Having just personally returned from the UK to Portugal which took ten days from when my original flight should have been due to two flights I didn’t have the paperwork in time, a nightmare trying to get a test, and then eventually flying from the wrong airport to the wrong airport my personal advice is that travel is a real nightmare right now. There were multiple airport checks and multiple people being turned away from the flights because of out of date testing due to cancelled flights, not having the right paperwork etc. However if you really need to travel, and can legally meet all the rules to do so right now, then below are some of the most recent updated.
Latest updates below – New Lockdown – Testing to enter from UK – Testing to return to the UK – Portugal travel ban to the UK
Travel Portugal – UK restricted by UK Gov
The UK Government announced today that they will be banning travel from Brazil and various South American countries from the 15th January, and they have included Portugal in this for some reason (They say due to the links with Brazil, but makes no sense as more flights route through Madrid and Germany than Portugal but anyhow, the UK Gov like to do things ‘their own way’).
This will not apply to UK/Irish travellers anyway, but this may mean that flights from Portugal are reduced as Portuguese citizens wouldn’t be able to travel, so please keep this in mind.
Can’t find anything on the official government website as of yet, as the UK seems to just like to announce things on twitter first – here is the tweet from the Transport Secretary.
Portugal Mainland Lockdown from 15th January 2021
Announced today (13th January) is a complete lockdown from Friday, similar to what we saw last April – this obviously over-rides everything written below. Stay at home orders come into effect for at least two weeks, but it has been admitted by the PM it will likely be a full month at least.
As a tourist these rules will also apply, the only main reasons to leave home are for a walk/exercise or getting groceries/health care etc. More details here. If you are currently here and not in self-catering then take-away/delivery of food will also stay available so you can use this. If you arrive into Portugal in the coming weeks, during the last lockdown you were allowed to drive from the airport to your accommodation but do have the confirmation paperwork to show any police check points.
The lockdown was taken very seriously last time here, much so than in other countries, with the PSP (police) and GNR (national guard) doing checks, on roads, and enforcing it. As such, if you have a tourism trip to mainland Portugal in the next month I would suggest re-scheduling/taking a refund – and don’t think because you are a tourist that rules don’t apply or will be ignored for you. The message is clear and concise this time, unlike any other restrictions we have had in recent months – Stay at Home.
Islands curfews and restrictions
Madeira and The Azores are autonomous, and currently have various restrictions, curfews and rules – whether they will also impose a full lock down I’m not sure (I’ll update here as soon as I know), but from a tourism point of view it’s a risk to consider if travelling in the coming days. Please do check local updates for the islands.
Testing to enter the UK
The UK government are will require COVID-19 tests for travellers returning to the UK from the 18th January. This is only for those allowed to enter the UK from Portugal (see above) mainly being UK and Irish citizens and nationals (but please check they haven’t changed their mind on this as they keep doing).
The official advice for this can be found on UK GOV here. You’ll see on that website that a few different types of test are being accepted, so please double check what type of test you can take before travelling.
STRANGELY – the website currently states (and hopefully this gets updated soon):
“Your test result must be in either English, French or Spanish. Translations will not be accepted, and you must provide the original test result certificate.”
So, you will need to ensure when booking with a lab in Portugal they provide the certificate in English – something you’ll need to discuss with them when booking.
So, where to get a test in Portugal?
Right now airport testing isn’t set-up for out going flights and the National Health tests in Portugal should not and can not be used for this purpose. These testing facilities at airports and drive throughs need a referral – as such you’ll need to book your test with a private company, and these in Portugal in general cost around €60-€100 if you are having a PCR test. Every test I’ve had in Portugal has come back within 24-hours, however to be safe I’d advise booking it as close to the 72-hour time limit as you can.
In terms of which labs you can get tested at, the company I used when I travelled to The Azores have various labs across the country, even some small towns. Joaquim Chaves is the name of the company, and for most locations you can book a time online, or by email – you can find a list of labs and book directly on the link here. You’ll see that it is very busy, as they also serve the National Health Service, however you will not have the referral as a visitor so will be charged.
Other companies like LUMILABO and AVE offer paid testing – this list of mainland approved testing centres as supplied by the Madeira Government is handy (ignore the fact its free for enterign Madeira, and just use it as a tool/list of labs) as you can see a list of labs with contact details so you can contact them directly to book/pay for your test if required to travel back to your home country.
Please not if you don’t have the test certificate before travel, the airline is likely to refuse you transport as they will be fined. For the best advice on this please contact your airline, but also the UK Government who manage these rules.
Flights from the UK to Portugal and restrictions on who can enter
On the 20th December a decree was passed until the 31st December regarding flights from the UK. Today an update was issued here which is in place until the 15th January. Below, I am copying and pasting the automated UK translation provided by Google of the key points only that affect flights from the UK.
These are automated translation, and I suggest you read the document and summarise your own understanding relevant to your own situation as this is a travel blog, and I’m trying to provide the best resources I can as I understand them. As far as I’m aware, these national measures will also include Madeira and The Azores as the decree on the 20th December did – but please do also check with relevant authorities and airlines etc.
