Last week Portugal announced that it dropped all Covid travel restrictions for travelers from all countries, regardless of whether they are nationals of EU or non-EU visitors. The country no longer requires proof of vaccination or tests.
The new rules came into effect immediately, according to the Visit Portugal website Rules include the Azores and Madeira. Measures could be reviewed “in accordance to the evolution of the pandemic”.
“As of July 1, 2022, passengers entering national territory are no longer required to present proof of carrying out a test to screen for SARS-CoV-2 infection with a negative result or to present a COVID-EU digital certificate or vaccination or recovery certificate issued by third countries, accepted or recognized in Portugal,” Visit Portugal said in an official statement.
Visiting hotels, restaurants, and events is possible without the need to show any COVID-19 documentation. But wearing a face mask remains mandatory when using public transport, taxis, and other means of transportation. Also, the requirement to wear a face mask remains mandatory for those entering nursing homes and other health facilities.
In Portugal, tourism and all travel-related revenues account for about 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. The tourism sector is also a key source of employment and a big component of exports services.
With these new rules, Portugal entered the club of Western European countries that ended travel restrictions. The group of countries includes Austria, Greece, and Croatia. France, Malta, the Netherlands, and Spain are keeping some restrictions for non-vaccinated travelers. A valid vaccination, recovery, or PCR test certificate is required when entering France, Malta, and Spain. In the Netherlands, only tourists who hold a vaccination or recovery certificate are allowed to enter the country.
The news comes as many major US airlines are facing problems related to delays, cancellations and oversold flights in airports across the country.