One of Europe's most popular travel destinations has removed a key Covid rule for Irish tourists as the summer travel season approaches.
Portugal has dropped the requirement for a negative Covid-19 test to gain entry to the country.
The change came into effect overnight, and it means that all you have to provide now to get into Portugal are a completed Passenger Locator Form and a valid EU DIgital Covid Certificate.
Prior to this announcement, it was mandatory for all arrivals to Portugal to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, even for those who held an EU Digital Covid Certificate, regardless of the point of origin of the flight or the passenger's nationality.
A valid EU Digital Covid Certificate will be required in Portugal for access to tourist or local accommodation establishments, restaurants or similar establishments, gambling establishments, casinos, bingo or similar, events, access to gyms and fitness centres.
However, there is an important piece of information that you need to get checked up if you are vaccinated.
As of Tuesday, February 1, the EU Digital Covid Certificate is only valid with a second vaccination within nine months of February 1 2022.
Travellers may also provide proof of recovery within the past six months (180 days) or a booster vaccination to travel within the European Union.
So if you've got your jabs or your booster, just double-check what your Covid cert says and it could save you a lot of hassle in the near future.
