The Portuguese Council of Ministers declared this week that the government would relax some of the COVID-19 limitations that have been placed on it. Mariana Vieira da Silva, Cabinet Minister, made the announcement during a press conference. “This is another another step in the direction of a return to normalcy.”
The following limitations are being relaxed:
the necessity of a negative test for entry into major events is being eliminated.
The obligation to show a vaccination or recovery certificate while entering pubs, restaurants, and other public places is being phased out.
The obligation to provide a PCR test or vaccination certificate in hotels is being phased out.
Choosing to work from home will no longer be advised
The cabinet member also claimed that there are intentions to lift all COVID-19 limitations by the middle of March, which represents a significant departure from Portugal’s position for most of this epidemic. She went on to remark, “It is not yet the right time to declare the epidemic over…but this is a very critical turning point in history.”
Prior to this change, Portugal was considered to be one of the most restrictive nations in Europe when it came to limitations. A vaccine passport was necessary for nearly everything, and attendance at big events like as sporting events and concerts necessitated a complete vaccination as well as a negative test result.
As a result of this change, Americans will be able to go to Portugal once again.
Portugal does not presently recognize the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) white cards as adequate evidence of immunization. When the government loosened its entrance rules, it made it a point to exclude the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) card.
To put it another way, before yesterday, visitors from the United States would have required a fresh negative test every few days during their whole stay in Portugal. While the criterion for a negative test at the point of entry remains in effect, Americans are now able to stay in hotels and dine in restaurants without having to present evidence of a negative test on a consistent basis.
Portugese citizens are among the world’s most vaccinated, with 90 percent of the population having had all of their vaccinations. As Omicron spread throughout the country in recent months, the government was forced to reintroduce some of its most stringent pandemic measures. Eventually, these constraints will be lifted, and we will be able to relax.
For visitors from both the United States and the United Kingdom, Portugal is an excellent choice. There is a strong desire for the tourist business to return to normality as a result of the tight pandemic restrictions in place at the moment. There are several flights every week to and from Lisbon and Porto, as well as some new direct flights to Madeira, among other destinations.
Due to a change in the international approach to COVID, Portugal will be joining a growing number of other European countries in removing entrance criteria from their national laws.
Americans who have received vaccinations may now go to:
All of this without having to take an test! More European countries have declared that they will be joining this organization in the near future.
Allow me to share my thoughts on how amazing Portugal has become as a destination for visitors and digital nomads alike now that we will be allowed to go there again. Throughout the year, the nation provides pleasant weather, delectable food, and a relatively affordable cost of living (ranging between $1,000 and $1,500 per month). Portugal is one of the top 20 nations in the world for having the quickest internet access, making it an excellent location for working online.
Residents of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are permitted to remain in the country without a visa for up to 90 days during a six-month period. Long-term resident permits for Americans are also available in Portugal, which is among the most competitive in the world. Additionally, after 5 years, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship. Those who are considering living abroad in the United States should certainly check into the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa programs.