COVID-19 has cast doubt and uncertainty on us all, and none of us have escaped it’s impact. What we do, and how have responded to this crisis will have a lasting impact on the way the arts are both disseminated an consumed, perhaps indefinitely! We all have our story to tell, but life goes on and culture and art will not readily toe-the-line to suit a novel virus! Yet for now, we must! What will be will be, but for now here is a list of things we can and cannot do post pandemic lockdown!
I’m in Portugal and I want to return to my country in the center of Europe by car / motorhome. Can I cross the border Portugal/Spain?
Yes, the right of exit for citizens residing in another country is guaranteed
https://www.sef.pt/en/pages/noticia-sef.aspx?nID=249
The public transportation is working?
Yes, public transport remains in operation, but has reduced the capacity of vehicles and/or trains to 2/3 of their total capacity and it is mandatory to wear a facial mask.
Is it possible to visit restaurants and bars?
Yes. The restaurants and bars are open until 11pm, with a 50% maximum capacity and complying with several rules of hygiene and social distance.
Is it possible to visit museums or other tourist attractions?
Yes, tourist attractions such as monuments, museums, zoos or aquariums are open to visitors, who must comply with the rules of social distance and wear face masks.
Are there any new rules to observe for the frequency of public spaces?
Yes, depending on its size, the different places, such as libraries, stores and supermarkets, allow only a small number of people to enter each time, who must wear a face mask.
What about going to the beach?
It is allowed to go to the beach for moments of enjoyment outdoors and for bathing, but the beaches still have no surveillance. The bathing season begins on june 6 with the beaches being supervised and the access conditioned by rules of circulation and use, that include social distance and limited occupation.
What about traveling around the country, walking or driving, are there any restrictions?
There are no restrictions on travelling within the country. Social distancing rules and the use of a face mask should be observed in the places where it is indicated.
Do you want to come to Portugal?
I plan to fly to Portugal soon. It’s possible?
You should confirm this possibility with the airline company, as the flight capacity has been reduced.
I have a holiday scheduled in Portugal for the next month. Can you advise me if I should go? What are the risks?
As long as the state of calamity is in force travel to Portugal will be conditioned. We suggest that you consult our website to stay up to date on the measures that are being taken.
Will I run the risk of not being able to return to my country?
With the closure of borders, there is no longer regular transport between different countries. You should contact your country’s Embassy or Consulate to find out how to proceed.
How long will this situation last?
At this time we can inform that Portugal is under the state of calamity that will last till the 31st May, but may be renewed if needed.
Is there a way to find out if tourist activities follow hygiene and cleaning measures for the prevention and control of the new COVID-19 virus?
Turismo de Portugal has developed a “Clean & Safe” stamp in order to identify travel related providers that comply with the hygiene and cleaning measures needed to control the transmission of the virus and other potential infections.
More information in https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/422183
I have a scheduled flight to Portugal. Can you tell me if the flight is confirmed and how can I be refunded if it is canceled?
You should contact the airline directly to confirm this information and find out how it can be refunded.
Below we indicate links to the websites of the Airlines and ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, where you can get more detailed information:
https://www.flytap.com
https://www.ryanair.com
https://www.airfrance.co.uk
https://www.lufthansa.com
https://www.eurowings.com
https://www.easyjet.com
https://www.ana.pt
I have a trip booked for Portugal. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 I need to cancel the reservation. How can I do it? How can I get a refund?
You must contact the company where you booked your trip. In the case of trips organized by travel agencies, dated between March 13, 2020 and September 30, 2020, which are not carried out or are canceled due to a fact attributable to the outbreak of the Covid-19 disease pandemic, consumers have the right to choose one of the following:
– issue of a voucher of equal value to the payment made by the traveler that will be valid until December 31, 2021;
– rescheduling the trip until December 31, 2021 by agreement between the client and the company.
I have accommodation booked for a tourism stay in Portugal. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 I need to cancel the reservation. How can I do it? How can I get a refund?
You must contact the establishment where you booked your stay. If you have booked your stay in an hotel establishment/local accommodation located in Portugal, directly or through online platforms, for the period from March 13, 2020 to September 30, 2020, and it was not carried out or was canceled due to a fact attributable to the outbreak of the Covid-19 disease pandemic, you have the right to choose one of the following:
– issue of a voucher of equal value to the payment made by the guest and valid until December 31, 2021;
– rescheduling of the accommodation service reservation until December 31, 2021, by agreement between the guest and the tourist establishment/local accommodation.