Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

 

Travel safely with Aeroportos de Portugal

If you are planning to travel to or from Portugal, you might find some useful information in these Frequently Asked Questions.

This information provides a general overview, it is not binding and does not exempt you from consulting the legislation in force in the countries of origin, transfer and destination. You should also check all the necessary information with airlines and official websites such as  ANAC,  Re-open.europa or IATA Travel Centre.

 

TESTS AND CERTIFICATES

  • 1. Do I need to present a test or vaccination certificate on departure?

    a) The tests, certificates and forms required for your flight will always depend on the regulations in force in the destination country/region. Therefore, passengers should check with their airline and/or travel agent in due time, as well as official entities and websites such as IATA Travel Centre.

    b) Passengers going to the Autonomous Regions of Azores and Madeira must present a TAAN test (e.g. PCR) or a vaccination/recovery certificate or a Digital EU certificate. Find out more at: travelling for Madeira and for the Azores

    c) Passengers on point-to-point flights from Madeira and the Azores to mainland Portugal do not need to present a test.

    d) Passengers on point-to-point flights from Lisbon, Porto and Faro do not need to present a test or digital certificate.

     

  • 2. Are there COVID tests sites at the airport?

    Yes, in the public areas of Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Madeira airports these are laboratories where you can perform  TAAN ( ex: RT-PCR) and TRAg ( antigen).

     Carefully check the type of test, timeframe for completion and certification requirements before booking a test and ensure that there is enough time for you to receive the results and all certification required before your flight.

    You can take tests at the following locations: 

     

    Lisbon Airport:

    Public Area: Synlab Laboratory (P1 car park) - from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

    From 30th December, Synlab's laboratory at Lisbon Airport will be exclusive for passengers, and proof of travel reservation will be required for new bookings or requests, in order to guarantee the testing service for those travelling. Bookings made before this date will remain valid.

    Public Area: UCS Laboratory (next to Premium TAP) - from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

    For transferring passengers: Gate 24 - only for passengers on connection

    Faro Airport:

    Public Area: Synlab Laboratory ( (in the departures area, near the Check-in) -  from 06:00 am to 20:00 pm.

     

    Porto Airport:

    Public Area: Synlab Laboratory (Level 3, near the check-in area) - from 7:00 am - 19:00 pm

    Madeira Airport:

    Public Area: Synlab Laboratory (Level 1, next to ANA information desk) - from 5:00 am - 18:00 pm

     

    Porto Santo Airport:

    Public Area: Synlab Laboratory - from 6:00 am - 08:00 pm and 16:00 pm - 19:30

       

    The Travelcheck-in platform enables online scheduling of COVID-19 tests in clinics and laboratories throughout the country (mainland and islands). Access at www.travelcheck-in.app

    See here the list of laboratories referenced by the General Diretion of Health (DGS) to perform your test.

     

  • 3. I come from a European Union( EU) country: do I need to present a COVID test?

    All passengers arriving in mainland Portugal, even if they have a Digital Certificate of vaccination, must present:

    Proof of a test, with a negative, result for COVID-19:

    - NAAT - Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (RT-PCR, NEAR, TMA, LAMP, HDA, CRISPR, SDA, etc), carried out the last 72 hours prior to boarding;

    OR

    - Antigen Test (TRAg) performed within 48 hours prior to shipment (only rapid antigen tests on this list are accepted).

    OR

    - Certificate of Recovery from COVID-19. More information here

    Children under 12 years old are an exception.

    On flights between Lisbon, Porto and Faro no additional tests are required. The same is applied to passengers coming from Azores and Madeira to mainland Portugal.

    Self-tests of any kind are not accepted.Only antigen tests (TRAg) on the list agreed by the European Union Health Security Committee are accepted, - see here.

    Passengers are responsible for checking that their tests meet the requirements.

    Find more here.

     

  • 4. I come from a country outside the EU: do I need to present a test and certificate?

    All passengers arriving in mainland Portugal, even if they have a Digital Certificate of vaccination, must present:

    Proof of a test, with a negative, result for COVID-19:

    - NAAT - Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (RT-PCR, NEAR, TMA, LAMP, HDA, CRISPR, SDA, etc), carried out the last 72 hours prior to boarding;

    OR

    - Antigen Test (TRAg) performed within 48 hours prior to shipment (only rapid antigen tests on this list are accepted).

    OR

    - Certificate of Recovery from COVID-19. More information here

    Children under 12 years old are an exception.

