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Portugal has taken a step towards facilitating wider travel to the country by easing its quarantine restrictions for travelers from certain countries. On top of this, Portugal has also so far resisted following the EU's lead regarding implementing restrictions on American travelers, with the country as of yet not having altered its travel restrictions to make it harder for Americans to visit.
Known for its lively, colorful towns and gorgeous natural settings, typical years usually see travelers flock to the country in their millions to take in the sights and sample a slice of living in the Iberian peninsula. Whilst travel numbers this year have seen some recovery compared to last year, the easing of quarantine restrictions should go some way towards restoring normality to the country's travel and tourism industry. Here's everything you need to know about their new changes, plus a closer look at what other restrictions are currently in place in the country.
Portugal Eases Restrictions – Information For Travelers
Under Portugal's previous entry restrictions, whilst vaccinated travelers could enter without having to quarantine providing they had proof of being vaccinated more than 14 days ago, unvaccinated travelers had to endure quarantine for a period of 14 days. This made traveling to Portugal an unrealistic endeavor for unvaccinated travelers, with many undoubtedly seeking alternative destinations for their vacations as a result. However, the recent updates have made it much easier for some unvaccinated travelers to visit.
Under the new easing of quarantine restrictions, unvaccinated travelers arriving in Portugal from the EU, UK, US and select other countries of origin will no longer have to quarantine. Other nations include Brazil, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Singapore and Canada are also included.
Unvaccinated travelers from these countries will instead need to provide an RT-PCR test or similar Nucleic Acid Amplification Test taken within 72 hours of boarding or a Rapid Antigen Test taken within 48 hours.
Brazil, a nation that has been banned from visiting Portugal for almost 18 months, will now be able to enter with the above testing rules.
The updated quarantine restrictions came into effect yesterday, and are set to last until at least September 16th. It is important to note that the removal of quarantine for travelers heading to Portugal applies to those entering the country via air and sea only, with other methods of entry such as by road or rail carrying separate restrictions. For those wishing to visit either the Azores or Madeira, they must take a test upon arrival before heading into prophylactic isolation whilst waiting for the test result, which takes between 12 and 24 hours. Once the test comes back negative, they will be able to explore the islands freely.
The easing of quarantine restrictions has come about as a result of Portugal's high vaccination rate. Around 84% of the country has received one dose of the vaccine, with 73% of the population fully vaccinated against Covid-19 – figures that are the envy of many countries around the world.
However, despite their high vaccination levels, the country has been handed a “Do Not Travel” notice courtesy of the US government's travel advisory notices. The country also has a Level 4 Travel Health Notice from the CDC. As of yesterday, the country recorded a 7-day rolling average of just below 2,000 new cases Covid-19 a day.
In Portugal, everyday restrictions have been eased considerably over the past few months. Bars, restaurants, and cafes can open until 2 am, whilst shops and shopping centers are open without restrictions in place. Negative test results however must be shown to check into hotels, to attend cultural and sporting events with large crowds, and also to visit restaurants after 7 PM on the weekend.
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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.
Vlad
Thursday 2nd of September 2021
Way to go Portugal!!! Can't wait to visit this country in September!