Our intrepid Cascais/Lisbon COVID Correspondent.

I’m in Portugal now. Can I quickly weigh in? Pretty much no one (but us) wore a mask around town or inside shops. The exception was our day tour vans and Ubers all required masks to be worn. Lots of outside dining options, so that’s easy.

Thanks Susan, all updates are valuable.

On a side issue, we are all reading about scattershot enforcement of the COVID test requirement. I choose to monitor the official Portugal regulations (https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal) rather than risk my luck at the gate or (worse yet) at the immigration desk in Lisbon.
We depart on 6/12 and hope the test is no longer required. If Portugal still officially requires it, then Walgreens is not that far :).

Dennis

We are in Sintra for another day. Some masks being worn. I keep mine handy and wear it in crowded situations and when I enter a shop. It’s pretty free for all right now, but we were told Portugal is in its 6th wave of the virus. Note, on TAP from London to Lisbon, several announcements to wear your mask on the plane, required. Yet, a couple rows back, in one row of 6 no one wearing their mask, and the attendants didn’t say a word to the passengers. I glanced back at one man wearing his on his bald head.

Yes, the news is all about the rising and pretty staggering numbers recently. However, what the headlines don’t often say is the hospitalizations and deaths are still going down. As soon as they lifted the mask mandates indoors, the numbers have rapidly increased. Many of my friends who had escaped until now, have tested positive in the last few months. All with fairly mild or no symptoms. However, I’m starting to see veiled comments about increasing restrictions if numbers keep going up.

The mask mandate is still in place on all public transport, hospitals, nursing homes and Farmácia’s. But, everyplace else is up to ‘Public responsibility ‘. I see many locals still wearing masks indoors and in crowds on the streets but the tourists are back in full force and they never do.

Life is pretty normal. And, as many people have noted, almost all restaurants have outside seating, so rarely do I eat inside a restaurant.

Lastly, the airport in Lisbon isn’t requiring masks at this point. I was there on Wednesday and staff aren’t wearing them. However, TAP required masks on my trip to Italy. And, the information regarding a negative test to enter Portugal from most countries not in the EU, isn’t very clear. My daughter (from US) will be returning to Portugal with me next week. She plans to take a test while we are in Italy to ensure she is allowed on the plane.

Great contributions here so far, Exactly the sort of dialog I had hoped for.

As a double vaxed, double boosted, breakthrough COVID survivor (mild symptoms) I feel confident in the safety of my trip. Based on what you all are reporting, I will bring a good supply of masks and enjoy myself responsibly. Pretty much as I do here at home.

Kathryn's report touches on what concerns me most.
What I see as a concern is the increased likelihood of contracting COVID during my 3 week trip. Even if, as I believe, there is little probability of a serious case, infection while overseas would result in a significant "inconvenience". Not that I would be upset by a longer stay in beautiful Portugal, just that it would come with a price tag. I believe it is something I may have to budget for.

Let's keep talking to each other

Dennis (I'm going no matter what) Gibbons

We got into Porto yesterday from Paris. At Orly Airport almost no one was wearing a mask. As soon as we boarded the plane, masks were required and the flight attendants enforced it. At Porto airport it was about 50/50 for mask wearing. On the train into Porto from the airport, almost everyone was wearing a mask. Here in town we have been almost exclusively outdoors and few people are wearing masks outside. Overall there seems to be a higher rate of masking and precautions here in Porto, vs London and Paris where very few people seemed to be masking, even while riding the Metro.

According to the WHO, Portugal is seeing one of the biggest surges in COVID infections in the world per capita. The good news is that the number of hospitalizations and deaths has not spiked as much.
The Portugal NIH is predicting infections to peak at the end of this month. I don't know how they model that, I am just quoting them.

Vaccination backed by masks makes sense to me. Once again, I feel pretty secure I will not get seriously ill , but the odds of contracting COVID while visiting Portugal cannot be discounted. As I don't leave until 6/12, I am hoping the surge will have eased by then.

