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Safety during COVID-19: Travelling to Portugal

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travel forever. There is an air of uncertainty for travelers as many countries have since closed their international borders to tourists. Strict regulations and restrictions have also been set in place to protect citizens' health and safety.


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We understand that it is hard to keep up with the ever-changing travel regulations. Following several health and safety guidelines such as that implemented by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and an up-to-date COVID-19 travel restriction guide may help to ease some of those fears.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has recently launched the Safe Travels stamp to ensure a standard in safety guidelines across various travel industries. The WTTC is a global travel and tourism body that works with the world's major travel and global business leaders to enhance the tourism industry. 

The WTTC has worked with members, governments, health experts, and industry experts worldwide to design a set of protocols and an official stamp to represent a 'new normal’. This "Safe Travels" stamp allows travelers to identify destinations and venues around the world that have adopted these stringent WTTC-approved health and hygiene protocols.


Image by Safe Travels by WTTC

Portugal is the first country in Europe to receive the “Safe Travels” badge from the WTTC. Portugal is also currently open to tourism with strict cleanliness and safety restrictions. Turismo de Portugal, Portugal’s tourism authority, are committed to keeping their travelers safe. A word from Rita Marques, Portugal’s Secretary of State:

“Portugal has been committed in reassuring our tourists they will always have the best experience in our country. This stamp, together with our “Clean & Safe” program, is one step further in reassuring everyone that we care, our destination is focused on recovery, and trust is at the core of our business.”
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Turismo de Portugal, Portugal’s tourism authority, has also created a “Clean & Safe” stamp. Turismo de Portugal ensures that tourism enterprises, tourist entertainment companies, travel agencies, and tour operators are compliant with the Directorate General of Health's cleaning and hygiene requirements. 


Image by Portugal Clean and Safe

The stamp is a testament to businesses committed to ensuring the safety and sanitization of their establishment. 

We hope that our guide can help you make more informed decisions when searching for accommodation and traveling to Portugal. This is what you can look out for before embarking on your Portuguese journey:


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Understand Portugal’s travel restrictions:

Presently, Portugal has opened its borders to allow travelers from most countries within the European Union and the Schengen, as well as travelers from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Keep up to date with travel restrictions with this free COVID-19 travel restriction guide. 


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Look out for the “Clean & Safe” stamp:

Get peace of mind when booking accommodation in Portugal. Accommodation establishments that carry the “Clean & Safe” stamp have followed and undergone stringent checks to ensure that their facilities adhere to the safety guidelines. These include:

• Training for all employees: All employees have been trained to receive basic and necessary precautions to control the spread of COVID-19. These include procedures on hand sanitation, breath etiquette, and social behavior.
   

• Advisories to customers: Customers are advised to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
   

• Service organization assurance: Employees are responsible for the necessary sanitary procedures such as isolation areas, proper storage and disposal of waste, and daily temperature screenings.
   

• Establishment assurance: The establishment assures the maintenance of the sanitation and disinfection of the accommodation’s facilities such as surfaces and objects, offices, swimming pools, jacuzzis, and food storage and service areas.
   

• Establishment equipment: The establishment assures that it carries Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for its employees and the proper sanitization tools and equipment to keep the premises clean.
   

• Internal protocol for cleaning and sanitation: The establishment ensures that bed linen, towels, and rooms are regularly cleaned.

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Refer to other measures that are in place:

Public spaces, food and drink establishments, tourist attractions, and public transportation have adopted measures to ensure the safety of visitors. You may refer to this guide: Is it safe to travel: Portugal to further understand the procedures that you will need to undertake when traveling Portugal.

Looking to travel somewhere? Remember to bookmark our handy resource, The Ultimate Guide to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions, to remain up-to-date with regulations across the globe!

Author bio:
Cheryl is a content writer at TourHero, a travel platform designed to bring guests on unforgettable journeys. You can read more of her works at TourHero Magazine.