Portugal eases coronavirus entry restrictions for vaccinated people

Travellers who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or have recently recovered from infection will from Monday no longer have to provide evidence of a recent negative test when entering Portugal.

Proof of full vaccination in accordance with European Union rules will suffice, following a decision taken last week by the government of Prime Minister António Costa.

Alternatively, a certificate showing the bearer has recovered from Covid-19 within the past six months will suffice.

The previous regulation, imposed from December 1, required all visitors to the popular tourist destination aged 12 and older to provide evidence of a recent test. Lisbon imposed it on declaring a national emergency as case numbers soared.

The emergency will remain in force until at least March 22. It imposes a vaccinated, recovered or tested requirement for all those entering hotels, restaurants and other facilities.

A Covid-19 hotspot

Despite a high vaccination rate, Portugal remains a coronavirus hotspot, with the seven-day incidence rate for new infections measured recently at more than 2,800 per 100,000 residents.

The comparative rate for Spain is 824.

Nevertheless, Portugal's health authorities report that the country's hospitals are coping well with current admission rates.