According to the MAI, 41 airlines were also fined for boarding these passengers without a negative test.

The Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) told the Lusa agency that, between December 1 and January 10, the PSP and SEF inspected 1,460,089 passengers and 13,866 flights, which resulted in 2,245 offences.

Of the 2,245 infraction notices, 1,465 were raised by the PSP, which controls passengers from flights originating in the Schengen area (European area of ​​free movement of people), and 780 by SEF, which inspects travellers from countries outside the Schengen area.

Since December 1, 2021, all passengers arriving in Portugal by air are required to present a negative test or a recovery certificate upon disembarkation.

Passengers on domestic flights, children under 12 years of age and crews are exempt from the obligation of testing, PCR or rapid.

Airlines that carry passengers without a negative test incur a fine of between 20,000 and 40,000 euros per passenger and travellers are also subject to a fine, between 300 and 800 euros, for not presenting a test on arrival.

The MAI also states that the 2,245 administrative offenses include eight foreigners who were refused entry into the country because they did not present a test on arrival, since only Portuguese citizens and residents can complete the test at the airport.

MAI data also show that 2,266 diagnostic tests were carried out at airports for passengers who entered the country without this document.

At land borders, also since December 1, citizens of countries outside the European Union and EU countries considered to be at red or dark red risk need a negative test or a recovery certificate.

Citizens from EU countries considered to be at low or moderate risk must have a vaccination, test or recovery certificate to enter Portugal.

The GNR and the Foreigners and Borders Service carried out 15,022 random surveillance operations at land borders until January 10 to ensure tests for Covid-19, according to the MAI.

Within the scope of these operations, 88,104 inspections were carried out on light and goods vehicles, motorcycles, trains, buses, which gave rise to 36 administrative offense notices for lack of a test or recovery certificate.

MAI also mentions that 526 diagnostic tests were carried out at land borders.

Control at the border areas will last until February 9.