The decree today can be read in a few different ways, but it seems to me that a test before travel from the UK is required, and testing on arrival will only be possible if the airline breaks the rules and allows you to board the flight..
The most important distinction is that airlines are FINED for bringing in passengers who do not have the PCR test before travel when required – this is to ensure airlines to follow the rules and includes nationals and residents of Portugal, extending to say “The only exception to the application of this fine refers to the departure of nationals or residents in Portugal of flights originating in African countries whose official language is Portuguese and on flights to support the return of nationals or holders of residence permits in Portugal or humanitarian nature;” and then further saying “The possibility of carrying out a test on arrival aims to ensure that no national citizen or resident in Portugal is prevented from entering the country;”
The most relevant sections, automatically translated and copied below – especially in relation to flights from the UK for tourism purposes (although it seems, that perhaps by the decree EU nationals, travelling from the UK, with a negative PCR test may be allowed in for tourism – this part isn’t clear and in these circumstances I’d suggest contacting the airline or border agency directly. Please note that individual countries can chose to adapt this list, and allow flights for non-essential tourism in, and perhaps we will see Portugal do that at some point in the future – but right now, it seems non essential trips from the UK are ruled out as the Brexit transition period ends on the 1st January.
“- The United Kingdom will be considered a “third country” from 1 January and, as such, is covered by the rules foreseen for these countries, allowing only essential trips for professional, study, family reunion, reasons health or humanitarian, in addition to, of course, travel by EU nationals, nationals of States associated with the Schengen Area and members of their families, and third-country nationals with legal residence in Portugal;
– Children up to 24 months of age are exempted from the mandatory laboratory test for screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to the technical recommendations of European Union agencies.
– Passengers to and from Portugal on all flights to and from countries that are not part of the European Union or that are not countries associated with the Schengen Area, must present, before boarding, proof of laboratory testing (RT) -PCR) for screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a negative result, performed within 72 hours prior to the time of embarkation;
– Citizens who violate the duty to present proof of testing, with a negative result, are referred by the competent authorities, upon arrival in national territory, to carry out the test at their own expense, in a proper place inside the airport in service made available by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, SA, through qualified health professionals;”
Anything below this point has not been updated since early December and as such may be out of date. I will do a full update of everything in early January, but for now please seek official resources for the most recent information.
Madeira Trip Report
My trip report from Madeira, when I visited in November and December, can now be found here.
December Update
As of late November 2020 there are four tiers to these rules, slightly varying on the below – check with website for the most recent restrictions by area: https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/ – this applies to mainland Portugal. I suggest using Google Chrome with Translate set to English. Then, on the dropdown box you can select the municipality you will be visiting and see the actual rules for that particular destination – especially in reference to the stricter weekend curfews.
Christmas and New Year – some rules are relaxed on Christmas Eve and Day to allow for meals and evenings, followed by a tightening of rules. These can be found in English at the bottom of this page – https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/new-state-of-emergency-measures/ .
On New Years Eve, there is a curfew at 11pm – and on the 1st/2nd/3rd, a curfew across the whole country from 1pm until the next morning.
Latest Update: November – a LOT has changed in the past couple of weeks…
I first posted this article in May 2020, to share how my home country was re-opening, and how the Portugal coronavirus travel restrictions were being updated. There have been constant updates to it since, but now, sadly, it seems the updates are more towards what is closing again, rather than what is opening – especially with curfews and closures being announced in November as we moved into another State of Emergency.
In the first wave of COVID-19, Portugal did extremely well, and that meant from May I’ve been able to travel domestically around the country, to all regions including the Azores and Madeira, where I currently am. So, I’m able to offer first-hand experiences of travelling, and the different rules in each region where the autonomous governments have different coronavirus restrictions. This means you’ll find that the Azores Islands and Madeira Islands have different entry rules, and rules while there, and on the mainland we have two levels of rules, depending on the municipality and their rate of infection.
Here you’ll find this broken down into a few different tabs, to try and assist you in finding the information you want as quickly as possible.
I follow the 24/7 news updates here in Portuguese to try and keep this information as accurate and up to date as possible, updating it every week or two. It can sometimes take a while for the news, to become law, or even to be updated in English on official portals. Like wise, a lot of the travel articles published in papers online are outdated in days – so, I’ll try my best to keep this up to date.
What I will say though, having sadly seen some tourists come here and think the rules don’t apply to them is this: travel is not normal right now, and whether you agree or not with the rules being imposed in Portugal, if you are a guest from abroad then it is your duty to either accept and comply with them or don’t come. Yes, we are a country with a big tourism and hospitality market, and all safe travel massively helps support that, but we also need to do everything we can to keep our (very delicate) health service from collapse.
*Please note, this is a fast-moving situation and the information provided below is done so in good faith at the time of writing. There are various sources linked out to throughout the article, and particularly at the bottom, however, DanFlyingSolo takes no responsibility for the information provided here and urges you to check all official sources for updates.

