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Variant Omicron and Covid-19: measures for traveling to Portugal this winter

2022-01-15T10:59:13.705Z


Faced with the spread of the Omicron variant, the government is extending the test obligation to be presented on arrival for travellers, including those vaccinated. On-site restrictions have eased since January 14, when bars reopened.


Portugal, one of the favorite European destinations of the French, remains largely open to visitors, vaccinated or not.

The Lusitanian State has gone into overdrive in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic with one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe (nearly 89% of the population had completed their vaccination schedule by January 12) and in adopting a set of preventive measures so that all economic activities, including tourism, function fully.

Read alsoWhere can we travel?

Our map of open countries and restrictions for French tourists

Despite this, the country has been imposing restrictions again, since late November, to contain an upsurge in cases.

And everything accelerated with the new strain Omicron.

Like other European countries, Portugal is seeing the number of cases soar.

Anxious to avoid the disaster scenario caused last winter by the Alpha variant, the government is maintaining its measures in force.

Small relaxation, however: bars and nightclubs reopened on January 14.

Their access remains conditional at least on the presentation of the health pass.

Read alsoNew rules for the health pass: what changes for your trips this January 15

On arrival in Portugal: vaccine, tests...

What formalities for the French?

The largest vaccinodrome in the country in Lisbon.

Installed in a vast pavilion of the main exhibition center of the capital, this infrastructure can administer up to 6,000 doses of anti-Covid vaccine each day.

PEDRO NUNES / REUTERS

Compulsory test

The country is open to international travelers, especially those from the Schengen area, such as the French.

All can enter Portugal, whatever the reason and whether or not they are vaccinated, subject to presenting proof of a

negative PCR result of a test

dating back less than 72 hours or of a rapid

antigen test

less than 48 hours old (no self-test).

Otherwise, they will be tested at their own expense on arrival.

Failure to present a document attesting to Covid negativity or refusal to submit to a test exposes you to a fine of 300 to 2000 euros.

Sanctions will apply to airlines that board passengers without proof of a negative test.

Children under 12 do not have to present a negative test result.

And also...

To mainland Portugal, whether arriving by air, sea or transit, all passengers must complete the Passenger Locator Form prior to departure.

Finally, the temperature is checked by thermal camera in all the airports of the country.

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.

Read alsoWeekend in Nazaré, in the footsteps of giant waves

What about Madeira and the Azores?

Madeira and the Azores require proof of

complete vaccination

(at least 14 days),

immunity

(certified by a positive PCR) or a

72-hour PCR

.

The temperature of each traveler is also taken on arrival.

In Madeira, arrivals must also complete an online form (epidemiological survey) via the madeirasafe.com platform.

In the Azores, a declaration must be completed on arrival.

Non-vaccinated persons must also undergo new tests on site on the 6th day if the stay exceeds 7 days.

Read alsoWhy Madeira is the ideal destination in winter

Sanitary pass, gauge in restaurants, curfews... What are the measures in force in Portugal?

The restrictions are real but they have been relaxed since January 14, when bars and nightclubs reopened.

Most activities are subject to the presentation of a negative test, such as access to cultural and sporting events without assigned seats.

But since January 10, those 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 compulsory outdoors, except when the social distance of two meters cannot be respected.

.

In Madeira and the Azores, proof of a negative antigen is required in bars, discos, 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 antigenic test of less than 72 hours is compulsory for non-vaccinated people aged 12 or over.

Attention, these tests are chargeable in Portugal: you will find the details of the prices in this article.

ON VIDEO – A cruise liner refused in an Argentinian port after the discovery of a case of covid-19.

This article originally published on October 27, 2021 is subject to regular updates.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2022-01-15

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