New travel to Portugal rules now in force (2024)

The presentation of a mandatory negative test to enter Portugal has ended today, 7 February.

By TPN/Lusa, in Tourism, COVID-19, Portugal · 07 Feb 2022, 10:09 · 10 Comments

New travel to Portugal rules now in force (1)

Now, to enter the country, “only the presentation of the Covid Digital Certificate of the European Union in its three modalities or other duly recognised proof of vaccination is now required”, according to the office of the Minister of the Presidency.

The Council of Ministers also approved changes regarding the Covid digital certificate and adjustments to proof of vaccination to be presented for access to certain establishments.

Now, the digital certificate requires that rapid antigen tests be performed within the previous 24 hours, instead of the 48-hour deadline, and in the case of a molecular nucleic acid amplification test (TAAN), the deadline is 72 hours.

Regarding vaccination, the Covid-19 digital certificate now attests to the completion of the primary vaccination programme for more than 14 days and less than 270 days since the last dose, or the booster dose.

The rules regarding the recovery certificate remain unchanged.

For further details about travel rules for Portugal, please visit here.

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Comments

Does the acceptance of a EU Covid test certificate for entry to PT apply to UK ones as well

By RICHARD MCKENZIE from UK on 07 Feb 2022, 15:30

The detail on the third line of the first paragraph appears to be incorrect and misleading. It is inconsistent with the rules given on the official Visit Portugal website. Your article says UK citizens can enter with just proof of vaccination but in reality it would appear you still need a negative test or a recovery certificate?

By Alan Booth from Algarve on 07 Feb 2022, 15:43

What time on 7th because my husband came back from the UK today and they were still issuing fined

By Linda from Porto on 07 Feb 2022, 16:18

Once again, this applies only to EU (and recognized third countries). It does NOT apply to North America and the rest of the world. Your article does not indicate this important fact.

By David White from USA on 07 Feb 2022, 16:50

I’m still waiting for someone to explain why vaccinated travellers, who can still contract and transmit the virus, are allowed to enter without testing. Why are they free to spread it? This is discrimination purely to coerce people who do not want to be vaccinated to get injected.

By SS from Algarve on 07 Feb 2022, 19:43

We are a bit confused, Fly on Monday the 21st my second dose was in September and had my booster today. My Wife had second dose in April and also having booster today. that takes us over the 14 days by one/two days! our 13 year old has had no vaccinations for medical reasons we decided it wasn't worth the risk..... Still don't know who has to test prior who can get into venues! We would like to eat in local restaurants as I'm sure they need the business after the last 2 years, rather than just go to Lidl and eat from Apartment

By Stephen from UK on 08 Feb 2022, 12:09

Would you kindly published a corrected version of this story as it is very confusing/inaccurate. It suggests that a test is not needed and then goes on to say that it is. The Visitportugal website suggests that a valid Vaccination Certificate or Test Certificate or Recovery Certificate. The use of "or" appears to indicate that only one of of these options is required.
The statement "Or a valid vaccination or recovery certificate issued by a third country, under reciprocal conditions" and listing several countries including UK suggests the NHS vaccine passport is acceptable.
Allowing fully vaccinated travellers into Portugal without a test means that Portugal and the EU has moved on. It is a decisive action that it is now time to live with Covid (as per colds, Flu and other viruses).

By Paolito from Algarve on 08 Feb 2022, 13:12

Could this Newspaper please call the Government and update this article. Some of the information does not match what the official rules state. Also check for North American traveler requirements and UK. Do we test or not if vaccinated and current? Will a USA CDC Vac Card Paper form work?

By Bob Jay from Lisbon on 08 Feb 2022, 15:08

UK fully vaccinated residents can enter Portugal without a test as long as they are fully vaccinated and can show their certificate and complete the Passenger Locator Card online BEFORE check in at the airport as you will be asked for this. The gov uk website has this information https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements

By Margo from Porto on 08 Feb 2022, 15:55

Suddenly as of 12 February 2022, fully vaccinated Canadians can no longer enter mainland Portugal except for "essential travel". This happened 3 days before we were to depart for the Algarve for 6 weeks vacation; we had to cancel all our plans and bookings? Why are Canadians banned?

By Bal Kakaria from Other on 15 Feb 2022, 11:26