The Portuguese government has announced a tightening of COVID-19 restrictions including tougher border controls, as the EU’s most-vaccinated country grapples with a spike in new infections. “Despite the vaccination success … we have to be aware we are entering a high-risk phase because we see a big rise in the pandemic in the rest of Europe and Portugal is not an island,” said Prime Minister António Costa.
On the 25th of November 2021, the Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, announced new restrictions on entry into Portugal to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the country. From the 1st of December 2021 at 0h00, until the 9th of January 2022, all visitors to Portugal will require a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Portugal. This includes entrance to the country by any means, including plane, train, boat or car. To gain entry to Portugal from the 1st of December 2021, persons are required to present a negative result of one of the following, including those who hold a valid EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate:
RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) – 72 hours before boarding
Rapid Antigen test – 48 hours before boarding
Portugal remains open and continues to welcome Irish visitors to the country. These measures have been introduced to prevent further closing of the economy. Portugal is keen to prevent any further closures and wish for everyone to enjoy all amenities as normal. All businesses will remain open with some taking additional measures to prevent any future closures. EU Digital Covid Certificate will be required for entrance to restaurants, accommodation and events with assigned seats. Bars, nightclubs and major events (such as sporting events) will require a negative COVID-19 test, even if you are fully vaccinated. Among these new entry restrictions, mask-wearing will be mandatory in indoor spaces.
