This week, there is one less barrier to enjoying a vacation in Portugal.
When arriving in the popular tourist site, visitors who are completely vaccinated will no longer be required to demonstrate a negative Covid-19 test result, as was previously the case.
On Monday, February 7, the new law went into force, and it applies to travelers who possess a valid EU Covid Cert or other evidence of vaccination.
Travelers who have recovered from Covid-19 within the preceding 180 days, or who have had a negative test result within 72 hours before boarding, may also be admitted.
The temporary pre-departure testing requirement was imposed in Portugal late last year in an attempt to curb the spread of Omicron, in a manner similar to that of Ireland.
In conjunction with the relaxation of travel testing requirements for a number of major tourist locations, it has been eliminated.
In the case of Italy, the country’s pre-departure testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers was abolished effective February 1. According to the travel warning department of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Greece followed suit this week.
The official Greek travel website, on the other hand, continues to use outdated information.
The European Union and the European Economic Area have announced that Sweden will lift entry restrictions for travelers from the EU and the European Economic Area starting on Wednesday, February 9. Morocco has reopened to fully vaccinated visitors following a lengthy travel ban, and Australia plans to reopen to fully vaccinated tourists on February 21.
Following the Omicron wave, Irish airlines and travel agencies have reported a “rebound” in bookings and greater client trust, which has prompted the broad relaxation of restrictions.
Moreover, it is in accordance with a recent EU regulation change that, from February 1, limits the validity of the EU Covid Cert as evidence of vaccination for travel-related reasons to up to 270 days after the end of a primary vaccination course.
If travelers can demonstrate that they have received a booster dosage, however, there is no time restriction.
The EU hopes that its new guidelines would make travel easier for individuals by enabling those who have evidence of immunization, recovery, or a negative test to move freely without having to undergo quarantine or extra testing in their destination country.
The regulations, on the other hand, are not legally binding, and tourists should be aware of small variances in the rules depending on where they are traveling.
Austria, for example, demands that all vaccinated entrants who have not been boosted provide a negative PCR test result before entering the country. It is also possible that the requirements for youngsters will differ depending on their age group.
Passengers having a valid EU Covid Cert who are traveling to Spain from Ireland must complete the Health Control Form before to departure and acquire a QR code to show at the time of boarding.
Testing and quarantine rules in Spain do not apply to children under the age of 12.
It is also important for passengers to be informed that infection rates and Covid-related restrictions might vary greatly depending on where they travel to.
In Portugal, for example, Covid Certs are necessary in order to get entrance to vacation accommodations as well as restaurant dining establishments. To enter pubs and clubs, you must have a negative test result, evidence of recovery, or a document proving that you received a booster dosage.
For more information, visit reopen.europa.eu or dfa.ie/travel.
