Travel to Portugal – Summer 2020
The travel restrictions on all but essential visits by foreigners will hold in Portugal at least from the end of May to mid-June, in line with the EU’s prolonged border closure.
While tourism officials in the Algarve region are hoping on sun seekers from abroad, many find this unrealistic as lock downs and foreign travel restrictions continue. Domestic tourism they feel will spearhead summer recovery. A return of international visitors is not looking likely before high season, with foreign bookings starting to trickle in for peak summer months of July and August.
There are currently no direct flights between the United States and Portugal. TAP, Ryan Air, British Airways and Wiz Air are among those flying to Lisbon, but seats are only for citizens and residents, and other passengers with emergency travel.
Indicating just how long it may be before some tourists can again visit Portugal, the country has launched a “Don’t cancel, postpone” campaign offering holidaymakers vouchers–valid until December 2021–to allow people to put holidays on hold, rather than wiping them off the slate. Tourism authorities say they apply to bookings made through travel agencies or at accredited holiday accommodation such as hotels or Airbnb properties, for the period March 13 to September 30.
Portuguese hotels and beaches will start to open in June under strict health protocols. In anticipation of reopenings, to establish itself as a safe destination, the Portuguese tourism board has a “Clean and Safe” label. This marks out COVID-19 compliant tourist establishments meeting government standards on hygiene and cleaning measures. Something the European Union has encouraged as a tourism revival action, and which may help place Portugal as a top European country to see tourists return earlier than expected.
by Turismo de Portugal
