Corona virus: Lisbon opens up, no quarantine

Update: May 21 2022

Portugal has a vaccination coverage of 98%. It is possible to travel to Portugal. But beware: there are entry restrictions for travellers from the UK, please read below.

    On 22 April, it was announced that British travellers will be treated in the same way as EU citizens at Portuguese borders to avoid long airport queues. Brits will be allowed to skip the queues that travellers from outside the EU have to go through, using quicker e-passport gates instead.

  • All travellers are required to show a vaccination certificate, test certificate or recovery certificate to enter Portugal. This can be done with an EU COVID certificate (DCC). The test certificate can be a negative PCR or antigen test result taken up to 48 hours before departure or a PCR test taken up to 72 hours before departure.
  • Children under 12 years of age do not need to be tested.
  • The above rules also apply if you travel to Portugal by car.
  • Filling out 4 days before arrival a ‘Passenger Locator Form‘.
  • The use of a mask is recommended for persons from the age of 6 years, for entering, moving in or staying in confined spaces, and whenever the physical distance recommended by the health authorities is not possible.

When you travel between Portugal & UK, you no longer need to go into quarantine on arrival or return.

There are a number of measures in Portugal, here are the most important ones to take into account during your stay there.

Non compliance with the following measures may result in a fine of 5 – 500 euros.

General measures in Lisbon

  • 2 meters distance is mandatory.
  • Regularly hand-washing.
  • Mouth masks are mandatory (from the age of 10) in public (closed) areas such as restaurants, museums, shops, supermarket.

Getting out in Lisbon

  • Restaurants, cafes and bakers are open. Vaccination, recovery certificate or negative test is required.
  • Bars and discotheques are open. Vaccination, recovery certificate or negative test is required
  • Museums and other cultural institutions are open. Vaccination, recovery certificate or negative test is required

Shopping in Lisbon

  • Supermarkets, malls and shops are open

Stay overnight in Lisbon

  • Most hotels and campsites are open.
  • It is recommended to contact the accommodation to know all the measures
  • .

Transport in Lisbon

  • Face mask are required in public transport.
  • Children from 10 years and older are required to wear a face mask in public transport.
  • Ascensors can be used by everyone.

Travelling back from Lisbon, check what you must do to travel back to the UK.

Sightseeing in Lissabon

Clean & Safe badge

Tourists in Lisbon should look for the blue and white “Clean and Safe” bagde. This badge has been awarded to hotels and restaurants that meet certain hygiene requirements and follow strict safety protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus.

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  1. says: Bahrainitraveller

    hello,

    i want to travel from Bahrain, am i allowed entry to lisbon? i have a schengen visa

    regards,

    1. says: We Heart Lisbon

      Hi,
      It looks like air travel between Portugal and Bahrain is only permitted for essential travel, and then only if you can show a negative COVID-19 test from the last 72 hours. Although if you want to be sure if this still applies (regulations change by the day sometimes), I advise you to contact your appropriate authorities.

      Hope this helps.

      1. says: Johnny Højer Johansen

        Hi.
        I can read that it’s not allowed to drink alcohol in public spaces in Lisbon. Is it the same restrictions for restaurants, bars and cafes with an outdoor service?

        1. says: We Heart Lisbon

          Hi Johnny,
          Restaurants and bars serve alcohol to patrons on their own premises. Be aware that most establishments might close earlier than usual, at 9 if I’m not mistaken.

  2. says: Johan

    Hello my wife and I are traveling from Miami on the 16th I will be traveling with my EU passport and she will be traveling with her US passport. Will be in Lisbon for my brothers wedding. You think will have issues getting in?

    1. says: We Heart Lisbon

      Hi,
      It looks like traveling between US and Portugal is restricted to necessary travel only. I don’t think there are exceptions for EU passport holders, but if you want to be sure I’d contact the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate.

  3. says: Beni

    Hi.Thank you for all your information.My sister flight from netherland will be arrived on Aug 21 in Lisbon.I wanted to know does she need to do any Covid test or not?!And is she supposed to be quarentaiend?

    1. Hi Beni, It is not necessary to do a corona test upon arrival in Lisbon. There will be a short health check, it is checked for fever and colds.

