Portugal Opens to American Travelers with Negative COVID-19 Test

Another marquee European destination has opened its borders to tourists. 

Portugal reopened to travelers from the United States with proof of a negative COVID-19 test on June 15, according to the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Portugal.

Every passenger must submit a negative SARSCoV-2 lab result of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), for example, a PCR test, performed in the last 72 hours or a rapid antigen test (TRAg), performed within 24 hours of boarding, according to the embassy. Children 24 months old and under are exempt from the new policy.

This measure will be reviewed every two weeks and currently expires at midnight on June 27 unless renewed.

COVID-19 restrictions are still in place around Portugal. Social distancing measures are enforced, as is the use of masks in closed public spaces.

Cinemas, theaters, museums, conference centers, and cultural centers open to the public, though are operating at a limited capacity. Cafés and restaurants must limit tables to 6 inside and 10 outside. They are permitted to be open until 1 a.m.

Additionally, anyone 12 and older who wants to travel to the Azores (even from within Portugal) must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their departure to the islands, show proof they contracted the virus and recovered, or get tested upon arrival and isolate until a negative result is available. Travelers then have to get tested again on the sixth day of their trip.

Those headed to Madeira must also show proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of their trip, show proof they are vaccinated, or show proof they contracted the virus and recovered.

Portugal’s opening comes just over a week after neighboring Spain started welcoming vaccinated American tourists, requiring them to test negative for the coronavirus in addition to showing proof of their vaccination.