Portugal to Remove Testing Requirement for Vaccinated Travellers

Such a decision was confirmed by the government earlier this week, AtoZSerwisPlus.pt report.

Announcing the new relaxed entry rules that are soon to become effective, the government said that pre-entry tests would no longer be required from travellers who hold a valid EU COVID-19 Digital Certificate or any other proof of vaccination that is already recognised for travel.

This suggests that not only travellers from the European Union and Schengen Area but also those from third countries whose vaccination certificates are recognised in Portugal will be exempt from the testing requirement. Nonetheless, the government and the responsible ministry are yet to reveal further data regarding third-country nationals.

The authorities have not given any specific date on when the testing rule will be dropped. However, since the current entry requirements that the country has will remain effective until February 9, it is believed that the testing requirement will be removed during the upcoming days.

Currently, Portugal requires all travellers to present a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours or a PCR test taken within 72 hours before their arrival. The testing requirement applies to everyone, even to those who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from the virus.

Portugal’s decision to remove the testing requirement follows the recommendation of the EU Commission. The Commission advised all Member States to create a coordinated approach in order to make the travel process easier for those who have already been fully vaccinated or received an additional vaccine dose.

The World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that Portugal has reported 352,306 new infection cases in the last seven days.

As for the vaccination rates, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveals that 93.8 per cent of the entire adult population in Portugal has completed primary vaccination. In addition, 62.3 per cent have already received a booster shot.

Apart from Portugal, several other countries have also decided to relax their entry restrictions.

Greece has announced that travellers who hold an EU COVID Certificate will no longer be required to undergo testing. The decision was confirmed by the government.

Denmark has also lifted all of its travel restrictions. The authorities announced that they no longer require vaccination certificates when accessing bars, restaurants, and other venues. The requirement to keep a mask on has also been lifted.

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