The decree-law will come into effect on 1 December as part of new national measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Among the changes foreseen is compliance with the rules applicable to air traffic and airports, as well as land, maritime and river traffic, namely with regard to the requirements of requesting and presenting the Covid Digital Certificate of the European Union and the passengers locator form (PLF).

The document also establishes the obligations to submit a PCR test or rapid antigen test with a negative result or mandatory confinement, on the part of passengers, airlines and ship owners of passenger ships or their legal representatives.

According to the decree-law, non-compliance with these obligations by individuals constitutes an administrative offence, sanctioned with a fine of between €300 and €800 when the person does not have proof of laboratory PCR test or a rapid antigen screening test for SARS-CoV-2 infection with a negative result, performed within 72 hours or 48 hours prior to boarding, respectively, when legally required or proof of completion of the PLF.

The airlines, the entities responsible for the management of airports or the owners of passenger ships or their respective legal representatives, as applicable, risk paying a fine of 20,000 to 40,000 for each passenger who boards without the required tests.

The decree-law also states that ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal must implement a system to verify the fulfilment of these obligations by passengers, namely, by professionals in the private security area allocated for the purpose.