BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test (proctored) valid for entry to Portugal?

I am sure you will get other answers with better detail but I wanted to get information to you quickly so you have time to find a test. Portugal requires a lab test - the proctored test won’t work. This is from the Visit Portugal site:

Or a negative RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) - 72h before boarding, or
- Or a negative Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test - 24h before boarding (according to the European Commission list based on the Council Recommendation of 21 January 2021 + Addendum)

Thanks for the reply.

I looked at the

"Or a negative Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test - 24h before boarding (according to the European Commission list based on the Council Recommendation of 21 January 2021 + Addendum)"

and saw that, on page 11, the Abbott test was listed as approved...

United has finally caught their glitch just as I was trying to check in, so we'll see if the home-proctored test works or if we'll be rushing out to get a test...

Thanks.

On the assumption that you’ve got thousands of dollars of air and hotel dollars riding on this information, I will paste a little more detail for you below from this EU website: https://ec.europa.eu/health/system/files/2022-02/covid-19_rat_common-list_en.pdf

The EU common list of antigen tests does not include rapid antigen self-tests. It only includes those rapid antigen tests that are conducted by trained healthcare personnel or trained operators where appropriate (in line with Commission

Even if somehow the airlines misses the rule and lets you on, you could face a fine of 300 - 800 Euros each at the airport. https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/portugal-has-fined-over-3000-passengers-tens-of-airlines-for-failing-to-meet-covid-19-entry-rules/

I'd agree with Valerie just above.

If it were me, I would...

1. Make an appointment TODAY (like, drop everything else and do it now) for PCR test where you can get results the same day (expensive but possible to find).
2. Go get your booster shot today on the way back from the PCR test. Omicron is raging, everywhere, it seems insane to me NOT to get boosted. Many lab studies show that protection wanes after just 3-4 months, so boosters make a huge difference (I'm planning to get my 4th shot in a few weeks, in advance of my next international trip). The virus is out there, don't let your guard down!
3. Take new photos of your vaccine cards with all up-to-date info and get those on your phone. How hard is that?

FWIW, I visited Portugal in August/September and they were checking documents closely upon arrival. And that was when things were looking good. Now, with Omicron, I would not expect document-checking to be lax (your experience in pre-omicron times may not be a good yardstick for comparison).

The pandemic is NOT over. Yes, some things are relaxing and getting easier, but we all still need to take things seriously.

Good luck.

I'm going to Portugal in a couple of weeks. Fully vaccinated and boosted and will need a test unless things change very soon.

Are you American or Canadian, and do NOT have the EU vaccine pass? Then you need a test, regardless of booster status. The CDC card or Canadian document/QR code or US State based QR code, is not accepted as proof of vaccination. Therefore, you need a test (PCR 72 hours before or antigen 24 hours). I'm not sure on the binax proctored self test, so I would not chance it. Go to a drugstore and get an antigen test there (have it done there, not buy a self-test there, the self-test part is the issue). Then use your Binax proctored test to return to the US - it is accepted for that, just not for entry into Portugal.

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

Thanks to all who replied.

In addition to us both testing NEGATIVE using the BinaxNOW proctored test, we've both gone to our local testing site and been re-tested. Same results, NEGATIVE, and paperwork looks nearly identical to the BinaxNOW paperwork, with the exception that this second paperwork provides a test location/address.

I think that the lack of an address on the BinaxNOW paperwork is probably what is causing issues.

Hopefully armed with this second negative test, we'll be good-to-go.

Even with the extra headaches from COVID, still love traveling and very much looking forward to this trip.

Thanks again.

Mike

For anyone interested, arrived from US to Lisbon on Thursday 24 FEB.

United approved my travel documents ("Travel Ready") when I uploaded my completed Portugal "passenger locator form" and a photograph of my vaccine card (2 shots, no booster).

Having read the forums and read the requirement rules for Portugal, I obtained a Negative test within 24 hours of travel.

Prior to boarding at EWR, I asked if they needed to examine any paperwork/documents and was informed that, as long as United showed me "Travel Ready," I was good to go.

Upon arrival in Lisbon, I showed my passport and my vaccine card (2 shots, no booster) and was waived through. Showed my passport at Passport Control with no other paperwork examined and was allowed entry.

Just my experience. Your Mileage May Vary. I share simply as I have not seen any other reports on any other forums suggesting that the travel rules that I experienced in August and October 2021 have been the same for Portugal.

I was much more comfortable knowing I had all my documents in order when arriving in LIS, even if they were never checked.

Thanks again for all who commented and safe travels to all!

Mike,
Was your 2nd vaccine within the 270 days? I'll be traveling to Portugal in April and also do not have the booster.
And thanks for your report.

Gail -

My 2nd shot was outside the 270 day limit (ie., per their “rules,” I should’ve needed to show my negative test).

Contrary to every other post I’ve seen on multiple forums, the Portuguese were not checking dates or requiring the 24-hour negative test. We had them, just in case, but appears they are relaxing their rules.

Looking forward to more normal travel returning soon.

Thanks Mike.
I still plan on getting a covid test, just in case. Nice that the requirements are becoming less complicated. At least this trip I won't need to test prior to indoor dining and checking into hotels.