Portugal remains one of the favorite destinations for French tourists despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Hailed for its good management at the height of the health crisis, the Lusitano state remains relatively spared compared to its European neighbors and especially Spain.
To date and since the start of the pandemic, Portugal (10 million inhabitants) has recorded more than 1,840 deaths for a number of Covid-19 cases greater than 60,500 cases, according to Johns-Hopkins University.
But, after a resurgence of the virus in the Lisbon suburbs at the beginning of the summer, the country is now preparing for a possible second wave.
In anticipation, the government will unveil Thursday, September 10 new health measures for the start of the school year.
They should not, a priori, call into question the reception of foreign travelers this fall.
Portugal
"will not return to a total paralysis of the economy"
, the Prime Minister projected on Monday.
After the "brutal impact" of containment in the spring, Antonio Costa wants to avoid at all costs a new lockdown of the country.
Read also: In which countries can the French travel?
Our updated map and data
As since June 15, the Portuguese borders should therefore remain open to French tourists.
Unlike travelers of other nationalities, they are not required to provide a negative Covid-19 test dating back less than 72 or 48 hours upon arrival, as France is not considered a "country at risk" by Portuguese authorities.
Despite this, vacationers should know the rules on site before packing their bags.
Decryption.
Read also: Ten reasons to discover Portugal
Upon arrival in Portugal
No test but a form
If the Lusitanian climate gives French tourists the desire to get away from it all at the end of summer, let them rest assured: they can travel (almost) without constraints in Portugal.
In general, all citizens of Schengen area countries but also of the United Kingdom can get there by air, land or sea, whatever the reason.
No coronavirus test is required of them upon arrival, only a form to be completed and given to the Portuguese health authorities.
This is provided by the airline when purchasing tickets or, failing that, by the flight crew during the flight (remember to take your own pen).
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The temperature of arrivals is recorded by thermal cameras at the country's airports, which are all open, including those in Madeira (Funchal) and the Azores (Ponta Delgada).
In Madeira and the Azores, a stricter protocol
Before landing in Madeira or the Azores, the Portuguese authorities ask all tourists to fill out an online form but also to provide a negative Covid-19 test dating less than 72 hours.
Otherwise, the traveler will be subjected to a PCR test, paid for by the Portuguese State, upon arrival.
He must then remain confined while awaiting the result, which is generally communicated within 12 hours.
Children under 12 are not affected by these travel restrictions.
For more information, the measures specific to the two archipelagos are detailed on the website of the French Embassy in Portugal.
During your stay in Portugal
Once in Portugal, wearing a mask is compulsory in all closed public spaces, but not in the street.
Only Madeira is an exception to this rule.
In Lisbon and its region
The capital Lisbon and its surroundings have been placed in a "state of contingency": gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited there (except for members of the same family), as is the consumption of alcohol on the public highway.
All shops close at 8 p.m., except cafes and kiosks (9 p.m.) and supermarkets (10 p.m.).
The sale of alcohol is prohibited after 8 p.m.
Restaurants can accommodate customers until midnight and stay open until 1 a.m.
Elsewhere in the country
Everywhere else in Portugal, the “state of alert” (the lowest level of emergency) is in effect.
Gatherings are allowed up to a maximum of 20 people.
Festivals and popular celebrations are prohibited until September 30.
In addition, people who do not comply with health rules (in particular the compulsory confinement duty for those who have tested positive or who are under active vigilance) are liable to a fine of 100 to 500 euros.
Read also: Portugal: why you should prefer Melides to Comporta
Note that all these measures are likely to change on September 15, the government having indicated that on that date, all of mainland Portugal could be placed in a "state of contingency".
These new health measures will be unveiled this Thursday, September 10, at the end of the Council of Ministers.
Useful applications and sites for your stay
Portugal has in turn launched its tracking application,
Stay Away Covid
.
More than 500,000 residents have already downloaded it.
This tool allows, via Bluetooth technology, to know if one is in contact with a person diagnosed positive for the coronavirus for more than fifteen minutes and less than two meters away.
Read also: Covid-19: Portugal launches its tracking application on September 1
At the opening of the bathing season, the government also launched the
Info Praia
app
, which shows the occupancy rate of the country's beaches in real time.
At the entrance to each, illuminated signs indicate by a color code whether it is allowed to spread his towel there, depending on the crowd.
In addition, to better prepare for your stay at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, you are advised to regularly consult the
website of the French Embassy in Portugal,
the vacancesportugalcovid.com website, managed by the Franco-Portuguese association Cap Magellan. and also the “Re-open EU” platform of the European Commission.
Finally, in the event of symptoms on site, it is strongly recommended to contact the
emergency line of the Portuguese National Health Service
at 808 24 24 24.
Read also: Travel insurance: coronavirus, canceled plane ... six questions to ask yourself before going on vacation
