Authorised air travel to Portugal

21 May 2021

Currently, till 30th May, as defined in Resolution of the Council of Ministers n.º 59-B/2021, several restrictive measures of air traffic to and from mainland Portugal, are in force.


Therefore, the following air traffic is authorised:


  • Every flight from and to the European Union countries, and from the Schengen Associated Countries (Lichtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland) as well as to and from the UK. Travelling from Cyprus, Croatia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Sweden (countries with an incidence rate of 500 cases or more per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days) is only allowed for essential reasons.


  • Every flight from countries with a positive epidemiological assessment, according to Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 of the Council, of 30 June 2020, and amendments thereto (Australia, China, South Korea, New Zealand, Ruanda, Singapore, Thailand and special autonomous regions – Hong Kong, Macau).


  • Every flight from and to non-EU countries or which are not Schengen Associated Countries, exclusively for essential travelling, which means those to allow the transit or entry into Portugal of citizens travelling for professional reasons, study, family reunification, for health or humanitarian reasons.


  • Flights supporting the return of nationals or holders of a residence permit in mainland Portugal, as well as of humanitarian nature, which have been recognised by the competent services at the foreign affairs area and by the competent authorities in civil aviation, and as such, flights dedicated to the return of foreign nationals staying in Portugal to their home countries, as long as such flights are promoted by the competent authorities of such countries, as per request and previous agreement, and within the principle of reciprocity.


Nevertheless, State of Calamity continues to be into force, which makes these important recommendations still ruling:

  • Mandatory use of mask, even outdoors, whenever a distance of 2m is not possible;
  • Stay at home whenever possible;
  • Maintain social interactions to a minimum;


Source: SEF - Immigration and Borders Service and the Portuguese Government

by Luís Maria Branco 31 October 2025
Luís Maria Branco | Lawyer
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