Portugal Remains Open To American Tourists Despite EU Recommendation

Portugal To Remain Open To American Tourists Despite EU Recommendation

Portugal has confirmed that leisure travel is still allowed for American visitors who can provide a negative COVID-19 test result at boarding and entry into the country despite the announcement of the European Council. 

“Portugal has confirmed that discretionary, non-essential travel is still allowed, provided visitors present a negative COVID-19 test result at boarding and entry into the country,” according to a press release from Visit Portugal, the country’s tourism authority.

Eased Restrictions for Unvaccinated Americans – 

On Wednesday, both Bulgaria and Portugal made important announcements for U.S. travelers. 

While Bulgaria decided to bar American visitors from entering, Portugal decided not only to remain open, but also to make travel easier for unvaccinated visitors. 

Under the previous protocols, Portugal demanded unvaccinated arrivals to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine, which made the trip inaccessible for tourists traveling on a budget.  

Portugal instead, has updated its travel policy to allow unvaccinated visitors from the U.S., Canada, UK, and a handful of other countries to also bypass quarantine. 

Beautiful beach and architecture in Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal
Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal

Brazil, EU, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and Singapore now belong to the exclusive list. 

Starting Sept. 1, travelers from all these countries will only need proof of a RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure.

This travel policy will be updated on a bi-weekly basis.

Azores and Madeira –

Travelers willing to visit these celebrated islands have different entry requirements. They must take another test upon arrival and quarantine for 24 hours until it returns positive.

Back in July, Prime Minister António Costa announced the country was moving towards “Total freedom,” forecasting that 70% of the Portuguese would be fully vaccinated by the end of summer 2021.

And he delivered. 

The latest national data report shows the government has been able to fully vaccinate 72% of its population and 80% of citizens have received at least one shot.

This makes Portugal the indisputable leader on the vaccination rate in the entire European Union.