Some of the most popular beaches, like Carvoeiro, were quieter than normal and have monitoring
Hi Daniel,
thank you for posting all these useful information! We are moving permanently to Portugal in February. If we go straight to our new home and we have the rent contract with us, do you think that it will be a problem if the last regulations are still in place?
Hi Sarah,
Once you are in the country you’ll be permitted to travel from the airport to your accomodation no problem, just have some form of proof of address incase of checks by the PSP.
Coming into the country the usual requirements will be needed, depending on which country you are travelling from, For example if it is from the UK the rental contract for example likely won’t be enough, unless it can be backed up with residency documents or papers from before the withdrawl agreement – from other EU countries much easier.
Safe journey, and enjoy living in this amazing country :)
Hi Dan,
Thank you so much for your work helping us travelers. I have a U.S. passport and currently in another Schengen country (Estonia) under visa free travel (90/180). I am thinking of flying to Faro to visit some properties for a few days just before Christmas. I don’t have EU residence card. My permission into Schengen is basically granted to enter Estonia. Any idea / guidance on whether I can fly to Faro, via Frankfurt (most likely choice) from Tallinn without issue? I have asked Faro airport, Portuguese Embassy in the U.S., without clear answer. I asked SEF but haven’t heard anything. This seems to be an “age old” problem that government rules don’t usually address at all.
Thank you very much for your feed back.
Luke
Hi Luke,
Hope you are well.
Obviously I can’t guarantee an actual answer, or know any of this as fact – but below is my view on this:
I do know my friends who live in London, but are Americans with US passports have just flown here no problem. So, I imagine it wouldn’t be a issue – especially as you’re already in the Schengen zone and would only be showing your ID to board a flight, and wouldn’t have to show a passport to enter the country. When I fly into Faro from another Schengen country I’ve always just walked/been taken by bus straight from the flight into the luggage hall with no passport or ID checks. As such, I think the only place a problem might occur is at the Estonia side, with the gate-agent or airline declining boarding based on your passport – so perhaps check with the airline/airport on that side, as that is where you’ll be showing the passport?
Cheers, and sorry I can’t give you anything more definitive.
Dan
Hey Dan,
Great article. We’re in the States and my grandfather in Viseu passed away. We’re thinking of sending my mom (Portuguese citizen) with my brother (US citizen) to Portugal through London because we can’t get the appropriate COVID test results back within the 72 hour window the airlines are asking for. Local labs are taking five days. Do you think they will need a negative test result to get on a flight from London to Lisbon? Do you think my brother will be allowed in since it’s for a funeral and he’s accompanying my mother? If they can’t they’re going to be forced to take trains or busses if they’re allowing travel. Airlines don’t seem to have an alternative for these situations.
Hi Nelson,
My condolences, sorry to hear of your grandfather passing.
I can’t give any facts with upmost certainty, but I think this would fall under humanitarian reasons – my neighbours parents, US citizens, were granted permission to enter following her giving birth and needing support – although this had to be arranged with SEF in writing prior to them flying – that was direct USA > Lisbon – so you may want to get this permission letter prior to the flight to be safe?
As far as I know, in Heathrow they have been letting people transit with no testing/problem as long as they are allowed in the next country, stay airside, and have the same ticket for the journey thus not needing to check in – and I don’t believe they are then asking for test arrivals. In case of an emergency situation, Lisbon airport (maybe Porto, I’m not sure) they do have the facilities for testing on arrival with a fee as these are being used for passengers from the LusoAfrican nations.
Sorry I can’t give you any better answers, and sorry the local labs are taking so long thats terrible – perhaps it might even be worth asking SEF if in this situation they would be eligible for the testing on arrival in Lisbon airport, if paid for, I know officially it doesn’t apply for those coming from the USA, but perhaps for a citizen and the funeral they are able to make an exception?
Hi Dan
We’ve booked accommodation at three different locations between Faro and Lagos for 27-31 December, before we drive up to Porto for 1-4 January.
Will we be permitted to cross between the relevant districts and municipalities on that drive (showing our booked accommodation in Porto) or is it likely we will be asked to turn around?
Thanks
Ben
Hi Ben,
The rules as they are now (But may change with the next state of Emergency update) mean that in most of the Algarve, so those Faro to Lagos section, the regions are all in the bottom 2 of the 4 tier system, so don’t have the strictest levels of rules. On New Years Eve theres also the chance to enjoy a semi-normal night with restaurants open until 1am.
As for going to Porto on New Years Day. A circulation ban between municipalities comes into place between 00:00 on 12/31 and 05:00 on 4/01 but on New years day use of public roads is allowed until 23h00 – so I think from my understanding if you are travelling ‘home’ or in this case your accommodation, it shouldn’t be a problem – have the tickets and details to show incase of check-points. But once you arrive into Porto, you wouldn’t be able to travel to a different municipality from there.
