Portugal COVID Entry Rules: Vaccination, Recovery and Testing Requirements Explained
Just like some other popular European destinations, Portugal continues to require all arriving travelers to follow COVID-19 entry regulations.
Portugal’s official travel portal, Visit Portugal, states that currently all travelers, regardless of their country of origin, are allowed entry for any purpose as long as they meet the entry requirements.
“All passengers are entitled to enter the national territory, regardless of their origin or purpose of travel”, says the statement by the Portuguese authorities.
According to the Portuguese travel portal, all travelers entering the country must present a valid EU COVID digital certificate or other equivalent document upon arrival.
That means all individuals must have a valid vaccination, recovery or testing certificate to enter Portugal, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.
Portugal will accept any vaccination certificate proving that the holder has completed primary immunization with one of the recognized vaccines within the last nine months. In addition, vaccination certificates are also accepted, which show that the holder has received a booster vaccination.
Regarding the recovery certificates, the Portuguese authorities explain that the country will only recognize the document if it proves that the holder has recovered from the virus in the last six months.
Travelers who have not been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus can enter Portugal for any purpose provided they present a PCR test performed within 72 hours of arrival or a rapid antigen test performed within 24 hours of arrival.
The obligation to present one of the certificates listed above only applies to travelers over the age of 12. Persons under the age of 12 are exempt from all entry requirements.
Similar to mainland Portugal, the Azores still require passengers on international flights to present a valid vaccination, convalescence or test certificate upon arrival.
However, it was stressed that those departing from mainland Portugal or Madeira do not have to follow any rules.
“There are currently no restrictions on passengers traveling to the Azores on domestic flights (departing from mainland Portugal or Madeira)”, says the statement by Visit Portugal.
In contrast, Madeira has dropped all of its rules. All travelers, regardless of their country of origin, have unrestricted entry. You do not need to show any of the certificates upon arrival.
Despite maintaining entry requirements, Portugal has already eased some of its national COVID-19 restrictions. The country decided in early April to drop the face mask requirement. Since then, everyone has been able to enter various public places and events without having to wear a mask.
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