I will be leaving for Portugal in exactly one month, arriving in Lisbon Jan. 2, and departing Porto on a bright and early 5 AM flight Jan. 12. The plan is to take the train up to Coimbra on Jan. 6, then on Jan. 9 take the train up to Porto. I need a negative molecular COVID test within 72 hours of final flight to Canada. That flight leaves Amsterdam, on Wed Jan. 12 at 11:30 AM Portugal time, which means Sun. Jan. 9, 11:30 AM, and thereafter I could take the test. Knowing that it may take up to 48 hours for a result, I am planning to take the test once I arrive in Porto on the afternoon of Sun. Jan. 9. Where could I go to get the molecular COVID test in Porto? Are any of them drop-in, or would they all generally require an appointment? Also will I need a negative test result in order to board the plane in Portugal?
Posted by
Kansas City
180 posts
We’re in Porto now. There are testing places around but I can’t tell what kind they do. I’d contact your hotel and ask. As of today, Portugal requires a negative test to enter. You also have to show proof of vaccination to eat indoors… and I’m unsure if anything that doesn’t have a scannable (to them) QR code will work easily. We lucked out and got the EU Covid pass and they are scanning them and checking everywhere.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1666 posts
It’s my understanding that Farmacia’s are doing them but I haven’t checked yet. But, there are labs many places, especially in a city the size of Porto. Google Analesis Clínicas for the labs close to you. The ones in my area are all walk in.
Posted by
Spokane
34 posts
Also will I need a negative test result in order to board the plane in Portugal?
The answer to this is determined by the rules of your destination
I searched for "covid requirements flying from europe to canada" and got this hit:
https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid?utm_campaign=gac-amc-travelborder-part2-21-22
It looks like for fully vaxed Canadians: "A pre-entry molecular test is required for all travellers. A rapid antigen test will not be accepted."
Source: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada
Check this before your return trip.
For US citizens, from the CDC:
If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status) before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.
Fully vaccinated: The viral test must be conducted on a sample taken no more than 3 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country if you show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Not fully vaccinated: The viral test must be conducted on a sample taken no more than 1 day before the flight’s departure from a foreign country if you do not show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
Posted by
Spokane
34 posts
@Jennifer
We lucked out and got the EU Covid pass and they are scanning them and checking everywhere
Can you elaborate on how you got that? Are you there as a tourist or do you have a residency visa?
Posted by
OP
Calgary, AB
48 posts
Thanks all for the replies.
I still would like to know what the local Portugal requirement is to board a plane, e.g. do they require all plane passengers to have a negative COVID test of some sort? I would like to know if my PCR (or other molecular type) COVID test result has to be available by 5:00 AM the morning of my flight. For my entry back to Canada, they only need the negative test result prior to the actual flight into Canada (which for me leaves from Amsterdam at 11:30 AM). If Portugal doesn't have any specific requirements for plane passengers, then it gives me a little more breathing room on when my molecular COVID test result needs to get back.
Posted by
WA USA
1077 posts
Amsterdam and Canada determine the requirements to enter their country and the airlines are required to enforce those requirements. If the airline does not, there can be hefty fines involved.
Here's a link to the Portugal News around fines. In this case, it's in regards to airlines transporting individuals to Portugal without a negative covid test.
https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2021-11-25/airline-fines-of-20000-per-untested-passenger/63780
I don't believe your airline will allow you to board without a negative test, even if the test is not required until the 2nd portion of your trip (I'm guessing you are traveling on 1 ticket). But there is not harm with checking with them.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1666 posts
Portugal does require a negative test to enter the country from anyplace outside of Portugal. It can be PcA or Antigen.
I also wrote earlier that Farmacia's were doing testing but the Farmacia I use does not. So, I would find a lab and not depend on a farmacia.
And, it’s getting harder to find the self tests. So, if you can find some and bring them with you, it might be good. By the time you come, supplies may be better, but one never knows.