Portugal Plans for Reopening Next Week

Over the last three–four weeks, Portugal made significant strides in slowly, but surely, reopening the country for travel. As of May 18, Portugal further loosened restrictions by ending the country’s COVID-19 State of Emergency status while continuing social distancing.

As of May 4, Portugal reopened public transit, libraries, zoos, aquariums, bookstores, sailing clubs, golf courses and commercial spaces up to 2,150 square feet. Nail and hair salons followed, operating by appointment only. This test run lasted a few weeks before museums, art galleries and other cultural spaces fully reopened, along with shops up to 4,300 square feet. Restaurants, bakeries, cafés and open-air terraces can also open up at 50 percent capacity. (Customers should book reservations and prepare for contactless payment processes.)

Also paving the way for Portugal’s reopening, VisitPortugal created the Clean & Safe stamp, guaranteeing compliance with the Department of Health’s hygiene and cleanliness requirements post COVID-19. The new seal will be used nationwide, proving a space is clean and safe for visitors, including restaurants, hotels, local accommodation options, tour operators and catering companies, among many other tourism activities.

Following the completion of Portugal’s three-phase re-opening, TAP Air Portugal will begin flying June 4 (twice-weekly flights) between Newark (EWR) and Lisbon (LIS). Additional TAP flights will recommence in July from Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA) and Toronto (YYZ) — each flying twice per week to Lisbon.

As for new flights, TAP will start three flights per week between Boston and the Azores’ Ponta Delgada (PDL) July 1; twice-weekly service Toronto–Ponta Delgada July 2; and three weekly flights between Montreal (YUL) and Lisbon by July 30.

Click here for more information on flights, cleanliness and post-COVID-19 travel practices to Portugal.