Keep in mind as Porto is ‘very high risk’, on the weekend (so the dates 2nd & 3rd January) there is a curfew in place from 1pm, with most businesses closing and only allowed to be outside for emergency reasons or short exercise – so that will have an impact on what you can enjoy in Porto. In addition, on the 1st January Restaurants and the likes have to close by 15:30 in these high risk areas – incase any of this effects your want to be in Porto on days with such restrictions.
There could be a change of tier for any of the regions though by then, with the updated list of rules that apply to these dates would officially come into place on the 23rd December I think, so be sure to double check then on https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/ the different regional rules on the drop down, use Chrome with Translate switched on – its more accurate than the actual English version of the website.
It’s hard to know 100% the answer to this. Previously, there was a lot more bending of the rules for tourists, but understandably this led to a bit of a backlash situation that tourists were getting preferential treatment to locals so they have been a bit tighter recently. But, I think if you have the accooomodation bookings, and I assume a flight leaving from Porto, there shouldn’t be any problem with crossing the country.
Sorry that does not help much, hope it all works out.
Cheers,
Dan
Hi Dan
Thanks for the great advice and articles. We’re thinking of driving from the UK to Portugal in January. I saw in your most recent post that the border with Spain is open; but am wondering if anyone else has attempted this recently and if so, what did they need to do before leaving the UK?
Thanks.
Hi Nicole,
Currently there are testing requirements to enter Spain I believe by air, but this hasn’t been extended to land border crossing in Portugal as far as I’m aware, but there may be testing requirements for driving across the French Border I’m not sure. In addition, the different autonomous regions of Spain all have different restrictions currently as far as I’m aware, so in terms of driving into Portugal from Spain, and then driving to wherever you want in Portugal all good – the advice you’ll need will be on Spanish regions (and France) which isn’t info I know myself.
I did see someone on a Facebook group that was planning this, and they mentioned they were told by the Spain gov they wouldn’t be able to stop in Spain at all – but that was a few weeks ago and maybe things have changed. They also had Portuguese residency, so that gives more ease of travelling to Portugal as an end destination through Spain due to being essential travel.
I have a friend who did the trip in reverse, from Portugal to the UK in their camper van, but again they were a UK resident returning home, so the situation was a bit different. When they drove to Portugal it was earlier in the summer when there were not as many restrictions.
I’m sure you’ve seen these links below before, but just putting them here incase they are of help to someone else:
The generic Spain travel updates are here: https://www.spain.info/en/discover-spain/practical-information-tourists-covid-19-travel-spain/
About half way down that page, there is a map of all the regions which links out to their own regional rules and border controls – so I think it would be a matter of planning the route and then keeping an eye on each of those regions. Not sure if you are planning to ferry into Bilboa, but if it’s the tunnel then I guess French rules will also need to be considered.
Also, no idea what will have changed by January. Everyone’s a bit worried that post Christmas we might see more movement controls and curfews in Portugal. So personally I’d assume any research you do now, it will likely have all changed by January.
Of course, if you have Portuguese residency then you should be able to travel home to Portugal as that is an essential travel right.
Hope you can work it all out :)
Dan
Hi Dan, interested to hear your thoughts re the latest local lockdown in the north and ban on moving between municipalities. For my part, I am from the UK and am in a Lisbon airbnb now, but we have an Airbnb booked on Saturday night in Setubal. Is going there against the rules and do you think we’d be instantly fined on going/attempting to go over the bridge? Thanks! Nicolas
Hi Nicolas,
Hope you are well and enjoying Lisbon. From what I have gathered after some research, as it’s my birthday this weekend and I had planned to go away domestically too, is that I wouldn’t be able to as I am a resident, however non-resident foreigners/travellers can move between municipalities still if it is to go to pre-booked accommodation. Faro airport released a statement on Facebook saying that travelling from the airport to pre-booked accommodation is fine, just to have the proof of booking with you as there will be police checks at regional borders as there were on the bank holidays earlier this year with the restrictions. I also saw this discussed and clarified in one of the online newspapers.
I’m assuming this is in the mind of people arriving for a weeks holiday and getting to the municipality where they will spend the whole weekend, if your booking is just for one-night and then you are going back to your place in Lisbon though (not sure of your situation, but maybe you are here for a while), that might not be deemed okay by the GNR at the check point as they will maybe want to know why you are going to be moving twice during this time. If it’s one night and then going to the airport, that shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a bit of a grey area in that context, but for the most part, the rules aren’t to limit tourists from going to their destinations, but to stop extended family gatherings for the days of mourning, so IMO it likely won’t be an issue regardless. Also, I doubt there would be a fine in this instance, but more a ‘turn around’ situation – the GNR in general have been great and really under standing of people and things throughout this I’ve found.
I need to update this article properly as so much has changed of late.
That is amazingly helpful – thank you Dan. We’ll proceed with caution. Many thanks, Nicolas
Enjoy :)
Hi Dan,
Great article! Do you know if it’s possible for British nationals to enter Portugal for tourism purposes (from countries outside of the EU). I’d like to visit next week with my wife (a Canadian citizen) but we’ll be flying from the UAE. Our airline suggests we can enter for tourism with a negative PCR test, but everything else I’m reading doesn’t say a definite yes or no.
