COVID-19 Information

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Last updated: December 7, 2020

Country-Specific Information:

  • The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Portugal due to COVID-19.
  • U.S. citizens traveling directly from the United States to Portugal for non-essential (tourist) travel are currently prohibited from entering Portugal.  For all other types of travel and for guidance on arriving from destinations other than the United States, please consult the nearest Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, or Portuguese immigration authorities at (SEF), before making travel plans.
  • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

On November 6, the Government of Portugal announced a country-wide State of Emergency.  Beginning November 24, 2020 Portugal is divided into four levels of risks with specific measures corresponding to those levels:

Information on the specific levels of risk and restrictions for each municipality visit:  https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/renovacao-do-estado-de-emergencia/

The complete list of Municipalities under the new restrictions is available here: https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/lista-de-concelhos-nivel-de-risco/

IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL NATIONAL TERRITORY:

On December 5, 2020 the Government of Portugal announced the following measures for the Holiday Season.

  • Travel on public roads within municipalities with very high and extremely high risk is prohibited after 1:00 p.m. on the weekends of December 12-13, 2020 and December 19-20, 2020.

CHRISTMAS:

  • Travel between municipalities is permitted.
  • Travel on the Evening of December 23, 2020 and December 24, 2020 is permitted.
  • Travel on December 24, 2020 until 2:00 a.m. on December 25 and travel on December 25, 2020 until 2:00 a.m. on December 26 is permitted.
  • Travel on December 26, 2020 is permitted until 11:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS CLOSING TIMES:

  • On December 24, 2020 and December 25, 2020 restaurants may remain open until 1:00 a.m.
  • On December 26, 2020 restaurants may remain open until 3:30 p.m. in the very high and extremely high risk municipalities.
  • On December 24, 2020 and December 25, 2020 cultural establishments and religous institutions are exempt from closing time limits.

NEW YEAR:

  • Travel between municipalities is prohibited from December 31, 2020 (midnight) until January 4, 2021 (5:00 a.m.).
  • On New year´s Eve travel on public roads is permitted until 2.00 a.m.
  • On January 1, 2021 travel on public roads is permitted until 11:00 p.m.
  • All public celebrations or events are prohibited.

NEW YEAR CLOSING TIMES:

  • On New Year´s Eve restaurants may remain open until 1:00 a.m.
  • On January 1, 2021 restaurants may remain open only until 3:30 p.m. in the very high and extremely high-risk municipalities.

GENERAL RULES:

  • Avoid: Crowed places, Small, unventilated indoor spaces, without a protective mask.
  • Please consult local restrictions for travel to Madeira and the Azores during this period.
  • Please Note: when not superseded by additional measures, the following general rules under the State of Emergency will continue to apply.

For more information visit: https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/new-state-of-emergency-measures/

General Rules for Portugal under the State of Emergency

  • Mandatory quarantine for sick people, those under active observation, and those suspected of being infected with COVID-19.
  • Expired Portuguese document validity extended until March 31, 2021. This extended validity period applies to Portuguese issued drivers’ license, citizen’s card (cartão de cidadão), residency documents and visa permits, etc. to stay or reside in Portugal. For more information and guidance on qualifying documents, visit: www.sef.pt
  • All public gatherings of over 5 people are prohibited, including in commercial spaces, and cafes.
  • A maximum of 6 people per group in restaurants are allowed, unless from the same household.
  • Mandatory telework, where possible and applicable, with 50% teleworking and 50% in-office with staggered arrival and departure times.
  • During the work week until 8pm, restaurants within 300 meters of schools and all food courts must limit seating to groups of 4.
  • Bars and discos will open and operate under the same rules and measures as cafes and bakeries (use of dance-floors is prohibited).
  • No consumption of alcohol in public spaces, except in restaurants, cafés, and bars.
  • No sale of alcohol after 8pm and no sale of alcohol at gas stations.
  • Social distance measures enforced, to include mandatory use of protective masks in closed public spaces.
  • The use of masks outside is mandatory when social distancing is not possible. However, it is not mandatory for those who are part of the same household when it is possible to maintain social distance from third parties.
  • Mandatory use of protective mask inside workplaces.

NOTE: individual violations could result in fines between 100 and 500 euros.

  • Fines of up to 10.000 euros for establishments that violate COVID rules and regulations.
  • Each municipality will coordinate with DGS to determine hours for stores, malls, and libraries – which cannot open before 10am and will close between 8-11pm.

Guide for Beaches:

  • See the Safe Communities Webpage for details.
  • Occupancy status system – has three colors: green (1/3 occupancy), yellow (2/3 occupancy) and red (full occupancy).

Information is updated in real time on the website of the Portuguese Environment Association – www.apambiente.pt

Local Trade and Culture:

  • Reopening of all stores, including in shopping centers and reopening of cinemas, theaters, auditoriums, concert halls – with marked seats, reduced-capacity, and physical distancing.

Schools:

  • Daycare centers/pre-schools are open.
  • ATLs (after-school activities) are open.
  • Mandatory use of protective masks (except for children in daycare centers or kindergartens).
  • Language schools are open.

Sport:

  • Gyms are open according to the DGS safety and health measures.

Azores Specific:

All Americans arriving to the Azores must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers who wish to remain in the Azores for more than 7 days, will be required to test again on the 5th day. To speed the process on arrival, the Regional Government of the Azores suggests travelers complete a health questionnaire at least 72 hours before disembarking. For more information please visit: Covid19Azores.