    On flights between Lisbon, Porto and Faro no additional tests are required. The same is applied to passengers coming from Azores and Madeira to mainland Portugal.

    Self-tests of any kind are not accepted.Only antigen tests (TRAg) on the list agreed by the European Union Health Security Committee are accepted, - see here.

    Passengers are responsible for checking that their tests meet the requirements.

    Find more here.

     

     

     

     

     

  • 5. I have a transferring flight in Portugal: do I need to present a test or certificate?

    Transfer passengers must consider the documentation required by the regulations in force in the country/region of destination, however, even in stopovers, they should consider the rules for arrival in mainland Portugal, either in terms of tests and certificates, or in terms of forms to be filled in beforehand.

    Please refer to points 3 and 4 of these FAQs and consult your airline.

     

  • 6. I need to schedule a test for the return flight. What should I do?

    You can schedule your return test in advance:

    - The Travelcheck-in platform enables online scheduling of COVID-19 tests at clinics and laboratories across the country (mainland and islands). Access at www.travelcheck-in.app;

    - Synlab Laboratories - More information on testing at airports here;

    - UCS - Booking in advance using the form available at www.ucs.pt (available at Lisbon airport).

     

  • 7. What is considered a valid test?

    A valid test is an examination carried out by a certified laboratory (TAAN - Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (RT-PCR, NEAR, TMA, LAMP, HDA, CRISPR, SDA, etc) or Antigen Test (TRAg), containing the minimum information required by the European Union Health Security Committee, namely:

    a) Complete Identification of the Passenger

    b) Clear Identification of the laboratory, including the certification

    c) Reference to the use of the method used

    d) Date and Time of the exam collection

    e) Explicit Negative test result

    f) Presented in Portuguese, French, English, Spanish and Italian

    NOTE: The test result must be presented at check-in, boarding and arrival in digital or paper format. The SMS format is not valid.

    Self-tests of any kind are not accepted. Only antigen tests acceptable by the European Union Health Committee are accepted for travel as well as the minimum data that must be present on the test result document as set by the same entity, see here.

    Passengers are responsible for checking that their tests meet the requirements.

     

     Carefully check the type of test, timeframe for completion and certification requirements before booking a test and ensure that there is enough time for you to receive the results and all certification required before your flight.

     

  • 8. Can I perform the test at the airport on arrival?

    No. All passengers on the flights referred to in points 3, 4 and 5 must present a negative TAAN or TRAg test result when boarding the aircraft. Only nationals or residents may exceptionally be tested at the airport on arrival. Citizens who disembark in violation of the duty to present proof of a test with a negative result, must perform the test upon arrival in national territory, at their own expense, and must wait for the result inside the airport.

     

  • 9. What is considered an essential travel?

    Essential travel is understood as travel undertaken for professional, study, family reunion, health or humanitarian reasons.

     



FORMS



TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE AUTONOMOUS REGION OF MADEIRA

  • 13. Do I need to present a test or certificate upon arrival?

    Passengers travelling to the Autonomous Region of Madeira are required to present:

    -  EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccination, recovery and tests). More information here

    OR

    -  TRAg Covid-19 Test with a negative result, carried 48 hours before the flight;

    (Note: passengers may perform, at the airport, upon arrival, a TRAG test for SARS-CoV-2 infection, to be promoted by the health authority, and should ensure full compliance with the surveillance and self-reporting of symptoms and COVID-19 prevention measures, until a negative result is obtained)

    The documents mentioned must be submitted on the madeirasafe.com platform at the time of registration.

    - Passengers travelling to Madeira and Porto Santo from the Portuguese Continent can have free-of-charge PCR Tests in laboratories with protocol with the Madeira Regional Government. Find the list here. 

    - Children under 12 years are an exception.

    - Passengers are responsible for checking that their tests meet the requirements.

    Further information https://covidmadeira.pt

     

     

  • 14. Is a second PCR test mandatory?

    The second SARS-CoV-2 screening test is mandatory* on the fifth day after the first test was performed.

    *  for residents in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Madeiran emigrants and their relatives, students attending higher education institutions located in or outside the Autonomous Region of Madeira or in Mobility Programmes (ERASMUS or others), who disembark at Madeira and Porto Santo airports, in flights coming from any territory outside the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

     

    Further information https://covidmadeira.pt/

     

  • 15. Which laboratories have a partnership with the Regional Government of Madeira for free of charge COVID-19 tests?

    Passengers who intend to travel to Madeira or Porto Santo may perform the tests in mainland Portugal before their flight and the costs will be paid by the Regional Government. See the list of laboratories included.

