Last Updated 11th February 2022
The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. As set out in the website terms and conditions, whilst I endeavour to keep information up to date and correct, I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Portugal feels safe compared to the UK; thanks to a high vaccination rate, low case numbers (although they are still increasing in some areas) and a common sense and timely approach when rules need to be changed.
Mask wearing is required for indoors and on public transport, and is usual practice outdoors on mainland Portugal where there are crowds. Madeira has different rules about outdoor mask wearing requirements and also requires children from age of 6 years to wear masks.
There is good social distancing, with commercial establishments having to make sure there is never more than 1 person to every five square metres.
I have summarised the key measures below, but please make sure you click on the links for the most up to date information.
- Either a vaccination certificate or a negative test1 for anyone (aged over 12 years) arriving in Portugal, regardless of the point of origin of the flight or the passenger’s nationality. This measure applies to air, land, sea and river borders. The certificates need to meet the EU minimum data set.
- If arriving by sea or plane you also need to complete a Passenger Locator Form
- A vaccination certificate or a negative test is required for restaurants (unless eating outside), tourist establishments and local accommodation, events with allocated seating and gyms.
- If you have not had a booster vaccination then a negative test2 is required for visits to people in care homes and hospitals, and for entry to bars and clubs, sporting venues and large scale events without allocated seating
Visit Portugal (official tourism website)
Full List of Covid19 measures
Government of Portugal
National action on Covid19
European Union Website Information on Covid19 for Travellers to EU and the latest case numbers by EU country
1 Tests for travel can either be a RT-PCR test (72 hrs before boarding) or a Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test (24 hrs before boarding). The EU Commission Recommendation (EU) 20202/1743 of 18 November 2020 states that rapid antigen tests should conducted by trained healthcare personnel or trained operators where appropriate, and Portugal’s Airports website states “Self-tests of any kind are not accepted. Only antigen tests acceptable by the European Union Health Committee are accepted for travel as well as the minimum data that must be present on the test result document as set by the same entity.”
2 For these tests a RT-PCR Test (within 72 hours), laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test (within past 24 hours) or supervised self test performed at entrance are accepted. For more information on where tests are available visit the following links;
– travel tests at the Airport. Information at https://www.ana.pt/en/corporate/ana/faq;
– in a laboratory approved by the Portuguese Health General Directorate. Find the list at https://covid19.min-saude.pt/infoadrpcc/;
– in one of the hospitals and clinics included in the Portugal Health Passport that can provide you personalized support in your language. The test for Covid-19 must be scheduled with a consultation and the results will be available in up to 72 hours. More information is available at test.covid19@portugalhealthpassport.com;
– if you are in the Algarve, you find additional information about testing points at www.visitalgarve.pt, in the Azores visit www.visitazores.com / https://www.visitazores.com/en/trip-info / https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt and Madeira www.visitmadeira.pt / www.madeira.gov.pt/Covid19 / https://covidmadeira.pt
Our Travel Tips
- Print off test and vaccination certificates rather than relying on digital copies.
- Check the official websites (see links at top of screen) at time of booking your travel, again before booking tests and again close to time of departure as test requirements can change at short notice
- If booking or using tests in the UK to travel to Europe make sure the methodology and certificates will meet EU requirements. Not all tests do!
- Be prepared for more queues than usual