Portugal, one of the favorite European destinations for the French, remains widely open to visitors, vaccinated or not.
The Lusitanian state has worked hard to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic with one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe (nearly 89% of the population completed their vaccination schedule on January 12) and in adopting a set of preventive measures so that all economic activities, including tourism, function fully.
Despite this, the country had to reimpose restrictions at the end of November to cope with an upsurge in cases.
And everything accelerated with the new Omicron strain.
Like other European countries, Portugal sets new records for daily cases.
Anxious to avoid the disaster scenario caused last winter by the Alpha variant, the government has chosen to keep its measures in force.
A small relaxation, however: the reopening of bars and nightclubs on January 14, with health pass.
Read alsoWhere can we travel?
Our map of open countries and restrictions for French tourists
On arrival in Portugal: vaccine, tests ...
What formalities for the French?
The country's largest vaccinodrome in Lisbon.
Installed in a large pavilion in the capital's main exhibition center, this infrastructure can administer up to 6,000 doses of anti-Covid vaccine each day.
PEDRO NUNES / REUTERS
Mandatory test
The country is open to international travelers, especially those from the Schengen area, such as the French.
Anyone can enter Portugal, regardless of the reason and whether or not they are vaccinated, provided they show proof of a
negative PCR result from a test
older than 72 hours or from a rapid
antigenic test.
less than 48 hours old (no self-test).
Otherwise, they will be subject to a test at their expense upon arrival.
Failure to present a document attesting to COVID-19 negativity or refusal to submit to a test results in a fine of 300 to 2,000 euros.
Sanctions will apply to airlines that board passengers without proof of a negative test.
Children under 12 do not have to show a negative test result.
And also...
To mainland Portugal, whether arriving by air, sea or in transit, all passengers must complete the Passenger Location Form, prior to departure.
Finally, the temperature is controlled by thermal camera in all the country's airports.
By car, border controls between Portugal and Spain are lifted.
But in the other direction, Spain, it asks tourists to be provided with their health pass.
What about Madeira and the Azores?
Madeira and the Azores require proof of
full vaccination
(at least 14 days),
immunity
(confirmed by a positive PCR) or a
72-hour PCR
.
The temperature of each traveler is also recorded on arrival.
In Madeira, newcomers must also complete an online form (epidemiological survey) via the madeirasafe.com platform.
In the Azores, a declaration must be completed on arrival.
The non-vaccinated must also undergo further tests on site on the 6th day if the stay exceeds 7 days.
Read alsoWhy Madeira is the ideal destination in winter
Health pass, gauge in restaurants, curfews ... What are the measures in force in Portugal?
Reinforced measures are in effect until January 14.
Bars and nightclubs are closed, and most activities are subject to presentation of a negative test, such as accessing cultural and sporting events without assigned seats.
But since January 10, the vaccinated or cured no longer need to present a negative test to enter tourist establishments and local accommodation.
In addition, those who received a booster dose of vaccine more than 14 days ago are exempt from presenting a negative test to access places or activities that require it.
Wearing
a mask is compulsory
in:
Shops and services;
Public buildings or buildings open to the public;
The stages ;
Public transport and air transport.
Since September, wearing a mask is no longer mandatory outdoors, except when the social distancing of two meters can not be respected.
.
In Madeira and the Azores, proof of a negative antigen is required in bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cultural events.
On return to France: test of less than 24 hours necessary if you are not vaccinated
For the return to France, a PCR or antigen test of less than 72 hours is mandatory for unvaccinated 12 years of age or over.
Please note, these tests are not free in Portugal: you will find the price details in this article.
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This article originally published on October 27, 2021 has been updated.