     

  • 16. I am travelling to Madeira. Which forms do I have to fill in?

    Passengers travelling to the islands of Madeira or Porto Santo must register on Madeira Safe and complete the epidemiological survey.

    Consult the measures currently in force in the region on the Madeira Regional Government website.

     

  • 17. I will travel between Madeira and Porto Santo islands. Are there any additional rules?

    For travelling between islands, you may present TRAg (antigen) test or use valid proof of PCR test and/or vaccination/recovery certificate or EU vaccination certificate. 

    Find out information at Rules: Trips to Porto Santo.

     

  • 18. Is it necessary to present a COVID test on departure from Madeira?

    The obligation to present a negative result from the RT-PCR or antigen test to COVID-19 will depends on the destination, so you must check on official websites such as ANAC, IATA Travel Centre, airline, travel agencies and/or official entities.

    Passengers on flights from Madeira to mainland Portugal do not need to present a test.

     

  • 19. Can I do a test at Madeira or Porto Santo airport, on departure?

    In the specific case of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, passengers who need a test to travel may book it at the Private Hospital of Madeira and SYNLAB Bom Jesus.

    In the public area of Madeira and Porto Santo Airports there are laboratories that allow RT-PCR and antigen tests.

    For further information please refer to point 2 of these FAQs.

     



TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE AUTONOMOUS REGION OF THE AZORES

  • 20. Do I need to present a test or certificate upon arrival?

    Passengers travelling to the Autonomous Region of Azores are required to present:

    -  EU Digital COVID Certificate (vaccination, recovery and tests). More information here

    OR

    -  RT – PCR Covid-19 Test with a negative result, carried 72hours before the flight or  Antigen Test* (TRAg) performed within 48 hours prior to shipment (only rapid antigen tests on this list are accepted).

    OR

    - Vaccination certificate (document that proves complete vaccination) and/or proof of COVID-19 recovery for up to 180 days;

    More information here

    - Children under 12 years are an exception.

     

  • 21. Which laboratories have a partnership with the Azorean Regional Government to perform the test for free?

    Passengers who intend to travel from mainland Portugal or Madeira to the Azores may perform the tests in advance, and the costs will be assumed by the Regional Government. See the list of laboratories included.

     

  • 22. I am travelling to the Azores. What forms do I have to fill in?

    Passengers travelling to the Azores must register on My Safe Azores and complete the questionnaire;

    Please check the website of the Regional Government of the Azores to review all the measures currently in effect in the region.

     

  • 23. Is it mandatory to present a test or certificate upon departure from the Azores Autonomous Region?

    The need to present of a negative result RT-PCR or COVID-19 antigen test will depend on the destination, so you will have to check on official sites such as ANAC and IATA Travel Centre, with the airline, travel agencies and/or official entities.

    Passengers on flights from the Azores to mainland Portugal do not need to present a test.

     

  • 24. Can I do the test at Ponta Delgada, Flores, Santa Maria or Horta airport, on departure?

    No. In the specific case of the Azores Autonomous Region, the passengers who need the test to travel will have to do it in places outside the airport

    Learn more here.

     



TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

  • 25. Do children have to wear a mask?

    Yes, all children aged over 10 must wear a facemask while traveling.

    Note: It's mandatory use of mask in closed spaces and recommended outdoors when physical distance cannot be ensured

     

     

     

  • 26. From what age is it necessary to submit test to COVID-19?

    Current legislation (national and/or regional) indicates the following exceptions for children:

    - Mainland Portugal: children under the age of 12 years are not required to have prior tests;

    - Madeira: passengers up to the age of 11 are not required to undergo testing in advance;

    - Azores: passengers aged 12 or under are not required to undergo testing in advance.

     



PROPHYLATIC ISOLATION/QUARANTINE

  • 27. Is it necessary to comply with quarantine or prophylactic isolation on arrival in Portugal?

    According to the legislation in force quarantine or isolation is not compulsory for passengers disembarking in mainland Portugal, however the compliance with the rules of respiratory etiquette, mandatory use of mask in closed spaces and recommended outdoors when physical distance cannot be ensured, physical separation avoiding crowds and frequent hand hygiene is recommended.

     However, in some cases, by indication of local health authorities it may be indicated mandatory quarantine or prophylactic isolation.

    NOTE: Flights to and from southern African countries, namely South Africa, Botswana, Essuatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, are suspended.
    All passengers from these countries or who present a passport with check-out in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Portugal must complete 14 days of prophylactic isolation at home or in a place indicated by the health authorities.