I'm not trying to fear monger, just passing along to the group what I have learned.

Dennis I'mgoingnomatterwhat

I just returned from Portugal last night (Lisbon/Ericeira). If it wasn't for the English language news filtering through, I wouldn't know about the rise in cases. Masks were required on public transit and to walk into a pharmacy (which ironically I was going to before I'd forgotten a mask) but no where else. Inside of airport wasn't required, but about 40% of people were. Was required on my flight from Germany to Lisbon and back, but my seatmate did not wear a mask and no one told him to put one on (although I did passive aggressively loudly complain to my friends about it). We had some rainy weather so we ate inside. Nothing seemed different than it did in Germany, which now has relatively low cases but spent a lot of the early part of the year with higher case rates than Portugal has now. I'm returning in a week and I'm not fussed, although I hope to do most activities outdoors primarily for the weather, but it's also a good idea for safety, too. Just sharing my experience.

Gang,
For reasons I cannot fathom, Portugal currently has the third highest infection rate in the world (thank you Faulkland Islands and Montserrat). This despite a high rate of vaccination and masking. I am hoping that they are cresting this month and my mid June trip does not become a test of my thick headedness.

Dennis Imgoingnotmatterwhat

We’ve been in Portugal for 3 weeks, being as careful as possible (outdoor dining, wearing masks inside). Despite this, two of the couples we are traveling with had positive pre-flight covid tests and are now isolating here for 10 days. We were negative but honestly, it seems to be luck of the draw. May rethink our fall France trip. This has been quite stressful.

There's always going to be covid waves and trying to avoid them would not be easy. As long as the hospitals don't get overwhelmed, I wouldn't make that the main decision on going or not going. At this point, I'd put your focus more on if you would be "okay" with quarantining in Portugal. If so, go and have fun.

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure that I believe matter more than case counts. It will be summer which translates to more outdoor activity and eating.

Gail,
I agree with you that the likelihood of significant illness is not what we faced two years ago and an extra 10 days in Portugal has a sweet sound.
It's isolating in an AirBnB with no contact other than to whatever passes for UberEates over there is less than enticing.
I will have to research what to policy for an involuntary extension of my AirBnB stay would entail.

D

I believe there is the possibility of having groceries delivered. Oh and Portuguese food is excellent, and cheaper then in the US. So I don't think you will suffer in that way.

Being stuck in quarantine would not be pleasant, but that is always a risk. We took a trip 2X to Portugal during covid days. Got really lucky on not having a positive covid test. Loved it there and felt it did wonders for my emotional and mental health to just get away from my house. I did feel very stressed prior to the trip with all the "what ifs" but so glad I took the risk.

Regarding Quarantines:
Susan, where did your friends stay? If you test positive the day before expected departure that would imply that you have completed your reserved stay.
I checked with our Airbnb host and he was noncommittal. If our flat were not reserved for the following period we could stay there. If it were, he would try to find another flat under his control.

I think this is the issue that concerns me rather than actual sickness. I had COVID following vaccinations and it was no big deal and would expect the same if it happens again.

What are all your thoughts?
Dennis

My spouse and I also have plans to go to Portugal soon, so I have been following this thread with great interest. We are fully vaccinated and will be the tourists who are wearing masks.

The US Embassy & Consulate in Portugal updated their page on 05/26/2022 and have a new section on what to do if you test positive for COVID while traveling in Portugal. https://pt.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

These guidelines state the need to contact the Portuguese National Health Authorities (SNS24), quarantine and obtain a Discharge Letter (Declaração de Alta), along with instructions on how to do so. The embassy also included this additional information about the challenges that travelers are facing when trying to follow these steps:

"NOTE: The SNS24 number is experiencing extremely lengthy wait times, up to several hours. U.S. Citizens that have tested positive for COVID and require a Declaração de Alta to travel have reported significant difficulties initiating contact and receiving travel clearance documentation.

