If you are looking for a stress-free holiday abroad this summer, then Portugal’s new entry requirements could make it a popular choice for those looking to take a quick getaway.
Portugal has joined many other European countries by dropping all of its COVID-19-related travel restrictions for holidaymakers travelling from the UK. Travellers can now enter mainland Portugal without testing for COVID or showing proof of vaccination.
Those looking for a stress-free quick getaway to the sun are expected to flock to many of Portugal’s most popular destinations, such as the Algarve, Porto and its capital Lisbon.
However, Portugal’s autonomous region of the Azores – the group of islands in the mid-Atlantic – still requires travellers to prove their COVID status on entry.
Other European countries that have dropped their travel restrictions so far include:
- Austria
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Germany
- Greece
- Italy
However, travel restrictions exist in France, Malta, the Netherlands and Spain.
The Foreign Office’s latest travel advice for Portugal is: ” There are no COVID vaccination or testing requirements for entry to mainland Portugal, Madeira, and Porto Santo.”
What do you need to travel to Portugal?
UK holidaymakers can now travel to Portugal without needing a negative test result or proof of vaccination.
Before this, those aged 12 and above who were not fully vaccinated had to take a COVID test or show proof of recovery from a previous infection for entry. Portugal defined “fully vaccinated” as an entire course of vaccination with no more than 270 days have passed since the second dose – or a booster was required.
What do you need to travel to the Azores and Madeira?
The Azores and Madeira are autonomous regions of Portugal and have set their own COVID-related entry rules.
Madeira dropped its entry rules earlier this year and no longer required foreign visitors to fill out any forms to enter.
The Azores still requires visitors aged 12 or over to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result for entry. If you have been fully vaccinated but more than 270 days have passed since the first dose of your vaccination, you will need to have received a booster. Or, you will need to provide a negative test result either:
- a lateral flow test taken no more than 24 hours before boarding
- a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding
Or proof of COVID with a certificate showing you have recovered from the Coronavirus no less than 11 days and no more than 180 days before you travel.
Children aged 11 and under are not required to show proof of vaccination or recovery or take a test to enter the Azores.
What else do I need to know?
Portugal has also allowed UK citizens to use e-gates at Passport Control to avoid the non-EU passport queue on arrival. However, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises that you still have to have your passport stamped at a staffed booth on entering and leaving the country.
Pre Departure Lateral Flow Test for Travel – UK Outbound
Fit to Fly Outbound Lateral flow test
- Results uploaded between 9am and 6pm GMT will be issued within 6 hours of uploading test images. (results can be uploaded anytime 24/7)
- Internationally recognised ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate
- Self-swab lateral flow device
