The Coronavirus | Portugal

This document contains the latest information about the protocols, preventative measures and changes adopted in Portugal in response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Sunvil has offered holidays to Portugal since 1984, and, in keeping with our ethos, focuses on the lesser-known regions of the country. From the Algarve in the south to the border with Galicia in the north, we have selected destinations and properties full of charm, authenticity and character. Our desire is that you have a personal and enriching holiday experience.

Since lockdown was announced, and before, we have been closely monitoring government guidance, regional policies and have maintained a continuous dialogue with our colleagues in Portugal. Below we have highlighted the facts and guidelines relating to accommodation, shops and services. It is important to note that guidelines are being updated daily and you should contact us should you have any specific questions or concerns.

This document was updated on Tuesday 05 January.

Arrivals

IMPORTANT: Mainland Portugal has been removed from the UK's travel corridor. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office currently advise all but essential travel to the country. Since 01 January, Portugal's border is only open to UK residents travelling for essential purposes.

All passengers are required to complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to departure. You can find further information in our dedicated blog.

Travellers to Portugal are required to undergo a PCR swab test for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) 72 hours prior to departure and the negative test result presented at check-in. Airlines are likely to deny boarding without this test result.

Travellers from the UK will also be subject to health screening on arrival. Your temperature will be checked and if it is 38C or higher or you show signs of being unwell, you will be referred to the health authorities at the airport. You may be required to take a Covid-19 test and to self-isolate at your accommodation until the test results are known. All arrivals into Portugal are given a leaflet about the measures adopted by the country and what they should do if they start displaying symptoms.

In addition to the 'Clean and Safe' stamp of approval detailed below, Portugal was also the first country to be awarded the WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council) Global Safety Stamp, 'Safe Travels'. This stamp is designed to enable travellers to recognise governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please also ensure that you are familiar with the new rules for travel within Europe from 01 January 2021. A synopsis of the changes can be found in our dedicated blog.

All arrivals into Portugal are given a leaflet about the measures adopted by the country and what they should do if they start displaying symptons. Airports are using temperature screening. 

Face masks

• The use of face masks is obligatory in enclosed spaces. Recommended use of face masks when outside especially if social distancing of 2m can’t be maintained
• Face masks are mandatory for everyone over the age of 10 on all forms of public transport and private hire vehicles
• Surgical masks are required to be changed every four hours

Accommodation

Turismo de Portugal have introduced a ‘Clean and Safe’ stamp of approval for handling visitors during the Coronavirus pandemic. This identifies tourist accommodation and activities which are compliant with the hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of Covid-19 and other possible infections, as identified by the Portuguese DGS - Directorate-General for Health.

Further information on the measures to be adopted by accommodation can be found below and in this link:

• Social distancing within the hotel and its grounds
• Perspex screens at reception desks
• Later check-in/earlier check-out to allow for enhanced cleaning
• Use of face masks by customer facing personnel
• Breakfasts to be served (no buffet)
• Reduced guest capacity

Sunvil's team will advise any measures specific to your hotel of choice upon confirmation and with our travel documentation.

Transfers and car hire

In addition to protocols for accommodation, the Portuguese DGS - Directorate-General for Health has also established measures for the transportation of visitors. Sunvil and our local partners have adopted these measures and made the necessary plans for those travelling with us.

• Transfer vehicles will be cleaned between each service
• A private taxi transfer can accommodate a maximum of 2 adult passengers (three if from the same family group) per vehicle
• Transfer vehicles will travel with a window open to ensure the vehicle is continuously ventilated
• It is important to note that all passengers will be required to wear face masks during their journey and that in some instances guests will be required to load/unload their luggage from the vehicle

• Hire cars will be deep-cleaned prior to all rentals

Services

Shopping malls, childcare centres, gyms, cinemas, theatres and other cultural venues have reopened across most of the country, but with capacity restrictions, social distancing (2 metres) and the use of face masks within indoor public spaces.

Restaurants and cafe bars are only permitted to serve alcohol outside, after 8pm, when accompanied by food. Restaurants must close at 1am and there is a limit of 6 on group bookings

There is a limit of 4 on the number of people gathering in cafes and food courts, unless they belong to the same family unit.

In public spaces there is a limit of 5 persons gathering.

Contactless payments (no cash) are mandatory across the country.

Additional measures in some municipalities 
Measures are in place throughout Portugal to control the spread of the virus. These measures differ according to the level of risk in each municipality. There are four levels of risk: moderate, high, very high and extremely high. Check the level of risk in your municipality here and use this tool (in Portuguese) on the Portuguese government’s website to confirm the measures in place in each municipality.

Limitations include self isolation from 11pm to 5am and closing of trade from 1pm - opening at 8am except for the following establishments: 

• Clinics and surgeries
• Pharmacies
• Petrol stations
• Grocery stores

Restaurants can remain open after 1pm for food delivery service only.

Beaches

Access to the beach will be subject to occupancy restrictions as will be indicated to users as detailed below. If a red sign is displayed the beach has reached capacity and new visitors are not permitted.

• Green: low occupancy (1/3)
• Yellow: high occupancy (2/3)
• Red: full occupancy (3/3)

The practice of sports activities with 2 or more people is not allowed (eg. ball games, rackets, etc.), except for nautical activities, surf lessons and similar sports.

The information will be updated in real time on the “Info Praia” app and on the website of the Portuguese Environment Association - www.apambiente.pt

Sunvil's support

Sunvil’s destination specialists have toured Portugal and know the country inside out. The team consisting of Rosanna, Michelle, Yasmin, Cristiana, Alison and Bekki, are supported in-country by our local agent. We operate a 24-hour emergency telephone number and are also on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Useful links

• A country by country overview can be found at reopen.europa.eu/en
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice for Portugal
• Coronavirus specific travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office