Kashlee Kucheran- 11Shares
Last Updated
As of June 2020, Portugal has reopened its doors for tourism from select countries. Unlike some other countries now accepting tourists, mainland Portugal is not requiring a confinement/isolation period for the new arrivals.
Portugal’s Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva recently made a statement saying:
“Tourists are welcome in Portugal,” and explained that some health checks will be introduced at airports but there will be no compulsory quarantine for those flying in.
Update July 3 – Reports are coming out that Portugal has now reopened to a few of the third-party countries recently suggested by the EU.
Passengers arriving from Algeria, Canada, China (People's Rep.), Korea (Rep.), Morocco and Tunisia will be permitted entry. More details below.
Countries that can currently fly into to Portugal as of July 1:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Update July 3 – Reports are coming out that Portugal has now reopened to a few of the third-party countries recently suggested by the EU.
Passengers arriving from Algeria, Canada, China (People's Rep.), Korea (Rep.), Morocco and Tunisia will be permitted entry.
Third-Party Countries Outside the EU That Can Travel to Portugal as of July 1:
1 – Algeria;
2 – Canada;
3 – South Korea
4 – Morocco;
5 – Tunisia;
6 – China
*** Important Note: Portugal has been one of the most confusing countries for entry requirements. Travel Off Path has received a massive amount of conflicting information about how these third-party countries are being permitted.
Some sources dated in July still say that reciprocity is still required (see photo below), while other calls into consulates say “Yes, the approved 6, including Canada, are permitted entry at this time.”
Due to the sheer lack of concrete information coming out of Portugal and the constant retractions and changes made by the Portuguese government recently on who is allowed entry, we do not recommend travel by third-party countries at this time.
There are many other EU nations that have been clear and forthcoming on their entry requirements and rules. Portugal unfortunately is not one of them.
We will continue to monitor the situation and update when possible.
Retraction Notice – June 16th 2020
The original version of this article published June 1st provided information that has now been found to be incorrect. It stated that the USA, UK, Canada and Brazil would be allowed to enter as of June 15th with no restrictions, the same as the current allowed EU/Schengen nations.
After many attempts we finally received a direct statement from the government of Portugal stating:
- That flights to the USA, UK, Canada and Brazil have resumed as of June 15th, but that they would only allow USA, UK, Canadian and Brazilian citizens into Portugal with no restrictions if those countries would give Portugal full reciprocity and allow Portuguese citizens into their countries restriction free.
- The reciprocity policy will remain in place until the U.S. lifts restrictions on visitors from Europe or EU Schengen lifts restrictions on visitors from the US, which they hope to happen by July 1st.
Tourism makes up around 10% of Portugal’s GDP and the government is very eager to be able to start receiving tourists again, while of course enforcing enhanced health and safety protocols. “Portugal's health system responds well, and this is very important for us to be able to welcome people.” Silva said.
#Portugal one of first destinations to receive @WTTC's Global Safety Stamp https://t.co/ssyrfjniVl
— Visit Portugal (@visitportugal) May 28, 2020
"This stamp, together with our “Clean & Safe” program, is one step further in reassuring that we care, our destination is focused on recovery, and trust"#CantSkipHope #SafeTravels pic.twitter.com/tgue7DPEV2
Some tourists considering taking a summer trip to Portugal are wondering if it’s business as usual. While social distancing, reduced capacity and extra sanitary precautions are still in full effect, MANY businesses and attractions are open. Tourists can go to the beach, eat at restaurants, visit a museum and more.
Credit: VisitPortugal
Here's a full list of what's currently open in Portugal:
- Cinemas and Theatres
- Shopping Malls
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Patios and Terraces
- Fishing
- Outdoor Sports and Golfing
- Zoos and Aquariums
- Water Sports and Nautical Activities
- Book Shops and Libraries
- Churches
- Street-side Stores and Shops
- Public Transportation, Rideshare and Taxis
- Museums, Art Galleries and other Cultural Attractions
- Opening Soon: June 6th – Beaches
Exception of the Azores & Madeira Islands
The above announcements are for continental Portugal only, and flying into the Azores and Madeira islands instead of mainland Portugal come with their own rules and exceptions.
Azores Archipelago & Madeira Archipelago
Visitors will bring a negative covid test taken within 72 hours of arrival, or be subject to mandatory testing upon arrival (free of charge). Arrivals also agree to wear a mask on their flight, within the airport, and on any private transportation once they land.
#Madeira Islands to reopen to tourists and offer free Covid tests https://t.co/oLtmRMPtX7 via @TravelDailyHQ
— Visit Portugal (@visitportugal) May 28, 2020
Starting 1 July, all visitors will have to either present a negative test done within 72 hours or be tested upon arrival, without any costs.#CantSkipHope #Portugal pic.twitter.com/Hj3e4GY65m
Flights and Airlines flying into Portugal
TAP, Portugal’s biggest airline, announced they are resuming service to North American starting on June 4th and slowing resuming additional scheduled flights as the summer continues.
Delta, Air Canada and Air Transat are looking to start up their flights again starting July 1st from multiple cities in Canada and the USA, like Miami, Toronto, Montreal, and New York City.
Credit: VisitPortugal
Disclaimer: Portugal’s reopening news is ever-changing 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 before traveling.
Read More: See a complete list of countries now reopen for international tourism
- 11Shares
11