Especially with respect to travelers, the Portuguese health authorities have been unable to provide clear and consistent guidance or support for addressing tourists who test positive for COVID. While the Embassy will continue to attempt to assist where possible, travelers should be aware of the risk and general lack of guidance for obtaining adequate travel documentation (Declaração de Alta, travel clearance, or other recovery certificates) to return to the United States.

Non-resident visitors who contract COVID in Portugal should be prepared for unexpected costs and extended travel delays due to difficulties obtaining recovery letters from Portuguese authorities. The U.S. Embassy will continue to work closely with the Portuguese Government to clarify Portuguese processes for our citizens."

Has anyone here gone through the process of contacting the Portuguese National Health Authorities to report a positive COVID test and/or obtaining a Declaração de Alta? If so, might you be willing to share what you learned from this experience?

Thank you very much!

Update 5/30
Todays weekly update is "sort of " good news.
While the number of infections has increased compared to the previous week, its increase is less than prior weekly interest. The all important rate of transmission (R/t) has decreased from 1.23 to 1.13. What this means it that the wave has likely crested and we should see new cases beginning to decline.

If you are already in Portugal, remain super vigilant as this statistical difference doesn't really apply to you.

Selfishly, I don't arrive for 2 weeks and by then could be looking at numbers more comparable to what I am living with here.
For what it is worth, I double the reported US infection rate as we have no real national reporting system while I trust the Portuguese numbers.

A little sunshine amid the gloom.
Per the Minister of the Presidency about 3 hours ago, the health service believes that the crest of this current wave has passed.

On Monday they should publish their latest data including the all important Rt (transmissibility index). If is below 1, were are on the right track.
Has anyone been able to get any sort of AirBnB policy statement regarding guests who test positive and must quarantine?

Dennis IhopelikehellIgettogo

My understanding from my friends currently going through this is that they were told to self isolate for seven days. They were able to find hotels that had vacancies in Porto. They could go for a masked walk for example, but must avoid other people. So maybe not quite a quarantine. After seven days from their official positive test, they can obtain a Portuguese certificate of recovery. The hitch is the US airlines want 10 full days before you can fly back to the US.

@Dennis That is encouraging to hear that the Portuguese health service believes that the crest of this wave has passed, so thanks for that!

@susan.mcclammy Thank you too for sharing that information about your friends. It doesn't sound as though they had any issues with contacting the Portuguese National Health Authorities or finding a place to stay, so that is very helpful. I hope that everything goes smoothly with obtaining their Declaração de Alta as well.

@ Susan – Thanks so very much for keeping all of us soon to go to Portugal travelers alerted. I’d be interested to know how/where your friends, who are still in Portugal, eat if they must avoid people.
Also, which airline has said they have to wait 10 days before flying?
Thanks, in advance!

Also very curious about how people have obtained food (or other necessities) if they are unexpectedly quarantining.

As for how this works, Is it that when one gets a positive COVID test, one is put in some database somewhere or something, such that if one then had a negative COVID test let's say 3 days later and tried to get on a plane with it, they would pop up at the airport with a red flag and that would stop them traveling? Like, how would, say, United Airlines even know not to allow such a person on the plane? I guess I'm not clear how this is really enforced (not that I'm suggesting people shouldn't be good world citizens and follow the rules, but we know lots of people haven't been following COVID-related rules all along).

I can only tell you how it’s going for my friends, not necessarily the official rules. In both cases, one spouse tested negative and they’ve been going out masked for takeout food to take back to their hotels. They are getting letters from the nurse who administered our tests onboard our Douro cruise, showing fit to travel after 7 days, which is the Portuguese timetable for isolating. But I think the CDC and United had a 10 day requirement, though that’s not entirely clear to me. I also think, esp with these mild breakthroughs cases, they may well test negative before 10 days is up. In that case, are they good to go?

