Travel to Portugal - NHS COVID App

dv100

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has flown to mainland Portugal in the last few days, and if they are accepting the NHS Covid App (or NHS vaccine certificate) as proof of double vaccination.  I'm due to fly to Portugal with BA in 10 days time, and am wondering if I need to fork out for (2xAdults) Covid tests before departure or not.

They have recently changed their rules to accept vaccine certificates from third countries (non-EU), it states on VisitPortugal.com "a valid Vaccination or recovery certificate issued by a third country, under reciprocal conditions".  Since the UK accepts the EU Covid passport, they should accept the NHS Covid App under reciprocity.

The reason I ask is that this doesn't match what is on BA.com or the Gov.UK websites, which state that a PCR/Lateral flow test are required.  I'm hoping this information is just out of date.  Has anyone flown to Portugal with BA in the past few days, and can confirm what was needed?

Thanks!

silvercar

I thought that mainland Portugal does require a PCR before travel.

Westin

silvercar said:

I thought that mainland Portugal does require a PCR before travel.

I thought the same.

OP where have you seen that Portugal have changed the rules for entry to the mainland? Can you post a link to an official source?

dv100

@Westin, I saw a report on schengenvisainfo.com, and its consistent with what is on visitportugal.com.

www .schengenvisainfo .com/news/portugal-now-recognises-vaccination-recovery-certificates-issued-by-third-countries/

www .visitportugal .com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal

sheramber

https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_en#recognition-of-covid-certificates-from-third-non-eu-countries

UK is not on that list

LilyUK

Hi, 

From what I understood is traveling to Portugal is open to UE & Non-EU citizens, including the United Kingdom, for essential and non essential traveling.

Only the EU Digital Passaport was recognised in Portugal until the recognition of third country certificates by reciprocal agreement. 

There is a list of non EU  countries recognised, however when reading the FAQs on the EU Digital Covid pass website, is says 

"The Commission has published an overview of vaccines against COVID-19 administered by third countries for which most EU Member States/EEA countries would waive travel restrictions if they are indicated in an EU Digital COVID Certificate or a third-country certificate whose equivalence has been established: The overview also includes a list of vaccines sublicensed by AstraZeneca to other companies, for which several Member States waive travel restrictions as they consider them as corresponding to the vaccines that had received EU approval".

Based on this, certificates emitted by third countries of EU approved vaccines can be used by Non-EU citizens to travel freely. 

How do you interpret this information? 

ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/eu-citizenship/movement-and-residence/eu-digital-covid-certificate-vaccinations-and-travel-restrictions_en#EUDCCvaccinatedoutsideEU

sheramber

But the link above states

Recognition of COVID certificates from third (non-EU) countries

So far, 16 non-EU countries (and territories) joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate system. This includes:

UK is not included on the list.

NSG666

You still need a negative PCR or lateral flow test to fly to Portugal from the UK unless you have the EU app. There are some changes as of tomorrow but not that one yet.

As you'll probably know, Visit Portugal is the Portuguese Tourist Board. On facebook there's also info from Brits Abroad and Safer Communities Portugal.

Doshwaster

Some EU countries have unilaterally decided to accept the NHS certificate. Spain has. Portugal hasn't.

MasonJar

If you want to eat inside a restaurant or visit a bar you might find your vaccine passport is not accepted too. You might get some sensible and pragmatic business owners but don't count on it.