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Get in touchSunvil 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 Monday 16 November.
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.
All passengers are required to complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to departure. You can find further information in our dedicated blog.
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.
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:
Sunvil's team will advise any measures specific to your hotel of choice upon confirmation and with our travel documentation.
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.
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. Additional restrictions are currently in force in 191 high risk municipalities. 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:
Restaurants can remain open after 1pm for food delivery service only.
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.
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 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.
16th November 2020
Sunvil's holidays are designed by passionate travellers just like you. Our reservations experts and product teams, many of whom have been with us for many years, are passionate about our destinations and, through their personal, first-hand knowledge can answer any questions that you may have. They are well qualified to advise and recommend, based on your own holiday criteria. We can point you to those special, little-known places, some not found even in guidebooks.
Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on
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