News Dispatch: Travel to Lisbon, Portugal
Welcome to Lokal Amico’s blog! This page is a collection of travel guidelines and link resources on travelling to Lisbon, Portugal. In light of surging cases this fall, and despite Portugal's highly successful vaccine rollout (86% of citizens have been vaccinated), some mandates and even talks of another lockdown may be put in place by December.
This is developing news. The last update of this article was on 23 November 2021.
The vibrant neighbourhoods in Lisbon
The New York Times even reported last October that “almost no one is left to vaccinate” in Portugal; however, the government is preparing to help slow down the COVID Delta variant.
The vaccine program, on the other hand, means that new restrictive measures may not be as rigid as before. The prime minister warned of restrictions as the Christmas season begins but does not consider imposing another state of emergency.
It is expected that mask-wearing will be compulsory even for outdoor settings. Currently, wearing masks is simply recommended for gatherings, especially where social distancing is impossible.
As of 19 November 2021, the country is open for tourism, requiring only an EU Digital COVID certificate for those coming into mainland Portugal by plane or ship. The certificate provides a standardised status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result
This requirement applies to EU and Schengen-associated citizens plus arrivals from several other countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Chile, South Korea, Jordan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uruguay, UAE, and Hong Kong.
Alternatively, a negative result of either PCR test, with the test taken within 72 hours of boarding their plane or ship, or an antigen test taken within 48 hours before boarding.
Travellers from high-risk countries must additionally complete a 14-day isolation period after entry to mainland Portugal, at a place determined by health authorities.
Children under 12 years are not required to have a test, but all travellers must complete a passenger locator card. Visitors getting into Portugal by road or train are not subject to any entry restrictions.
Please check these resources for up-to-date requirements at the time of your visit:
Lisbon’s official tourism website - with official emergency numbers and resources
Travel between EU countries: The European Commission
Once in Portugal and you’re experiencing symptoms for COVID-19 please contact the National Health Number:
(+351) 808 24 24 24 (option 9 for English)
What to expect?
As of 22 November 2021, Lisbon is one of only 2 regions (the other being Vale de Tejo) in Portugal that has a slightly lower number of new COVID cases than the national average.
For visitors already in Portugal, Turismo de Portugal implemented a seal called “Clean & Safe” that certifies that accommodation establishments and attractions have followed government standards ensuring greater security and confidence for patrons.
Even so, everyone is still mandated to use a face mask on public transport, public events, concert halls, large commercial establishments, and at health centres. Employees in bars, clubs, and restaurants are required to wear face masks.
Public transport operates at regular capacity now. Cars and taxis can also be used by mixed households.
The EU COVID Digital Certificate is no longer required at restaurants, which can service at 100% capacity. However, the certificate is still required at bars and discos, and cultural, sport, or corporate events.
You can show a negative COVID test result recognized by the Portuguese government if you don’t have the EU COVID Digital Certificate.
Important Note:
LokalAmico is not an official source for information on COVID + travel. We strongly encourage you to always check your destination’s government resources online for the latest regulations in force.
