Last Updated
*This article was last updated in Fall 2020. For the most recent 2021 information, please see —–> “Portugal’s Covid-19 Entry Requirements”
…original article from 2020 continues below…
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.
EU Nations allowed to travel to Portugal:
As of Sept 29:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Third-Party Countries Outside the EU That Can Travel to Portugal as of August 1:
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- South Korea
- Georgia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
*** 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.
Please check with your consulate before travelling to ensure your entry.
Below is an example of the reciprocity issues:
Below was a response I received from SEF immigration for Portugal on July 9, 2020.
And another response from the Canadian consulate in Portugal
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 recommend you confirm any and all travel plans directly with local authorities before you depart.
Note- July 9:
We have had MANY Canadian readers successfully depart Canada and gain entry into Portugal for the purposes of tourism in the last 72 hours, without any reciprocity, testing, or quarantines.
Testing Requirements
Test Requirement UPDATE AUGUST 1
We have heard reports saying some consulates have been advising that ALL third-party countries, even approved ones like Canada, are now being asked to bring a negative PCR test. According to the SEF website, IATA, ReopenEU, and VisitPortugal, this is false.
Who doesn’t need a test:
Approved countries in the 2 lists above that include EU/Schengen nations and the 12 third-party approved countries.
Who needs to bring a 72 hour negative PCR test:
- Any traveler from any nation going into Madeira or Azores
- ESSENTIAL passengers and NATIONALS arriving from any country not on the above 2 lists.
If an essential traveler from a non-approved country or a national returning from a non-approved country cannot get a negative PCR test, they will have to do one upon arrival.
Update for USA Travelers August 1
The US embassy in Portugal now states (in regards to AMERICAN traveler s only)
“The Government of Portugal currently prohibits non-essential (tourist) travel to Portugal by U.S. citizens. However, some airlines continue to sell tickets for travel between the United States and Portugal. Please confirm your eligibility to enter Portugal with the airline and review the airline’s policy on refunds before purchasing tickets. All travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within the last 72 hours – Your airline may refuse to board you without evidence a negative COVID-19 test conducted in the last 72 hours. “
The VisitPortugal site has also updated information that reads “ESSENTIAL travel from the USA is permitted with the proof of a negative covid test within 72 hours of departure”
Portugal requiring a negative PCR test from American travelers does not mean American travelers can enter for tourism. Only essential American travelers (humanitarian flights, spouses of EU citizens, etc) can enter Portugal with a test at this time.
The original article continues below…
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
- Originally Published: July 4, 2020
- 372 Comments
Donna
Tuesday 29th of June 2021
Hi! I am from Canada. I want to book a flight to go to Morocco but I have a 2 hour layover/stopover in Lisbon. Will this pose a problem when I land or fly out from the layover?
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 30th of June 2021
It would be best to confirm with your airline, as their gate agents will be checking what you require upon departure. However, with the info I have, it looks like a transit is possible as long as its on the same ticketed airline and you dont go through customs, but it looks as if you will need a 72 hour PCR test to do so
ALEXANDRA
Monday 14th of June 2021
I am a US citizen doing a layover in Lisbon for a few hours with my final destination being madrid. The route i will be taking on july 2nd 2021 will be NYC-LONDON-LISBON-MADRID. i will only transit in lisbon, is this possible or considered as essential travel ?
Maksim
Monday 7th of June 2021
Hi! I am a citizen of Israel. Can I enter to Portugal? I have a certificate of vaccination Pfizer Thanks
NIKKI SCHOFIELD
Monday 7th of June 2021
I am taking my honeymoon in Porto and I am really nervous because I just found it was for essential US citizen. I don’t leave till aug 14. Do we have any more info on the ability to enter Porto Portugal ?
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 7th of June 2021
US cannot enter for tourism as of today. This is set to change later in June or July
gustavo paris
Monday 7th of June 2021
Hello Kashlee Kucheran thanks in advance for you reply.
I own a company, my clients are mostly European and middle eastern. I am looking to move to Portugal to live and work remote with my team and clients across the world.
What kind of Visa do I need? If I start this application, could I then travel to Portugal as essential travel?
I am asking this because I have 2 kids that would need to be enrolled into school prior to August.
Thank You
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 7th of June 2021
Sorry, our site only specializes in tourism/travel news and entry requirements. I don't know enough to comment on work visas. especially with children involved. I would suggest an immigration lawyer