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.

Throughout the pandemic, we have closely monitored 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 03 June.

Arrivals

Portugal is open for UK visitors and has been categorised as 'Amber' by the UK government. The requirements for travellers are detailed below:

• A PCR test taken within 72 hours of your departure from the UK. A negative test result is required in order to travel. At Sunvil, we have a partnership with Randox Health (one of the UK government's approved providers) and our travellers can purchase a test at a reduced rate - see below.
• A completed Passenger Locator Card questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed prior to departure. It is your responsibility to do so as will be any costs incurred for new flight tickets and amendments to your travel plans should the form not be submitted. Airlines are denying boarding to those who fail to provide evidence of their submission. You can find further information in our dedicated blog.
• A PCR, LAMP or Antigen test taken at a clinic within 72 hours of your return to the UK. This test is taken and payable locally - our team on the ground will provide the necessary information. A negative test result is required in order to travel. Further details can be found here.
• A completed UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
• PCR tests on return from travels as per the government's traffic light system. A 10-day period of self-isolation applies for all travellers returning from an Amber destination. In addition, a PCR test on/before Day 2 and on/after Day 8 is required. These tests must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form.

Testing providers

In UK tests:

At Sunvil, we have a partnership with Randox Health (one of the UK government’s approved providers) and our travellers can purchase tests at a reduced price:

Randox Health
Finsbury House
23 Finsbury Circus
London
EC2M 7EO
Website: https://www.randoxhealth.com
Tel: 0800 254 5130

• UK testing kits for travellers to Amber destinations: Pre-departure test, Day 2 and Day 8 test – quote SUNVIL2021 online at https://www.randoxhealth.com/amber-travel-pack/ – at a cost of £129.00.

With Randox, you will self-administer a swab test using the instructions in the test kit provided and send the test back to Randox using one of their local drop boxes or a courier. Once the test has been analysed you will be sent an electronic test certificate.

Full testing information and details of additional suppliers can be found here.

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.

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 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, and over the age of 5 in Madeira
• 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 cafes are open until 10.30pm. Gatherings are limited to 6 people per table indoors and 10 people per table outdoors. The use of facial cover is compulsory, except when eating or drinking. Alcoholic beverages can only be served until 9pm and only inside restaurants or on licenced terraces.

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.

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 all outdoor sports activities is permitted.

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