Portugal has relaxed its health protocol, especially for its islands. Vaccinated French travelers no longer need to take a Covid-19 test to go to Madeira.
[Updated March 4, 2022 at 4:07 p.m.] One of France’s favorite European destinations, Portugal is easing its entry conditions for European travelers. Since February 7, visitors in “possession of an EU digital Covid certificate” are now exempt from presenting a negative test on their arrival in the territory. This is also the case for the island of Madeira: “Vaccinated French travelers no longer need to perform a COVID-19 test in order to enter the island. People without proof of vaccination or recovery are also allowed to enter the country without a test, but they must meet their airline’s requirements before initiating their journey.” Traveler registration on www.madeirasafe.com is always indicated by destination.
Since mid-January, the only presentation of the EU digital Covid certificate or proof of vaccination (full pattern), or a negative Covid test (including self-test) is required to access restaurants , tourist establishments and short-term tourist accommodation, cultural performances and gymnasiums. Nightclubs and bars will reopen on the same dates. However, the consumption of alcohol “on public roads and in outdoor places open to the public is prohibited, with the exception of restaurant terraces” as indicated by France Diplomatie.
Travelers with an EU Covid certificate can enter Portugal regardless of the reason for travel (mainland and islands) provided that the certificate in question indicates full vaccination, proven immunity or a negative PCR test result less than 48 hours. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from presenting this certificate. By land or sea, border controls between Portugal and Spain are lifted. France has announced that a PCR or antigen test of less than 24 hours is now mandatory for unvaccinated travelers returning from Portugal.
Travelers arriving in Portugal (mainland only, i.e. Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports) are required to have their temperature taken (via a thermal camera system) upon arrival at Portuguese airports (including those of the Islands of Madeira and the Azores), to fill in a form required by the Portuguese health authorities. This form is communicated to the traveler by the airline during the online check-in procedure, failing which, by the cabin crew during the flight.
To go on vacation to Portugal this winter, you will need to show proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old or an antigen test less than 48 hours old. Self-tests are not accepted. In force since July 1, the health passport facilitates airport checks. The QR code of the health pass allows its holder to scan it or present it in paper format to access the boarding of an aircraft.
Portugal has lifted the obligation to respect a quarantine for French travelers. Travelers from Cyprus, Croatia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Lithuania, South Africa, Brazil and India continue to be subject to the mandatory quarantine, which lasts for 14 days.
All local curfews have been lifted in Portugal. Supermarkets are open normal hours, as are high schools, universities, cinemas and theatres, and restaurants and bars.
Supermarkets have reopened, as have high schools, universities, cinemas and theaters, and restaurants and bars. It is now possible to sit four people around an indoor table under strict sanitary conditions (maximum 6 people inside and 10 on the terrace).
In Portugal, wearing a mask is compulsory in all enclosed public spaces.
Portugal has put in place a beach occupation plan to allow locals and tourists alike to find their way around: a distance of 3 meters will have to be respected between each family or group, and a gauge will have to be respected. In order not to travel for nothing, an “Info Praia” application allows you to have an overview of the occupation of the beaches in real time. The beaches will have an indicator: green, the beach is less than 33% occupied and accessible, yellow, it is still possible to move, red, the beach is full.
