Portugal Has Reopened for Tourism

Last Updated: October 28, 2020

Since June, Portugal has reopened its doors for tourists from selected countries. The country opened its borders in different stages, and travel restrictions would vary from region to region. Health checks will be provided at airports, but there will be no mandatory quarantine for visitors at the Mainland region.

Portugal first reopened its doors to tourists from the EU countries. Then on July 3rd, the country has welcomed a few more third-party countries, as recommended by the EU council.

Who Can Enter Portugal?

Portugal is open to tourists from the EU countries, as well as Portuguese-speaking countries and those with large Portuguese communities. It has also opened its doors to a few third-party countries.

Here’s a list of countries that can enter Portugal:

• Algeria
• Austria
• Belgium
• China
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Tunisia

Starting October 31, 2020, visitors coming from Canada will no longer be allowed entry into Portugal except if they are visiting for essential reasons.

Travel Entry Requirements to Portugal

If you came from countries that are eligible to travel to Portugal, here are the travel entry requirements, rules, and procedures. Take note that this will vary by region.

Mainland Portugal

The Mainland region includes most of Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula, right next to Spain. Currently, there’s no mandatory testing or quarantine required when entering the Mainland.

Temperature checks are in place at the airports using thermal scanners. Border agents are monitoring these, and anyone who will show symptoms of Covid-19 may be asked to do a test or go on quarantine.

Madeira

Madeira is one of the regions in Portugal that had very low COVID-19 cases, and they are keen to maintain it. Thus, Madeira has imposed stricter rules of entry for all tourists visiting the region.

• First, travelers must present a negative Covid-19 test taken 72 hours before arrival. Otherwise, the passenger will have to undergo a Covid-19 test upon arrival.

• All visitors must download an app, the MADEIRA SAFE TO DISCOVER, and upload health documents into the app before entering Madeira. They can also download the documents through the website.
• A thermal screening will take place on arrival. Those who are carrying a negative Covid-19 test result will have expedited processing at the airport and will be the first to leave.
• Travelers can take advantage of a free test at the airport. However, it will take 12 hours for the result to be available, so you need to stay in isolation at your accommodation while waiting. If the result is negative, you will be allowed to go out and enjoy your holiday.
• For those who test positive, the health service will check you in at a confinement hotel along with your group. The local government may cover the cost. After a week, another test will be conducted. Only when you test negative will you be allowed to go out and explore the region.

The Azores

Just like Madeira, The Azores has very low cases of Covid-19 compared to the rest of Portugal. Thus, the local government has imposed stricter entry requirements to protect its residents.

• All visitors are required to submit health form information upon arrival. Those who can provide proof of a negative result that’s taken 72 hours before arrival will be cleared for entry.
• Travelers who cannot provide proof of a negative test before entering the Azores will be tested upon arrival at the airport. While waiting for results, the traveler must stay in isolation.
• Another test will be conducted on the 6th day for those who will stay for more than seven days in the Azores.
• If you will refuse another test, you will be asked to stay in isolation until you take your flight out of the region. Otherwise, you must go on a 14-day quarantine at a dedicated isolation facility at your own cost.

For the other regions in Portugal, the travel entry rules and requirements are pretty much similar to that of the Mainland. However, this can change very quickly, depending on the situation. It’s therefore important that you keep yourself updated with the latest news and be prepared for any changes.