      Travellers arriving by plane are not quarantined.

  4. says: Martine

    Are the Portuguese happy to have tourists return or are they wary? I was hoping to travel with my young son so definitely want a friendly vibe, but also really want to respect the locals. Thanks!

  5. says: Sharon Williams

    Hi, we have a hen party booked, arriving 20th August and there are 23 of us. Would you advise we arrange given that there appears to be restrictions in place with bars and restaurants closing early, wearing of masks and 2m social distancing? Thanks

    1. Hi Sharon, At the moment you are not allowed to meet more than 10 people in Lisbon. So you cannot walk in the street as a group of 23 people. The police enforces this, in case of offence they write out fines. These measures also apply to the beach.

      If you don’t come from the same household, you have to keep a distance of 2 meters. Eating out with more than 4 people is not allowed because of distance.

      Maybe it is an option to rent a restaurant, but it is better to coordinate this with a restaurant where you want to eat. Because restaurants can allow a limited capacity.

      For places of interest you need to make a reservation for each person. If you have an indoor activity, you are required to wear a mouth mask. This is also mandatory in shops, supermarkets and public transport.

      The nightlife is not yet open in Lisbon, bars and disco will remain closed until further notice.

      Good luck with all arrangements!

  6. says: Rico

    Due to lock down in some areas in Greater Lisbon (also in Sintra), is it possible to go to Sintra by train and visit the PenaPalace?

  7. says: Doroteya

    Hello and thank you for this so much needed information! Thank you for the effort for putting this together. My boyfriend and I are travelling to Lisbon in 2 days. We are going to stay in Lisbon for 2 days and then we are going to the Azores for another 8 days.

    My question is, do you know if Pena Palace in Sintra is open for tourists and is the COVID 19 test taken on Sao Miguel airport is indeed free of charge? I cannot find this information on the Internet.

    Thank you in advance.

  8. says: Marta

    Hi there!
    I will be visiting Lisbon and Porto mid July and I was wondering if all tourist attractions are open such as Torre de Belem, etc. and where should I book in advance if I need to do so?
    Also, is Porto now safer than Lisbon due to the outbreaks?
    Thank you in advance and have a lovely day!

    1. Hi Marta,

      you have to buy a ticket in advance for the tourist attractions, there is limited place. You can buy a ticket at get your guide.

      Hard to say if Porto is safer then Lisbon, there a some local outbreak of the coronavirus because of a number of large parties of young people.

  9. says: Ana Lúcia

    Thanks for the article 🙂

    I’m traveling from Brazil to Slovakia at the beginning of August, and in between destination, I have a 21h layover in Lisbon. Do you know if it’s possible to leave the airport to tourist in the city during this time? thanks.

    1. Hi Ana Lúcia,
      It’s advisable to check with your airline to see if it’s allowed. If so, be sure to do it. The centre is 15 minutes away by taxi or metro.

  10. says: Christopher Godwin

    Dear Weheart Lisbon,

    Are the quiosques and the miradouros open now in Lisbon?

    Thank you.

  11. says: Will

    Hi,
    Is cycling along the boardwalk and between Cascais and Lisbon permitted as of 27th June?
    Thank you.

    1. Hi Will,
      Cycling along the boardwalk is possible. As far as cycling to Cascais is concerned, I wouldn’t dare. There are few bike paths and/or possibilities for cyclists to get from Lisbon to Cascais. Part of the route has a bike path, but most of it has no cycle path. If you want an impression: One Cyclist in Lisbon has driven the route. Judge for yourself.

  12. says: Kirana

    Hi!
    Me and my friends were planning to go to Portugal and Lisbon mid July. We were wondering if open air clubs or something alike such as bars or general nightlife will reopen around then.

    Kind regards

    1. Hi Kirana,

      Since yesterday (22 June) some lockdown measures are being reimposed to help control outbreaks from the pandemic.

      Gatherings will now be limited to 10 people, down from 20 previously. No drinking in public places will be allowed and stores will need to close by 8 p.m.

  13. says: Tom

    Hello I know bars have to close at 11, but does any street drinking happen after that? Don’t fancy going home drunk at 11. Going to Lisbon on 5th of July.

