The new measures are essentially based on strengthening the use of masks, testing and digital certificates.

Mandatory masks in all enclosed spaces

As the use of masks is one of the executive's three main instruments to contain the worsening of the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of masks is once again mandatory in all closed spaces.

Digital certificate for restaurants, tourist establishments, gyms and some events

The Covid-19 digital certificate is once again mandatory for access to restaurants, tourist establishments and local accommodation, gyms and events with marked seats, as well as gambling establishments, casinos or similar.

The presentation of a digital certificate, which can be for vaccination, testing or recovery, had been dispensed with as part of the latest easing of lockdown measures, but the requirement now returns in view of the worsening of the epidemiological situation.

Access to homes, health establishments, large events and nightclubs only with negative test

When accessing homes, health establishments, large cultural or sporting events and nightclubs, the presentation of a negative test for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is now required.

The measure even applies to people vaccinated against Covid-19.

Rules for entering Portugal by air

All passengers traveling on international flights, regardless of having a vaccination certificate, are required to submit a negative diagnostic test for Covid-19 at the time of boarding, with the exception of travellers with a Covid-19 recovery certificate.

Passengers on domestic flights, children under 12 and crews are exempt from mandatory tests, which can be PCR or rapid.

This mandatory testing measure will be in effect until 9 January.

Airlines that transport passengers without a negative Covid-19 test incur a fine of between 20,000 and 40,000 euros per passenger and travellers are also subject to administrative offenses for not presenting a test on arrival, which can range from 300 to 800 euros.

These measures will be monitored at the airports of Lisbon, Faro and Porto by PSP and SEF, with ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal having contracted a private security company to control the test requirement.

Rules for entering Portugal via the land border with Spain

Citizens from countries outside the European Union and from EU countries considered to be in the red or dark red lists, need proof of a negative PCR test or rapid antigen test to enter Portugal or a vaccination certificate.

Citizens from EU countries considered to be at low or moderate risk must carry vaccination proof, a negative test result or recovery certificate to enter Portugal

The GNR and SEF will carry out random inspection operations at land borders to ensure that tests are carried out.

First week of January with reinforced measures

During the first week of January, a set of measures will be in place to reduce contacts, with the aim of containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 after the Christmas and New Year period.

Therefore, the restart of the school year has been postponed to January 10, instead of the date initially defined in the school calendar. The postponement is applied to all public and private schools and at day care centres.

Between January 2 and 9, discos and bars will also be closed, and remote will be mandatory.

Government recommends remote working and regular testing

Remote working and regular testing do not make the list of new rules, but they are government recommendations.