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 Thursday 20 August.

Arrivals

Portugal was removed from the UK's quarantine list on Thursday 20 August, and is open for visitors.

Travellers from the UK will 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’.

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 mandatory on public transport, in shops and supermarkets, in closed spaced and in places with many people
• 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 (1.5-2 metres) and the use of face masks within indoor public spaces.

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

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