    1. Hi Tom,

      Since yesterday (22 June) some lockdown measures are being reimposed to help control outbreaks from the pandemic.

      Gatherings will now be limited to 10 people, down from 20 previously. No drinking in public places will be allowed and stores will need to close by 8 p.m.

  14. says: Paige

    I’m looking to travel to Lisbon in the next few weeks. Is this going to be possible and will there be hotels open ? My partner lives there and I’ve not seen him for over 3 months so really need to get there as soon as possible. Thanks.

    1. Hi Paige,

      As long as you don’t have any symptoms you should be fine. Be aware that your temperature will be measured at the airport.

      And don’t forget, using a face mask is mandatory in the airport, in public transportation and in most public spaces.
      The hotels are open.
      Enjoy your stay!

  15. says: Geraldine Plunkett

    Hi, we are traveling to lisbon in oct, 5th-10th, do you think things will have eased more by then? We bringing 2 teenage boys with us so we need to be able to do things with them to keep them happy.
    Thanks
    Geraldine

    1. says: We Heart Lisbon

      Hi Geraldine, even though I don’t have my crystal ball with me right now I think you and your family will be fine.

      Even now you’d be okay. As long as you have your face mask with you, there’s plenty of things to do and see (and eat and drink!).

      Again, we can’t know what the future brings but I’m positive things are looking up!

  16. says: Joeri

    I read that restaurants and bars will need to close at 23.00. Is this true?
    And can you take a taxi or Uber?

    1. Hi Joeri,
      The restaurants and bars are open until 11 pm, this is a specific condition regarding the corona situation. Also a restaurant can receive 50% of the normal capacity.

      You can take a taxi or Uber, but follow the driver’s instructions and don’t forget to wear a mask.

      1. Hi Joeri,

        An update: since yesterday (22 June) some lockdown measures are being reimposed to help control outbreaks from the pandemic.

        Gatherings will now be limited to 10 people, down from 20 previously. No drinking in public places will be allowed and stores will need to close by 8 p.m.

    1. hi Mo, Hotels were never mandated to close, but a majority of hotels in Lisbon (and Portugal) chose to close during the coronavirus-induced state of emergency. So there is no official opening date. Turismo de Portugal announced the “Clean & Safe” certification. Hotels can apply for this stamp of approval to show that they are compliant with hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of COVID-19 and other possible infections.

  17. says: Tom

    Hi

    Do you know when the timeout market will open?

    Also do you still have to make reservations at bars and how do you do this?

    Thanks!

    1. says: We Heart Lisbon

      Hey Tom,
      Time-out seems to be closed unfortunately.

      For bars, your best bet is to give them a call. That’ll tell you whether they’re open and you can check if you need a reservation (which is likely at the moment).

      Hope this helps!

    1. says: We Heart Lisbon

      Hi Akram,
      Gyms have been open since last week. THere are a couple of restrictions though, like a 50% usage rule and just one hour per person per day.

      (how they’ll check that I don’t know, I’m not a gym person 🙂 )

      1. says: Melinda Chivers

        Hi we are travelling to Lisbon next week from the UK so this is all OK now with no quarantine??

        1. says: We Heart Lisbon

          Hi Melinda, as long as you don’t have any symptoms you should be fine. Be aware that your temperature will be measured at the airport.

          And don’t forget, using a face mask is mandatory in the airport, in public transportation and in most public spaces.

          Enjoy your stay!

    1. Hi Karl
      Most bars have reopened their doors. Please note that you will need to make a reservation to have a drink and it is possible that there are adjusted opening hours.
      Discotheques are still closed.

    1. All restrictions in this article also apply in Sintra.
      Most places of interest are open. The sights in Parque de Pena that are still closed are:

    2. Entrance via the Lakes and the Cow Gate to the Park of Pena (alternative: Main Entrance and Chalet Entrance)
    3. National Palace of Pena Cafeteria (alternative: cafeteria service in the Restaurant and the Terrace bar)
    4. Moorish Castle Guard House Cafeteria (alternative: cafeteria inside the Castle)
    5. National Palace of Sintra Ticket Office (alternative: former Palace stores, accessible via the Gardens, now free to access)
  18. says: Marco

    Hello. I am from Romania and I bought a city break from 6 to 9 june in Lisbon. Will I be quarantined when I will come in your country ?