Any ideas? Thanks for your help!!
Hey Neil,
Sorry for the delay in coming back to you – I wonder if you did visit? I’ve been a bit busy the last few weeks. Honestly, it’s hard to answer as there seems to be different interpetations by airlines, airports, and almost a case by case basis.
If you got in, or got an answer, I’d love to hear.
Cheers,
Dan
I was so longing to visit Portugal this year but the Coronavirus outbreak put a break to my plans.. Thanks for sharing this info…. will rethink about my travel plans once again…
Hi. In case that you reschedule your trip to Portugal the Azores islands well deserve your visit. 2 hours from Lisbon to Sao Miguel (the largest island on a group of 9) with a lot to see and do. If so I would like to recommend you https://www.seazores.net for tours and activities there. Take care.
This is such a helpful article! thanks
Hello, Dan. Very informative article, thank you. However, I’m still a bit confused about the municipality restrictions. Me and 2 other friends booked a trip in Portugal this coming week, 20-27, and were planning to explore a bit of both Porto and Lisbon. Are we allowed to travel by train or by bus from Porto to Lisbon on Dec 22 or 23 perhaps? Our flight is to Porto but we’re planning to spend Christmas in Lisbon and then back to Porto again by the 26th. I was just making sure that this cross-municipality is allowed during those times. Thank you in advance!
Hi Lye,
Have a great trip, see you arriving today so hope you already have the information but yes, within these dates you should be fine – as long as you return by 23:00 on the 26th. On the 27th there will be the 1pm curfew in Porto, and of course today in Lisbon, but for the rest of the week not a problem as it falls on weekdays and with the Christmas exceptions.
Please be advised that buses and trains have 2/3 capacity, and you MUST have a ticket and seat reservation to travel on these – which I would assume many would be sold out already due to family members wanting to see each other and the limited days of travel allowed. If the seats are taken you can’t board and stand up on the train like in other countries – http://www.cp.pt/ and https://www.rede-expressos.pt/en would be the place to book these tickets in advance.
Have a nice Christmas in Portugal.
Hi Dan,
I have a flight soon from EU country to Lisbon, and while preparing bumped into this wonderful and informative page.
What bothers me are two things
– If I flag the heat sensor at the airport or I look suspicious, can the authorities put me in isolation/quarantine without testing me?
– What if an another passenger’s test is positive – Will I have to isolate?
I hope you can share some information
Hi Ivan,
Sorry for the delay I’ve been away.
The heat sensors would be a trigger for a test, they have testing facilities at all airports now – so if you flag it, you will be tested and asked to isolate until the results (usually 24hours) are with you. If negative, carry on, if positive, then yes obviously you will need to isolate.
Should someone else test positive on your flight, the airline/health service will contact you and ask you to have a test at a local clinic. Testing is all free.
Enjoy Portugal!
This is such a helpful article! I also tried to write about country specific coronavirus restrictions on my blog, but it was so confusing I just gave up!!
Hey Becky, haha yes it’s a lot to keep up with they change so quickly – this now needs a complete overhaul after just two weeks!
This is so insightful. Once we can travel more freely again I definitely will come back here to check the updates! Travel is so essential for many people’s well-being. Can’t wait for things to open up safely again.
Hi Dan,
Any news regarding bars and nightclubs in Lisbon?
Rgds Viktor
Yes, some had re-opened, inline with the 1am rules of the rest of the country. Nightclubs however remain essentially closed as ‘dance floor areas and spaces’ don’t meet the social distancing rules.
Hello Dan – talk about great timing coming across your article on Portugal! 😊 I’m flying there from Canada….arriving September 18th….a solo birthday/combo travel therapy kinda trip after a few losses these last few months….spending the first 7 nights in Albufeira (read the most vibrant town!) and the last four nights in Lisbon…almost two weeks and I can’t wait to hop on a bloody plane again! haha Lived in London years ago…booted around Europe and I can’t believe that I haven’t been to Portugal yet – soon to be rectified! 🤞 I have one query if you don’t mind….someone told me to perhaps stay in Sintra instead of Lisbon those last few days….and pop into Lisbon for a day trip. I was learning towards staying in Lisbon as when I travel I also love the nightlife…meeting folks in bars, etc… (if open past 8pm by the time I get there!)….would you say that Lisbon might be more suited for what I’m after…and doing day trips with Lisbon as a home base. Your article was most helpful – thank you so very much! Here’s hoping I can get there….now if I’m stuck there….I’m in I.T. so I wouldn’t mind at all! haha Cheers!
Hey Tammy,
Sorry for the delay on coming back to you – I’ve been away without my laptop.
Hope you have a fantastic trip – sure my advice by now is too late and you have it all planned. Sorry about the bar restrictions still being in place – hope you still enjoy!
Evening Dan
Anything about number of households in one villa rental ?
