Covid new travelling and general rules

The fifth Covid wave has already reached its peak on the 28^th January 2022, which leads to a new stage where specialists are comfortable to propose softer rules to control the pandemic in Portugal.

Actually, in line with the European Council recommendations, since the 7^th February, the Council of Ministers ruled that it is no longer mandatory to present a negative Covid test to enter national territory, as long as the traveller presents the digital Covid Certificate or a duly recognised vaccination proof.

In alternative, rapid antigen tests (TRA) for professional use to screen for SARS-CoV-2 infection must be carried out within 24 hours prior to the time of boarding.

As of the 17^th February, the Portuguese Council of Ministers also decided on the new general Covid measures:

• There is no need for contact risks to do isolation;
• There is no official recommendation to work from home;
• There are no seating limitations in all establishments, equipments or other open public sites;
• There is no need to present the digital Covid Certificate, unless for border control purposes;
• A negative test is no longer required to access events, sports venues, bars and clubs.

The following rules will continue to apply: Negative test (if the person does not hold a recovery certificate or vaccination certificate already with the booster dose):

• To visit elderly homes;
• To visit patients in healthcare facilities.

These new rules shall be measured every two weeks in order to evaluate the stress levels of the Healthcare system.

For more information please click here and here.