    1. Hi Marco, Since March 16, tourist circulation and leisure trips between Spain and Portugal have been suspended.
      National citizens and holders of residence permits may still enter the country. Returning tourists may still cross the border so as to allow them to return to their country of origin.Before making a trip, it is important to consult the alerts and restrictions.

  19. says: Brigitte Uhlmann

    Hello

    Are we allowed to enter Lisbon as tourists?

    We come from Zurich.

    The planned journey is from 5 to 9 June 2020.

    1. Hi Brigitte, Since March 16, tourist circulation and leisure trips between Spain and Portugal have been suspended.
      National citizens and holders of residence permits may still enter the country. Returning tourists may still cross the border so as to allow them to return to their country of origin.
      Before making a trip, it is important to consult the alerts and restrictions.

        1. says: We Heart Lisbon

          Hey Evan,
          well, you should be able to get a flight somewhere for sure so the short answer is “yes”, you can travel to LIS from PAR.

          Now the long answer.

          As for complications, that depends on your defenition of complications. For one, you’ll need a mask at the airports AND on board as well. And I know that ANA, the airport authority in Portugal, has temperature scanning cameras installed.

          And obviously you’ll be needing a face mask whenever you enter a cab or subway, as well as museums and other public places at the moment.

          Hope this helps!

  20. says: Ming

    I am in the middle of purchasing a property in Portugal. I am a citizen of UK, so is it possible to travel to Portugal from the UK at the moment?

    1. Hi Ming, this is what gov.uk says: As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available.

  21. says: victor ushakoff

    our daughter is getting married in cascaise on june 30,2020 we r planning to fly to lisbon from san francisco with a plane change in Frankfurt Germany on june 25,will we have any problems with our stop in Germany or going to lisbon or coming back to the U S

    1. We advise you to consult the website of Foreign Affairs and to keep an eye on the travel advice. At the moment the advice is: only if necessary and you may have to spend 2 weeks in quarantine if you come from the us.

      You can also ask your airline for more information.

  22. says: claes

    I have heard that portugal is opening up the corona restrictions in a 3 steps process. Do you know anything about this?

  23. says: DASC

    I booked early Feb and paid in advance for hotel accommodation in Lisbon, for a conference 4-8 June. Like all large meetings the conference is cancelled. The booking company will not refund me, though I cannot fly to Portugal, for no reason, particularly in global pandemic. What can I do about this, despite having emailed them several times? I am refused the expensive 4 night payment refund by #StayforLong because ‘no cancellation’ is allowed – that would be the case if there was no COVID19, if somebody just chose to cancel themselves. This is an epic cancellation reason and not my personal cancellation.

    1. How sad to hear that you are currently unable to receive a refund. Have you already tried at the hotel to get a voucher or refund? Or claim your travel insurance. That’s what we would try. As we are not a travel agency, unfortunately I can’t give you any more tips.

    2. says: Blace

      If you booked with a credit card, your bank can cancel the payment if you say it was due to services not rendered. Basically, if you dont get what you paid for, you have the right to get your money back. Check your bank’s policy, most of them have that. Best of luck!

    3. says: Jess

      I am facing the same problem. Meant to fly to Portugal for a conference this weekend actually. Conference and flights were cancelled. But hotel insisted no refund or vouchers because of the non refundable policy. I had to try to claim from my travel insurance.

  24. says: TDHill

    Obrigada for this info. Is it still accurate, given the State of Emergency in PT, that “Officially there are no travel restrictions to Portugal because of the coronavirus”? Are hotels still open? I am not seeking advice on whether it is wise or prudent for anyone to travel anywhere at this time, just curious about the Lisbon hotels. Obrigada.

    1. The travel restriction only applied during the Easter weekend. Air traffic to Lisbon is limited and international trains also run with adapted timetables.

      In this article we wanted to focus on things that have been adjusted. The government didn’t close the hotels, but many hotels have decided to close their doors.