Portugal to Lift Most Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions from October 2021

From October 1st, time limits and restrictions of numbers in restaurants and cafes, bars will be lifted, and nightclubs will also reopen.

On the 23rd of September, Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, announced that the country will lift almost all remaining COVID-19 restrictions from the 1st of October. This announcement follows a milestone in Portugal’s vaccination rollout, with over 85% of the population now fully vaccinated.

This easing of restrictions will allow full occupancy in restaurants and cultural venues in Portugal from the 1st of October. Limits on operating hours in the hospitality sector will cease and restaurants will no longer be subject to a maximum limit of people per group. Bars and nightclubs will reopen, but entrance will be subject to presentation of a valid EU Digital Covid Certificate.

From the 1st of October, the EU Digital Covid Certificate will no longer be required to enter restaurants, tourist establishments, local accommodation, gyms with group classes, casinos, spas, and hot springs.

The limitation of capacity in Commercial establishments, weddings, christenings, and other family events will no longer be subject to reduced capacity. Existing restrictions for cultural shows and festivals will also be removed.

Among the few measures that remain in place, the EU Digital Covid Certificate will continue to be compulsory for travellers to Portugal, by both air and sea. The EU DCC will also be required for visits to nursing homes and hospitals, and for large cultural, sporting, and corporate events.

Masks and face coverings will continue to be mandatory on public transport, in large commercial areas, in nursing homes, hospitals, and at events when a two-metre distance between attendees cannot be maintained.

For more information, please see www.visitportugal.com.

ENDS

For more information on Visit Portugal please contact Ali Finnegan ali@travelmedia.ie
About Visit Portugal
Integrated with the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition, Visit Portugal is the National Tourism Authority responsible for the promotion, enhancement, and sustainability of tourism activity. It brings together in a single entity all the institutional skills related to boosting tourism, from supply to demand. With a privileged relationship with other public entities and economic agents, at home and abroad, Visit Portugal is committed to fulfilling the goal of strengthening tourism as one of the pillars of the growth of the Portuguese economy.