Madeira Specific:

  • The Government of Madeira decreed a MANDATORY use of protective masks in all public spaces (indoors and outdoors). Exceptions include children under 10, disable persons, participation at sporting events, and use while at the beach. All persons arriving to Madeira, to include U.S. citizens, are subject to one of the following: present a negative COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours, submit to a test upon arrival and isolate until the results are received, self-isolate for a 14-day period, or return to their point of departure.
  • Passengers on flights diverted from Madeira International Airport to Porto Santo airport due to weather conditions must stay in the airport in isolation until there is an available flight connecting to Funchal.
  • For more information click on the following link: VisitMadeira

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? No, U.S. citizens cannot travel directly from the United States to Portugal for non-essential travel (i.e. tourism).

The Government of Portugal currently prohibits non-essential (tourist) travel for U.S. citizens traveling directly to Portugal from the United States. According to Portuguese authorities, only citizens of the European Union/Schengen associated countries, their family members, or foreign nationals legally residing in a Member State of the European Union, and travelers from third-countries specifically authorized may enter Portugal.

Certain exceptions allow travel for professional, study, family reunification, health or humanitarian reasons. In addition to checking with airlines’ specific requirements prior to arranging travel, please confirm that you qualify to enter Portugal under one of these exceptions.  We recommend that you read the information provided by the Portuguese Immigration authorities at https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/covid-19/faqs/ prior to traveling.  If you have further questions, contact Portuguese immigration authorities at (SEF), before making travel plans.  You may also wish to contact the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate as certain categories of travel may require a visa.   

Border controls are the sole jurisdiction of the Government of Portugal, Embassy Lisbon cannot provide you with authorization to enter or facilitate entry on your behalf.

Entry into Portugal is allowed for:

  • Portuguese nationals, holders of residency permits, and holders of other long-term visas issued by Portuguese authorities may enter the country.
  • Third country national holders of residency permits or long-term resident visas issued by EU member states may transit Portugal to return to their country of residence.
  • US citizens who are lawful residents of EU member states may enter Portugal.
  • Long-term visa holders are allowed but should contact the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate to confirm that their visa qualifies.

For questions on additional travel requirements, please consult your airline. For other visa or travel eligibility questions for transit/entry, please contact Portuguese immigration authorities at (SEF) and visit their Frequently Asked Questions website.

Some airlines continue to sell tickets for travel between the United States and Portugal. Please confirm your eligibility to enter or transit Portugal with the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate and/or airline and review the airline’s policy on refunds before purchasing tickets.

  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes

Portuguese airports in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Ponta Delgada, Funchal and Lajes implemented a body temperature measurement requirement upon arrival. More information is available at http://www.ana.pt/en/corporate/ana/security-measures.

  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes

ALL TRAVELERS must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within the last 72 hours – Your airline may refuse to board you without evidence a negative COVID-19 test conducted in the last 72 hours. Passengers arriving to Portugal without these test results are subject to refusal of entry and/or mandatory testing at the cost of the passenger as well as quarantine until the results of the test.   Additionally, all passengers arriving are subject to mandatory temperature checks, and may be required to undergo secondary health screening and/or COVID-19 testing.

  • U.S. citizens who live in the United States and wish to return should do so through the commercial flight options that currently exist. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights from Portugal.
  • Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
  • Portuguese authorities announced that foreign passengers arriving aboard ships and other vessels will not be allowed to disembark.
  • The Regional Government of Madeira announced that cruise ships and yachts will not be allowed to dock.
  • There continues to be a State of Emergency in Madeira with additional entry requirements listed below.

Movement Restrictions:

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes, it is possible they will be required to quarantine.

Under the State of Emergency, the Portuguese Government can impose obligatory quarantine for individuals infected with COVID-19 and individuals deemed by health officials to require special medical observation.

  • Passengers arriving to Portugal without a negative COVID 19 test results are subject to refusal of entry and/or mandatory testing at the cost of the passenger as well as quarantine until the results of the test.
  • All persons arriving to Madeira, to include U.S. citizens, are subject to one of the following: present a negative COVID-19 test in the last 72 hours, submit to a test upon arrival and isolate until the results are received, self-isolate for a 14-day period, or return to their point of departure.

COVID-19 Testing:

  • For the nearest testing facility or if you have been in contact with an infected person and/ or are experiencing symptoms consult Portuguese health authorities (SNS) using the Portuguese COVID-19 Health Hotlines:
  • Mainland Portugal – (+ 351) 808 24 24 24 (Press 9 for English)
  • Azores – (+351) 808 24 60 24
  • Madeira – (+351) 800 24 24 20

Transportation Options:

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes

International commercial flight options currently exist in Portugal and the U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights in Portugal.

Flights from Portugal to various European and U.S. cities are being offered by the following airlines with limited seating:

Useful links with information on flights from/to Portugal:

NOTE: All travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

  • Is public transportation operating? Yes

Mandatory use of protective masks when using public transportation. 2/3 of passengers are allowed for Uber or taxis

Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • Police presence will be increased to deter large gatherings
  • Fines of 100 to 500 euros for individuals and up to 10,000 euros for businesses who violate restrictions.
  • Organizers and participants of large gatherings will be fined

Consular Operations:

  • ACS services are being offered, such as passport services, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and emergency notary services for U.S. citizens.
  • Limited visa services to the U.S., such as student, are being offered, such as Student Visas, Crew visas

Local Resources:

Information about the “Deconfinement Plan”:

Other Resources:

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Lisbon, Portugal
(Business hours) – (+351) 21-770-2122
(After hours) – (+351) 21-727-3300
conslisbon@state.gov

By | 7 December, 2020 | Topics: Alert

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