Portugal removes most of its COVID-19 entry and travel restrictions

Updated COVID-19 measures implemented in Portugal as of July 1, 2022

Portugal removed most of its travel and entry restrictions related to COVID-19 on Friday 1 July 2022.

Until that day, foreign travelers couldn’t enter the Portuguese Republic without presenting a COVID-19 test with a negative result, the EU Digital COVID Certificate or vaccination or recovery certificate issued by third countries and recognized by local authorities.

Now, only the use of a face mask is required for people above 6 years old.

In mainland Portugal, the mask is mandatory in public transport, taxis, nursing homes, and health facilities. In Madeira, the mask is mandatory also in pharmacies, airports, maritime terminals, and also recommended in enclosed areas or places where social distancing can’t be practiced.

Social distancing and frequent hand washing are still recommended as general behavior guidelines in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 testing will still be available for international travelers at the airports of mainland Portugal and Madeira in case they want to have a COVID-19 result upon arrival or before departure. Additionally, people can get a COVID-19 test in a laboratory approved by the Portuguese Health General Directorate or at certain testing points in the Algarve (mainland Portugal’s southernmost region).

Apart from this, Portugal’s borders are open with no COVID-related restrictions from now on.

For the tourist’s ease, the “Clean & Safe” seal of approval was implemented in accommodation establishments and tourist attractions across the country. The seal certifies that an establishment is compliant with the hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of COVID-19, and it’s meant to promote Portugal as a safe destination.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, more than 24 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been applied in Portugal as of 26 June 2022; and positive cases of COVID-19 have decreased for more than one month.

Portugal’s removal of travel and entry restrictions comes after other countries in the European Union decided to lift COVID-19 travel and entry requirements as well. Finland’s borders, for example, reopened on 30 June 2022, one day earlier than Portugal’s.

According to the European Union’s official website Re-open EU, Malta, Spain, the Netherlands, and France have a few COVID-related rules left as of now.