All, I used the "Update" button to plug in the latest numbers. Scroll up to see them if you are interested

Dennis

Upon calling United airlines today with some questions re flight changes related to covid, I asked how long you need to wait to fly after having covid. The response was that you can fly on the 6th day with a negative test (because you've isolated for 5 days). I hope that's the correct answer, instead of the aforementioned 10 days. But, I really hope that we don't get covid!

SEAtraveler,
Below is a cut and paste from the us Embassy in Portugal last updated 5/26

"CDC Guidance Differences: Though Portugal issues travel clearance after seven days, the CDC issues after ten days. Different airlines have different interpretation of this inconsistency which has led to U.S. bound passengers being denied boarding. Always confirm documentation requirements with your airline before booking travel."

I see no mention of 6 days.

Dennis

Dennis, if I’m in Portugal for two weeks and enter with test and vaccine records, do I need to test to fly into Spain?

Diane,
As a retired RN, I am always wary of "practicing outside my license". but as I understand it, once you are admitted into a Schengen member country you are clear for all of them.

Kathrynj, you want to chime in here?

No you do not need to test to fly into Spain. I know bc my daughter is doing this so we looked. And she just flew to Spain two days ago from Portugal without a negative test

Have there been any updates to COVID policies regarding entry into Portugal from the US? I thought I read somewhere that there maybe some changes starting in June.

Thanks Dennis and Jessica.
Dennis, retired RN from Disease Control and Prevention here!

Dennis - From everything I've read on this forum, it seems like there are many interpretations and many differences in the practice.
It will be great for all of us travelers to stay covid-free and not to have to worry about all of these scenarios!

Regarding flying from one EU country to the next - Re-open EU is a good website. You can plug in whatever country you’re coming from and going to. I’ve used it several times and always received accurate info.

That said, the airlines coming to Portugal seem to have gotten quite lax about checking test results even though the official word is they are still required. When I flew from Italy last week, no one even asked for my EU Covid certificate or my daughter’s negative test. So frustrating for everyone!

How about a little good news for at change?

It looks like the infection rate in Portugal is demonstrating the predicted decline (finally!)
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-cases.html
https://globalepidemics.org/key-metrics-for-covid-suppression/

Let's hope the downward slope is as abrupt as was the ascent!

Dennis

I have been trying to sort out the requirements for entry to Portugal after we have completed our RS tour. We will be staying on a Greek island for a week after the tour, then flying to Portugal. We are US citizens, fully vaccinated and boosted. Everything I am reading and researching tells me that we will need to have a negative COVID test to enter Portugal. Will the rules be different because we are coming from an EU country? Has anyone recently entered Portugal with a US vaccine card, or have you had to show a negative test. Thank you!

@Denise. We entered Portugal from the UK, connecting flight from US. We only had to show our CDC card to board the flight to Lisbon. We took Covid tests 72 hours before leaving the US to make sure we were negative before our holiday, but they did t ask to see that paperwork

I’ll add to the anecdotal evidence. We flew on United into Lisbon today from Dulles. We had our Covid negative results and vaccination cards at the ready and was never asked for any of them anywhere. Also as has been mentioned, the customs line is extremely long. We arrived about 10am local time.

I returned from Portugal just over a week ago. Fortunately, the testing issue to return home will mean the fear of testing and getting stuck has been eliminated. But I wanted to share our experience as I believe COVID related information has value.

We traveled a month in Portugal and, as others have said, masking is still required on public transportation. And, inside, we saw a fair bit of masking, though not so much in crowded tourist centers. We ate outside much of the time though not always. Staff were always masked. I felt comfortable traveling.

Returning home was another matter. We flew United and masking is not required. If 20% of the people were masked, I’d be surprised. One flight attendant was masked and the other was not. Due to weather delays, we ended up sitting on the runway after landing for 2 1/2 hours.

3 days after we returned home, I tested positive. 2 days later, my husband did. We are both vaxxed and boosted, so symptoms are fairly mild, though we each had a day of fever. There is no doubt in my mind that the exposure was on the plane. The timing and circumstances fit too well.