  • 28. Do I need to go through quarantine or prophylactic isolation upon arrival at my destination?

    The obligation to carry out quarantine or prophylactic isolation will depend on your destination, so you will have to check on official websites such as ANAC or IATA Travel Centre with the airline, travel agencies and/or official entities.

     



FLIGHTS TO AND FROM PORTUGAL

  • 29. Which countries are now authorized to fly to Portugal?

    PERMITTED (Essential and non-essential travel)

    - Countries of the European Union, Schengen Associated countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland), Australia, Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Indonesia, Kuwait, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Peru, United Kingdom, Uruguay and special admnistrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

     

    Legislation in force here.

     

    NOTE: Flights to and from southern African countries, namely South Africa, Botswana, Essuatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, are suspended.
    All passengers from these countries or who present a passport with check-out in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Portugal must complete 14 days of prophylactic isolation at home or in a place indicated by the health authorities. 

    For further information, see official websites such as ANAC or  IATA Travel Centre or check with the airline, travel agency and/or official entities.

     



WHAT HAS CHANGED IN OUR AIRPORTS

  • 30. Are airports open?

    The 10 airports on the ANA network (Lisbon*, Porto, Faro, the Azores - Ponta Delgada, Horta, Santa Maria, Flores, Madeira – Madeira and Porto Santo, Beja) are open and operating.

     

  • 31. Have measures been implemented to reinforce protection?

    Yes. You can check the measures implemented at our airports here.

    The airports managed by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, the airlines and all the companies, entities and services related to airport operations have reinforced their protection measures. Confirm with your airline the measures implemented by them.

     

  • 32. Is it mandatory to wear a mask?

    Yes, all persons (except children under 10 years of age) are obliged to wear mask inside airport infrastructures and aircraft.

    Note: It's mandatory use of mask in closed spaces and recommended outdoors when physical distance cannot be ensured

  • 33. Is temperature measurement compulsory?

    On arrival

    Yes. All passengers, irrespective of their country of origin, will have their temperature checked. The temperature is measured using a walkthrough automatic screening system which allows for triaging, without any stop.

     

    Before departure

    No. Airports do not check temperature on departure. However, some airlines do check temperature at the time of boarding. If in doubt, please contact your airline.

     

  • 34. How much hand sanitizer (alcohol gel or similar) can I take with me on board/in my hand luggage?

    Despite the existing restrictions on the transport of liquids onboard, exceptionally, it is currently allowed to take containers of alcohol-based hand sanitiser larger than 100 ml in hand baggage, at a maximum of 500 ml per container and 2L per passenger. Aerosols must be protected with a lid so that content is not inadvertently released.

    The restrictions on other liquids remain in place.

     



CIRCULATION RESTRICTIONS AND CURFEW

  • 35. My final destination is in Spain, but I am arriving through a Portuguese airport. Are there circulation restrictions in land borders?

    In the case of travel by land, each traveller should obtain information on the measures and restrictions existing in each of the transit countries directly from the authorities of the transit countries, consular posts .

    Before travelling, check with the official entities (e.g.: Portal das Comunidades Portuguesas).

     

  • 36. Can I pick up or take a passenger to the airport?

    Yes. Although there is a curfew in force and there are circulation restrictions, passengers with a boarding card and their companions may travel to and from the airport.

    NOTE: From 1 December 2021, at Lisbon Airport, access to the terminal will be limited.



Travel safely with Aeroportos de Portugal

 

Note 1: The measures mentioned above may be changed according to any new rules that may be defined by the authorities

Note 2: Additional containment measures are in force at Madeira and Azores airports. Find out more at:

https://www.ana.pt/en/corporate/ana/specific-measures-autonomous-regions-of-madeira-and-azores

Note 3: Updates coming from "COVID-19 Legislation" in force here

Note 4: The information provided is a general overview, but you should also check the indications from your airline or read the Order in force in full.

 

SOURCES

- Portuguese Electronic Republic Gazette (DRE): https://dre.pt/

- COVID-19 | Estamos On: https://covid19estamoson.gov.pt/

- Portugal’s Directorate-General of Health (DGS): https://covid19.min-saude.pt/

- Government of the Azores: https://covid19.azores.gov.pt/

- Government of Madeira: https://www.madeira.gov.pt/Covid19

- IATA: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

- Official website of the European Union: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

- Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC): https://www.anac.pt

 

useful information_COVID-19

 

 

 

 

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