Portugal is ready to scrap entry test requirements

Travellers will soon not need to provide COVID-19 test results when visiting Portugal, as the country plans to scrap entry test requirements.

Portugal is one of Europe’s best-loved tourism destinations. The country is frequented by many South Africans since South Africa is home to a large Portuguese-speaking community, many of whom have roots in Portugal.

Portugal has been off-limits to South Africans for an extended period, due to strict entry requirements for nationals from countries that were classified as high-risk areas. With the world seemingly getting a grip on how to handle the pandemic, a number of countries are now opening their borders and relaxing entry restrictions.

In the past few weeks, a slew of countries announced plans to reopen or relax border restrictions. These include places that have maintained some of the strictest pandemic-related border controls in the world including Australia and New Zealand.

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PORTUGAL’S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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

The Portuguese authorities have confirmed that the country will lift the requirement to present a negative COVID-19 test result taken before arrival.

According to Schengenvisainfo, new relaxed entry rules will soon come into effect. Portuguese authorities said that pre-entry tests would no longer be required from travellers who hold a valid EU COVID-19 Digital Certificate or any other recognised proof of vaccination.

TEST-FREE ENTRY TO PORTUGAL

Portugal’s decision to remove the testing requirement follows the recommendation of the EU Commission, which 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.

This suggests that not only travellers from the European Union and Schengen Area but also those from other countries whose vaccination certificates are recognised in Portugal will be exempt from test requirements.

Portuguese authorities are yet to announce further data regarding entry requirements for third-country nationals.

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By: Lorne Philpot