Brian
Hi Brian,
I haven’t heard anything about that no. We don’t have any restrictions on gatherings in houses other than the max person cap (20 or 50 I believe right now depending on location) so I don’t think that would be a problem at all – but might be worth checking with the villa rental company, incase they have their own restrictions.
Have a great trip,
Dan
i have visited portugal twice
Hope you had a great time!
Extremely helpful and interesting article, thanks for sharing! And the photos make me want to visit Portugal again even more.
Glad to help, and there’s always a good reason to return to Portugal ;)
Checking all relevant sites but still can’t find an answer….
I’m an EU passport holder and currently I’m in Israel. Need to get to Lisbon for a week. Planning on flying via Germany or France.
As a holder of EU passport will I be able to get into Portugal?
From what I know yes, there is no restrictions for EU passport holders at all, and as you’ll be coming via France or Germany, you will enter Schengen zone again there and travel to Portugal as part of the Schengen zone. As such, it will be checking the restrictions for those countries mainly, and potentially there will be a testing requirement to enter those airports.
Portugal looks and sounds amazing!
Good luck with your faces2hearts project. That looks cool, how did you find out about that, and how does one get involved ?
Thank you, it’s all wrapped up now – but they may run it again next year, keep an eye on faces2hearts.eu :)
Hi Dan great post you have here and very informative.
We have a house here in Pera, Algarve and took the decision to come over from the UK for the month of August as we believe its presently safer here than at home.
Now we have arrived, we have no regrets, everything is carried out safely with plenty of precautions in bars, restaurants and shopping centres.
We just can’t believe how quite it is for this time of year – its almost like October period? We have seen a very small number of British tourist here, but plenty of Portuguese tourist.
The current situation suits us down to the ground and feel very safe in our house and on our local beaches.
This summer we decided to drive to Portugal via ferry to northern Spain and we are glad we have done this as flying is still of concern to us.
Our only issue, is the UK restriction and whether this will be in force until we head home late August. We don’t want to have to quarantine when returning and we are hoping that the UK government will see sense over the next few weeks, though with Spain now on their list this is looking ever so doubtful.
So for those thinking about coming to Portugal this month, as long as you follow the rules as all the locals do this is definitely a safe place to be. Yes you do have the risks, however this applies whether you are at home or abroad.
Hi Greg,
Sorry your comment got caught in a filter and I only just spotted it. Indeed, it’s been very surprising (and enjoyable) without the crowds, although certainly noticed the numbers increasing this week.
I hope todays announcement and the air bridge dates work for your planned arrival home and you can avoid quarantine.
Take care,
Dan
Dan, useful article – Thank you. We are a young family, 2 children, 8 and 2 and we booked flights and private accommodation in Albufeira for this Sunday back in January. Disappointed that the UK govt haven’t included Portugal in the air corridor but are encouraged by the Portuguese response, especially in the Algarve and are keen to support local business there – So we are intending to travel but are very nervous! Private accommodation with communal pool in Albufeira, daily walks to old town, beach at Albufeira, trips to Zoomarine and Vilamoura in the rental car, can we expect a “normal” experience as much as is practical? We are still hopeful of a change of status from UK govt before we return on Sunday week!
Hi Roawn,
Hope you are well and have a wonderful holiday here in the Algarve! Indeed, it’s a shame the UK haven’t included us yet, but hopefully by the time you are returning it will be on the list!
For the most part, things are normal here. Beaches are open, and accesiable with the flag/traffic light system proving a success so far, and restaurants etc all good with the extra precautions. I haven’t been to Zoomarine or know anyone that has in these times, but I believe only parts of it are open currently, as some parts don’t allow for the level of scoial distancing as required by the rules.
Personally I feel very safe here, and Albufeira was quiet when I last visited about a month ago, although the tourist numbers have increased in recent weeks. As long as you are sensible with general precautions, you can absolutely have a fantastic holiday and avoid others for the most part. Have a great trip!
Hi Dan
Any news your end no news in the UK?
Regards
Darren
Nope, just a lot of anger and disbelief this end. Even in the locked down handful of areas in Lisbon now their R is below 1 too. It’s stupid, really thought I might get to see my family in August. Hopefully, we see another list update this week, but there’s no so long patience lasts, right!
Hey Dan, even in this tough time for travel seekers you are providing information about different places and your experiences. Great post. Love reading your articles.
Thanks Nik! Hope we can all travel safely again someday!
WOOP WOOP [external link]
I don’t understand how the newspapers had the leek, and then on Friday it wasn’t on the five they said yes to – hopefully tomorrow we get the news!
this is amazing post thanks for sharing information with us
Hi Dan
Me again, i have read and heard the 27/07/2020 there will be an announcement about Portugal, have you any further information please?
Hi Darren. Yes, the next update by the UK Government will be on the 27th, I doubt we will have any idea before then if they will change the UKs advice – the ball is very much in their court. Portugal has done everything they can to argue their case, and the case numbers are falling here so we are hopeful.
In this time of Covid-19, what should be taken care of in travel?
