Covid test for entry to Portugal

[DickB]

We plan to cross to Santander on 20 Jan, covid permitting, but enter Portugal around the end of the month when valid Covid tests will be required. Has anyone recently crossed into Portugal and had a test, or plans to do so soon and arranged a test locally?

My thought is to take lateral flow test kits from the UK and do the tests online and get the results just before the border, rather than try to get them somewhere in Spain.

Any info welcome.

Dick

[derek500]

Has it changed recently? I would have thought the NHS app with proof of vaccinations would be sufficient?

 

 

 

https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/covid-19/faqs/#1639672316270-c9906d6c-fb39

 

 

[Derek Uzzell]

This gov.uk webpage provides current advice on travelling to Portugal

 

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements

 

The webpage offers the following link

 

https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal

 

that goes into more detail and it might be worth browsing through the "FEEDBACK FROM USERS" comments. It's evident that there's some confusion over whether a test is required when a traveller has a 'fully vaccinated' health pass and - if a test is required - what the acceptability requirements are.

[DickB]

Many thanks for the responses. The need for a pre-entry test seems to be for those coming from a "red" country as designated by the EU. However, the maps show the UK as not defined so not a great help.

 

I think nearer the time a call to the Embassy is likely to be the best way to get a definitive answer.

 

Dick

[derek500]

Citizens from countries outside the EU and from EU countries considered to have a red or dark red risk level must present:

- EU Covid Digital Certificate in test or recovery modes, or

- Negative RT-PCR test performed in the last 72 hours, or

- Laboratorial Rapid negative antigen test performed within the last 48 hours.

 

Seems pretty clear to me that you will just need the digital certificate on the NHS app. It says 'or' not 'and'.

[cjrm1]

The NHS app may not be accepted as it is not an EU app. Does an NHS certificate upload to all euro apps - I know it works for the french app.

[derek500]

Taken from holiday company's website:-

 

All arrivals from the UK must show one of the following to enter Mainland Portugal:

 

Proof of full vaccination: If you’re fully vaccinated at least 14 days before your arrival, you’ll need to provide proof to enter Portugal. An NHS COVID Pass shows your COVID-19 vaccination details and will be accepted.

[Brian Kirby]

But see the "France banning Britons driving through?" string and attached warning re transiting France here: https://tinyurl.com/ycrn93wz

 

This is from Le Shuttle, but the new rules will apply equally to the ferries. If planning to visit France or transit France by road to visit other Schengen countries such as Portugal, unless your visit falls within the French Home Office definition of "Essential Travel", or unless you hold residency in France or another Schengen state, you will be turned back before entry by French border control. Clearly this is a fast changing situation, so further updates should be expected.