"The airport is a sensitive point of entry for people into Portugal and, instead of being seen as a threat, it should be seen as an opportunity to control the transmission chains of the virus in Portugal", said Bruno Castro, a doctor specialising in Public Health ARSLVT, at a press conference held at Humberto Delgado airport, in Lisbon.

Bruno Castro continued to explain the new rules due to the worsening epidemiological situation of Covid-19, mainly because of the new Ómicron variant, stressing that “all other procedures already in articulation will be reinforced, for this ultimate goal of not importing new transmission chains” of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“From 00:00, all citizens will have to present a test at the time of boarding. If this test is not presented, the passenger may not board and airlines will be subject to fines. There is also a recommendation to fill in the Passenger Locator Form for faster and more efficient action by the health authorities”, he declared.

In addition to airlines, which can incur a fine of between €20,000 and €40,000 per passenger, travellers are also subject to administrative offenses for not presenting a test upon arrival, which can range from €300 to €800.

Travelling to Portugal by plane, land or sea

From December 1st

Mandatory negative test for all flights arriving in Portugal, even for those who have a digital vaccination certificate, regardless of the point of origin of the flight or the passenger's nationality.

RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) - 72h before boarding, or Rapid Antigen Test - 48h before boarding.

A valid EU Digital COVID Certificate, or a valid recovery certificate issued by a third country, under reciprocal conditions: Albania, Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Israel, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Monaco, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine, The Vatican.

Children under 12 do not need to present a test.

All passengers need to fill a Passenger Locator Card (individually) before departure to Portugal or on board at https://portugalcleanandsafe.pt/en/passenger-locator-card