Sorry, I don’t understand the question fully?
Hi Dan, I am flying into Faro the middle of August and then driving over the border to my parents place in Ayemonte. Do I need to do anything as a uk citizen to cross the border please ?
Hey Sally. Nope, border is currently open with no checks. Just the normal requirements to have car insurance to drive in Spain. Hopefully by then the UKGov will have lifted the FCO advice to so travel insurance is valid in Portugal again :)
Hi Dan, now the 10/07/2020, we fly to Vale de Lobo 31/07/2020 do you think restriction will be removed in terms of the UK quarantine?
Hi Darren,
On the 27th July we expect the UK Government to re-release the air-corridor/no quarantine list. There has been a lot of ongoing discussion between the governments, and scientists, so while we all hope it is, it very much depends what the UK government decides, and as their decisions have shown so far, we can’t always predict what they will action next. So, sadly, that is a guessing game just now, the Portuguesa Gov are pushing for regional restrictions only, say arrivals from Lisbon, but really trying to have the Algarve deemed safe as the case % there is one of the lowest in all of EU, so perhaps they will agree to atleast change the rules from Faro.
As soon as I have news, I’ll update here, and I’m sure it will be announced on UK TV quickl.
Hi Dan
Thank you very much for your prompt reply, we are on tenterhooks waiting for the decision, I think the UK government have got this so wrong.
Hi Dan
Thank you very much for your prompt reply, we are on tenterhooks waiting for the decision.
Helpful post
Do you play for Man United?
What? Please don’t say Wayne Rooney lol, sometimes people say I look like here?!
Thanks for the detailed article. It helps a lot!
Thanks – will try and keep updating it!
amazing photos
Hi
With the current virus situation can you still use euros cash to for payment in cafes and shops or must you use plastic card.
Thanks
Anna
Hey Anna,
The preference is certainly for cards as an ‘official recommendation’ however in reality, this isn’t possible. Many cafes and shops don’t even have card terminals, so it could never be fully implemented and is a suggestion rather than a law. While some businesses may make it a rule in their store, I’ve had no problem using cash in various small cafes and shops, right up to the biggest supermarkets, so you can pay in your preferred way.
Thanks,
Dan
Hey Dan – my wife and I are meant to travel Portugal soon. I am a British Citizen and my wife is a Mexican Citizen, but we live in London and haven’t been anywhere else in the last 4 months. I want to check if we can travel to Portugal with the COVID restrictions as my wife does not have a British/EU passport?
Hi Akhil,
Hope you’re well.
You’ll need to check with your airport, your airline, and also with SEF in Portugal for individual situations like this. I know of one person who tried to fly Luton – Lisbon with a USA passport, and they were declined at the airport as the USA, like Mexico isn’t on the approved list with the EU. So, while that would indicate the answer would be no, I’m not informed enough about that situation to give a definitive answers – as perhaps, we you are a couple, and one of you have a B/EU passport, you would be in a different category to the solo traveller with a USA passport. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Dan – thanks for your response. Sure, I appreciate the advice. I’ve dropped a few emails to the tourism board and SEF to check about this. I’ll let you know when I hear more.
Thanks.
Hi Akhil,
I tried to find some solid information and struggled, but the closest I could find related to a new decree from yesterday, about people being returned on the airline they came in on if not meeting the criteria.
The facebook post comes from Safe communities Portugal, who translate laws and information for the immigrant community here. Follow this link to see their post, and further down there is a link to their website with more information: https://www.facebook.com/scalgarve/photos/a.297134360400162/3064944636952440/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCwq70HzZI9kauHTr9fFB7dqj6Z7z39Iv6_gH-JNL1oQLFPVpoeOh6-43Xfs4DuEnFS5LD7uSBagJe_de9TDcgoaTxUuhVC3YERw6cVNoby99ZwVbKUMnrzCWRXFfivWnQ4niGfZSi3uNCyCe9it_XZIr6zl3p2z-fiuAXgLe6sKPoZnqrAtoiSW2Y04nvgrbdniWE-56qV2Zbi9s7nCFJpaIMsy_bgZPtPB0nj7WE1Ulvn59ZzIFwGj7jhkmqGP2oY6f2la0o35WxZmq3_KMeHoyXDnKgTLDAdb5zK_8ZFbyiF-EKTu79s12TkXSEB32fWDcTxKRCAVZa6zaDa9KxAEazmcZYte5OvIlZvE9QZbECYb9rvIcCM&__tn__=-R
This might not answer your question fully I’m not sure, but it’s relevant at least.
If you get a firm answer, could you let us know here too, that would be great.
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks Dan – that link is useful. I will give it a read and see if anyone in the comments is in a similar position.
Absolutely, if i find out a definitive answer on my query, I’ll share here for everyone’s benefit. Thanks again.
Hope you can soon, it’s a slow processes getting answers for sure!
Hey Dan – Can confirm my wife and i landed in Porto without any issues. We fly from LHR and were asked if we had been to Brazil or USA because then you require to be tested upon landing in Portugal. As we hadn’t been anywhere, but London in the last few months, it was a smooth journey. Thanks for the help and advice.
