a flight that originates in the US but has a layover in Canada, will be allowed to enter? Or does the layover in Canada then make you a restricted passenger?
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 22nd of June 2021
I am really not 100% on this one, but the US has direct flights, so perhaps change it to one of those for simplicity and confidence
Malia
Saturday 19th of June 2021
Hey ! Do you know if entry restrictions apply to flight connections? I have a flight in july from Canada to Croatia with connections in Lisbon, and Portugal has yet to open for canadians
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 19th of June 2021
Most connections through Europe are working well, but you'll need to stay airside, not go through customs, and be on the same ticketed airline. You should contact the airline before you leave just to be sure