From the glistening Algarve to the tiled streets of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal is a go-to for many British holidaymakers seeking the sun. But 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.
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.
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Before you go: 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: You will need to fill in the UK’s passenger locator form up to 48 hours before you travel back. You airline will need to see this before it allows you to board the plane.
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 a lateral 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: Take a pre-departure lateral flow test which is to be taken within the two days before you travel back to the UK.
STEP 4: You need to book your day 2 test before you return to the UK as your airline will ask for the code provided to you by the test company before you board the plane.
STEP 5: You will need to fill in the UK’s passenger locator form up to 48 hours before you travel back. You airline will need to see this before it allows you to board the plane.
STEP 6: If you test positive or the result is unclear, you must self-isolate.
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Traveling with children to Portugal
Children aged 11 and under do not need to show proof of a negative Covid test to enter Portugal.
Covid-19 tests required to enter bars, hotels, clubs and restaurants
Unvaccinated individuals are required to present a negative Covid-19 test to enter accommodation, tourist establishments and restaurants – a rule which could add serious expense for those with holidays planned. Those who are fully vaccinated can show proof of inoculation.
To enter bars and clubs you need to be fully jabbed plus your booster dose otherwise you will need to show proof of recent recovery or a negative test.
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 with flexible booking policies, may allow you to cancel or rebook your trip in certain circumstances.
What are the rules for Madeira and the Azores?
Before traveling to Madeira you’ll need to submit a traveler questionnaire on the Madeira Safe travelers platform and download a QR code to present on arrival (regardless of age).
You also need to either prove you are fully vaccinated, or present the results of a negative Covid antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure. This cannot be a self-administered test, it must have been carried out by a trained healthcare professional.
If traveling 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 negative results of a Covid-19 test even if you are vaccinated. 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. In both bases, children under 12 are exempt.