Thank you for the update Akhil – and hope you are having/had a wonderful time!
Hi Daniel
thank you for sharing all this info. It is really helpful. My 2 kids and I are travelling to Portugal in a couple of weeks. We had book this holiday way before Covid and have not cancelled our flights yet. We live in the USA but we have European passports (Spanish and German) We are flying to Lisbon via Frankfurt as there are no direct flights now from DC to Lisbon.
We have just been told that we need to provide proof of a negative Covid test done within 72 hours of embarking although in some places it says landing. In the USA getting one done with results issued so quickly is almost impossible. We have just found one lab where they can issue the results in 72 hours which makes it very tight for us. Do you know how strict they are being about the number of hours in the report and if this report needs to be presented on paper or can be shown digitally? Have you heard of anyone arriving from the USA in our same situation?
Thank you so much in advance
Maribel
Hi Maribel,
I’m really not sure what is the best advice right now, I’ve not actually encountered this situation as with most people coming from the USA, their flights have been cancelled or they have cancelled their trip because of not being able to fly on their passports.
I know in Madeira and Azores they are very strict on the 72 hour rules, but they also offer the facility at the airport for testing on arrival so it adds another level of options. On the mainland, I don’t believe they are offering this, although I may be wrong – so for the mainland I’m not sure if this is embarking or landing.
Sorry, I’ll ask around tomorrow and see if anyone knows any answers and post an update here if I find anything, but I guess SEF ( https://www.sef.pt/en/Pages/sea-contacts.aspx ) or ANA Airports (https://www.ana.pt/en/lis/passenger-guide/what-you-need-to-know/useful-contacts) would be the best people to try and get a quick answer from.
Hope it’s not too much hassle chasing down the information you need.
Safe travels,
Dan
Thanks a lot, very helpful 😃😁
No problem.
Hi Dan,
Thank you for all the provided information!
I am from the Netherlands and will fly to Lisbon on the 17th of july. I booked an appartment in Lisbon (Alfalma) till the 19th of july and after I will drive with a rental car to the Algarve to stay there for a week longer.
Due the increase of Covid-19 cases in Lisbon I guess its not a wise choice to stay in Lisbon? Currently my plan is to drive with the rental car already to the Algarve straight after my arrival on friday the 17th in the evening.
I will only be at the airport in Lisbon and then drive away to the south. Do you still think this is possible, looking at the restrictions in Lisbon right now?
Regards,
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan,
I think, even if you did want to visit Lisbon you wouldn’t have a problem, as the most central parts, and Alfama, are mainly for tourism rentals now so are very empty. The infected areas are quite far out of the city, in residential blocks. But of course, you must do whats write for you.
I’m actually moving back to Lisbon, near Alfama today for my studies, and am not too concerned. The only differences is it will be an early-to-bed atmosphere with most things shutting at 8pm anyway. In the Algarve, life is much more normal, and the airports in Portugal don’t look busy at all, so I think you’ll see little problems getting your car hire and out of Lisbon airport with minimal contact. Ultimately, whatever you feel comfortable with, and of course, some things might change in the coming weeks.
Safe travels!
Thanks Dan!
I will wait for the next days if there will be any other updates regarding the news in Lisbon and make the decision.
Anyways, for sure I will enjoy my holidays in Portugal! :)
Take care!
Hey Jonathan,
I arrived in Lisbon yesterday afternoon, and have walked around the main downtown area last night and today. There were a few more people about yesterday being Sunday, but for the most port it is empty. At lunch time today, the main streets and plazas are empty, examples: Tram 28 there was no one waiting at the stop, and just two people onboard, and at the Santa Justa lift no one around taking photos – so from a tourism perspective, I’m not concerned about the situation in downtown, and expect most of the tourist areas to be similar.
I took the metro yesterday afternoon, it was just a few people on board, I think maybe rush-hour would be different, but then I will just opt to walk. Many people are wearing masks not just inside where mandated, but also when walking around on the streets, it’s been very easy to social distance thus far.
Today they are reporting on the news a downwards trend in the residential areas for cases, so hopefully that keeps up too.
Whatever you decided, do what you’re most comfortable wish so you can have a great time in Portugal!
Can I ask, while there are flights from UK, can British nationals enter the Portugal mainland? In confused on this
Hi Sabrina, Yes they can enter from the UK – however the issue for most people from the UK isn’t entering, it’s the mandatory quarantine on the return. This looks set to be relaxed soon by England, but not the other countries in the UK. They are all working on different rules.
Hi Sabrina, Yes, UK Nationals can enter, however the issue is more on return, and the mandatory quarantine. England is looking likely to life that soon, but the other countries in the UK are operating different rules.
Thanks Dan!
And as it turned out, no, they didn’t lift quarantine or FCO advice for mainland Portugal today.
Thanks for the info about Portugal that how we can manage there even in this pandamic
You’re welcome.