Traveling Information about Portugal COVID-19

Implemented measures during the outbreak of COVID-19
[Updated on 16 April. State of Emergency in force until 30 April.]

During the outbreak of pneumonia by the new Coronavirus – COVID-19 the Portuguese government has been taking all necessary public health measures to protect the entire population. The analysis of the evolution of the outbreak is constant and implementation of new measures will be carried out whenever necessary.

General behavior guidelines were enacted, in which all people must adopt the following rules:
– Social distancing;
– Frequent hand washing;
– Mandatory use of mask;
– Respiratory etiquette.

In order to prevent the spread of the virus and the possibility of contagion, all services should take hygiene and sanitisation measures according to the indications of the Directorate-General for Health, with specific recommendations for various sectors of activity.  In tourism, the “Clean & Safe” seal, defined by Turismo de Portugal, was implemented, which allows tourists to have greater security and confidence in the use of accommodation establishments, in the various tourist services and tourist attractions.

In the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores, both regional governments have enacted some specific measures.

National measures –  https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/ (in Portuguese)
Azores –  www.visitazores.com / https://destinoseguro.azores.gov.pt
Madeira – www.visitmadeira.pt / www.madeira.gov.pt/Covid19 / https://covidmadeira.pt

You can get updated information on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal at WHO – World Health Organization (https://covid19.who.int/region/euro/country/pt) or at DGS – Portuguese General Directorate of Health (https://covid19.min-saude.pt/).

Before travelling, visitors should obtain and confirm information about procedures and restrictions in the countries of origin and destination, from the airline company and from the foreign and border services.

The State of Emergency was decreed until 30 April. The liftting of lockdown restrictions will take place in 4 phases, which may be reviewed every 15 days according to the epidemiological evolution.
Check the list of restrictions at EstamosOn (in Portuguese).

• General lockdown
  There will be a general duty of home retreat. It will not be allowed to circulate in public spaces and roads, with the exception of authorized travel on which the following stand out:
  – acquisition of essential goods and services;
  – access to public services;
  – professional activities (if accompanied by a statement);
  – health reasons;
  – assistance to vulnerable people;
  – school attendance;
  – participation in religious ceremonies;
  – short walks for physical activity, individually or with members of the same household;
  – pet walk;
  – travelling necessary to enter or leave the mainland, including those necessary to travel to and from the plece of accommodation;
  – homecoming within the framework of permitted situations;
  – refuelling at petrol stations as part of permitted journeys.
• 1st Phase
  Restrictions lifted on March 15 but maintained until April 30 in the municipalities of Moura, Odemira, Portimão and Rio Maior
  – Opening of commercial establishments until 9:00 pm on working days and until 1:00 pm on weekends and public holidays, for home delivery, door-to-door delivery of goods or collection of products purchased by means of remote communication (click and collect);
  – Food stores open until 9 p.m. on working days and until 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays;
  – The sale of take-away drinks is allowed in restaurants and similar establishments, but the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m;
  – Fairs and food markets are allowed, with the authorization of the city council;
  – Opening of bookstores, libraries and archives;
  – Opening of parks, gardens, green spaces and leisure areas;
  – The time restriction is not applicable to accommodation units, local accommodation, rent-a-car and establishments located inside airports after the passenger security check.
  – In hotel bars and restaurants, operation is permitted for the purpose of room-service or take-away.
  Portuguese citizens are allowed to travel outside the mainland, by road, rail, air, river or sea.
• 2nd Phase
  Restrictions lifted on April 5 but maintained until April 30 in the municipalities of Alandroal, Albufeira, Carregal do Sal, Figueira da Foz, Marinha Grande and Penela
  – Opening of museums, monuments, palaces, art galleries and similar;
  – Opening of shops up to 200 m2 with a door to the street;
  – Non-food fairs and markets allowed upon municipal decision;
  – Opening of terraces (groups of maximum 4 people allowed);
  – Physical activity and outdoor training up to 4 people;
  – Opening of swimming pools;
  – Opening of golf courses.
• 3rd Phase
  From April 19, except in the municipalities of Moura, Odemira, Portimão and Rio Maior (maintain restrictions of the 1st phase), Alandroal, Albufeira, Carregal do Sal, Figueira da Foz, Marinha Grande and Penela (maintain restrictions of 2nd phase)
  – Opening of cinemas, theatres, auditoriums, concert halls;
  – Opening of all shops and shopping centres;
  – Opening of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries until 10 pm on working days and until 1 pm on weekends and public holidays. Groups of 4 people are allowed inside or 6 people on terraces;
  – Physical activity and outdoor training up to 6 people;
  – Outdoor events allowed with reduced attendance.
• 4th Phase
  From the 3rd of May
  – Opening of restaurants, cafés, and pastry shops with no time limit. Groups of 6 people are allowed inside or 10 people on terraces;
  – Large outdoor and indoor events allowed with reduced occupancy.