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Portugal is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, and they've just taken another step towards facilitating wider travel to the country by recognizing third-country vaccination certificates.
This post will look at the current entry requirements for Portugal as well as the Covid-19 situation and plans to reduce restrictions further amid high vaccination rates.
Portugal Now Recognizes Third Country Vaccination Certificates
Until this week, Portugal was only accepting the EU Digital Vaccine Certificate as proof of vaccination to enter the country. This means travelers with vaccination certificates issued from third countries, such as the CDC certificate from the United States, still had to present a negative test for entry even if they were vaccinated.
However, this is no longer the case, as Portuese authorities have announced that vaccination and recovery certificates issued by third countries will now be recognized under reciprocal conditions, provided that certain requirements are met.
Certificates from permanent residents of a third country will be recognized as long as the document indicates that the holder has been immunized against the disease with one of the vaccines approved for use by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
These include AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Moderna (Spikevax), Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty), and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen).
“All citizens wishing to travel to Portugal by air, except children under the age of 12, must present the EU Covid Digital Certificate or vaccination or recovery certificate issued by third countries and whose validity is now recognized.”
Apart from the vaccination certificate, travelers arriving from a third country can also enter Portugal by presenting a recovery certificate.
If travelers do not have a vaccination certificate or proof of recovery, they must present a negative test result carried out within 72 or 48 hours before they arrive in Portugal.
Currently, travelers from EU/EEA member states and 20 other countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Singapore, are allowed to enter Portugal for non-essential reasons, provided they show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
Covid-19 In Portugal
Portugal is now the country with the world's highest vaccination rate. About 84% of the country's 10.3 million population is now fully vaccinated, well ahead of the 61.6% for the 27 member states of the European Union.
Due to rising vaccination rates, Covid-19 infection rate and hospitalizations have dropped to their lowest for almost 18 months.
More Restrictions Expected To Ease Next Week
Portugal's goal to fully inoculate 85% of its population is now within reach. When they reach that goal, the country is expected to relax more restrictions currently in place, such as capacity limits for bars and restaurants.
The Council of Ministers are meeting today to decide whether or not to bring forward the next phase of easing of restrictions originally planned for October.
This includes nightclubs reopening to those with vaccination certificates and the end of capacity restrictions on such as restaurants, shops, shows, weddings, and christenings.
Luis Marques Mendes, a lawyer and politician, said this could happen as soon as next week, after the local elections, once the target of 85 percent of the population being vaccinated is reached.
With eased entry requirements, a high vaccination rate, and few restrictions Portugal is becoming one of the most attractive places to visit in Europe right now.
Read More:
- Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
- Portugal Eases Restrictions For Unvaccinated Tourists From These Countries
- Top 7 Reasons To Visit Lisbon, Portugal
- The Best Places In Portugal For Digital Nomads
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Tony
Thursday 23rd of September 2021
Does the recognition of foreign vaccinations apply to travel to Madeira and the Azores as well?
Robert Frasher
Thursday 23rd of September 2021
Hello, I will be in Madrid for a few days before flying to Portugal. I was vaccinated with Astrazeneca in Argentina. Am I also allowed to enter with my vaccintion card flying from Madrid?
Liberty
Thursday 23rd of September 2021
You'll see soon, nothing less than 100% will suffice for these monsters...