Portugal

Masks & Social Distancing

• Masks must be worn in all enclosed public spaces, for example on public transport, in supermarkets, banks, cafes, restaurants, shops etc, etc. Visors are an acceptable alternative.
• Masks should be worn in outdoor environments when social distancing is not possible.
• Social distancing must be maintained, and 2 metres is recommended.
• The Government strongly recommends use of the COVID STAYAWAY app.

Gatherings

• Gatherings are limited to 6 persons, in public spaces and inside commercial establishments and services.

Supermarkets

• As with all establishments, supermarkets provide hand sanitising gel at the entrance.
• If gloves are provided, these must be worn whilst inside.
• Queues may form outside at busy times and social distancing must be maintained.
• No sale of alcohol in service stations nor after 9pm in any supermarket or shop.   

Dining

• A mask or visor must be worn in restaurants except whilst seated at the table.  A
• Groups of 6 people are allowed inside or 10 people on terraces; To allow for social distancing, some restaurants may only open to a 50% capacity so it is advisable to book tables.
• Restaurants and cafes close at 01.00.
• Alcohol cannot be drunk in the street / out in the open.

Shopping in General

• Shops are open without time restrictions.
• There may be separate doors assigned for entering and exiting, with directional arrows and distance markers clearly visible on the floor where queues tend to form.
• Some clothes shops are not providing changing room facilities and customers are encouraged to purchase and then try items on at home. This is in conjunction with an easy policy for returning unwanted items.
• Many local markets are operating as usual. Masks must be worn and social distancing maintained.

Beaches
The beautiful beaches in Portugal are open and free to use, as well as beach bars and cafes. However measures are in place for most supervised beaches.

• Beach occupancy levels will be displayed using a traffic light system.  A green light means the beach is 1/3 full, a yellow light means 2/3 full and a red light means it is completely full. Please do not travel to the beach if the light is red. Real time updates are available on an 'Info Praia' App, available for Apple and Android downloads here https://infopraia.apambiente.pt/rules/
• Parasols are available for hire in the morning and afternoon with a gap in the middle of the day to allow for them to be cleaned. They will be spaced 3 metres apart to allow for social distancing and masks and shoes need to be worn at beach bars and cafes.
• Parking outside official parking areas not permitted.
• One-way pedestrian walk-ways have been set up to allow for social distancing which is ideally 2 metres. Social distancing must be maintained on the sand and in the sea at all times.

Banks

• All cash point machines are operational and are sanitised regularly.
• Online banking is encouraged rather than visiting a branch.

Transport / Travel

• Face masks must be worn in taxis and the front passenger seat must be kept free. Passenger occupancy cannot exceed 2/3 of the remaining space, so larger groups may need 2 taxis.
• Hire cars with 5 seats can carry their full complement of passengers as long as they are from the same household. Larger vehicles can also carry their full complement of passengers if they are from the same household. If not, then capacity is limited to 2/3 to allow for social distancing. 
• Public transport is running at a limited capacity and some services with reduced timetables, so it is important to check times before travelling. Face masks must be worn on public transport.

Entertainment

• Museums, monuments and cultural spaces have reopened, as have cinemas, theatres and auditoriums. Social distancing must be maintained at all times and masks must be worn. Capacity is reduced and some seats, where applicable, will not be available for use.
• Outdoor shows can take place in a delimited venue to allow access control, even if they are free. Social distancing must be maintained and there may measures in place to prevent contact between visitors.
• Golf courses are open and must follow the recommended health guidelines, as well as specific measures established by the Portuguese Golf Federation available at  www.fpg.pt

Please note: currently, some districts have stricter restrictions in place: shops and supermarkets are required to close earlier, restaurants and cafes must close at 22.30 and have limitations on size of groups, outdoor events have reduced capacity.  For further details, please contact us. 

Updated 29/06/2021