From the glistening Algarve to the tiled streets of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal is a go-to for many British holidaymakers seeking the sun. With entry requirements updating frequently, you'll need to keep an eye on the latest rules.
If you are vaccinated here are the steps you need to follow to meet the entry requirements for mainland Portugal (there are slightly different rules between mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores), as well as when returning to the UK.
- STEP 1 -Complete an online passenger locator card within four days of travel to Portugal.
- STEP 2 -Show evidence that you are fully vaccinated or an eligible COVID-19 recovery certificate (if you catching Covid after your first dose meant you were unable to have a second dose of the vaccine in time to travel).
- STEP 3-As of 18 March, you no longer need to test, fill out a passenger locator form or quarantine to enter the UK.
Read on to find out what evidence you need to show at the airport on arrival in Portugal, which tests you need to return to the UK and which rules children need to follow around vaccination and testing and at what age.
All remaining travel restrictions for UK arrivals, including passenger locator forms, are to be dropped. Find outwhen the UK's travel rules change.
What are Portugal's entry rules?
Fully vaccinated passengers
STEP 1:Up to four days before your flight you need to fill in Portugal's online passenger locator card. This includes detail of your travel to and from Portugal and where you will be staying while in the country. Once you have submitted it, you'll receive a notification which you can either print out or display on email to your airline and on arrival in Portugal.
STEP 2:Make sure you can prove you're fully vaccinated with a second dose no longer than 270 days ago (or additional evidence of a booster). Children aged 11 and under do not need to take a test or show proof of vaccination or recovery.
STEP 3:As of 18 March, you no longer need to test, fill out a passenger locator form or quarantine to enter the UK.
Unvaccinated passengers
STEP 1:Up to four days before your flight you need to fill in Portugal's online passenger locator card - as above.
STEP 2: You need to present a negative Covid-19 test to travel to Portugal. This can either be alateral flow test taken within 48 hours of entry or a PCR test taken within 72 hours of entry. However, these cannot be self-administered tests and must be carried out by trained healthcare professionals. Or, show evidence via the NHS App that you recovered from COVID-19 no less than 11 days and no more than 180 days before travelling.
STEP 3:As of 18 March, you no longer need to test, fill out a passenger locator form or quarantine to enter the UK.
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Travelling with children to Portugal
Children aged 11 and under do not need to show proof of a negative Covid test to enter Portugal.
Are Covid-19 tests required to enter bars, hotels, clubs and restaurants?
It depends where you travel to. In mainland Portugal restrictive measures relating to venues have been lifted - you no longer need to show negative Covid-19 test to enter accommodation, tourist establishments and restaurants. Adults and children over the age of 11 will, however, need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to enter medical facilities, retirement homes and nursing homes.
In Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores there are still measures in place requiring proof of vaccination, negative Covid test results or proof of recovery to enter a range of establishments, including nightclubs and sporting venues. Check the full restrictions for each area on the FCDO's Portugal travel advice pages.
Book with peace of mind - find travel companies with the best flexible booking policies.
I'm unvaccinated. How will these rules affect my holiday?
Restrictions on entering hospitality venues, including hotels, are likely to make holidaying in Portugal expensive. If your trip is unable to go ahead because of the rule changes, it's worth reaching out to your holiday company to discuss your options. Decent package companies, like those withflexible booking policies, may allow you to cancel or rebook your trip in certain circ*mstances.
What are the rules for Madeira and the Azores?
Before travelling to Madeira you'll need to submit a traveller questionnaire on the Madeira Safe travellers platform and download a QR code to present on arrival (regardless of age). Currently there are no further requirements for travel to Madeira.
If travelling to the Azores, you'll need to fill out a passenger locator form (regardless of age). In contrast to entering Madeira though, you will need to show valid proof of vaccination or a valid Covid-19 test carried out under medical supervision. Test results aren't needed for those aged 11 and under.
These rules could change with little notice, so keep an eye on the Madeira Tourist Board website and the Azores' information pages respectively.
