Ostatnia aktualizacja: 2022-10-13. Autor: Milena
This article provides up-to-date information on the coronavirus situation in the Azores. You will find here the current restrictions and requirements. The newest information is at the top, the oldest at the bottom.
Current situation:
* In Portugal, more than 90% of the population is fully vaccinated – the second best result in the world. In the Azores, we also already have almost 90% of the population after the first vaccination course and over 50% of the population vaccinated with the third dose.
* From 1 July 2022, Portugal has abolished the obligation to present a valid covid certificate or covid test when arriving from abroad. This also applies to the Azores.
* There is still an obligation to use masks in hospitals, clinics, etc.
* If you go to the Azores and notice coronavirus symptoms, DON’T go to the hospital! Call a special number: +351 808 24 60 24.
Main sources of information: the website of the government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and Journals of Law: Azorean and Portuguese
UPDATES:
EDIT 2022/09/01:
The Azorean government has lifted the obligation to wear masks in pharmacies and airplanes.
There is still an obligation to use masks in the Azores in hospitals, clinics, etc.
Source: Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 148/2022 de 1 de setembro de 2022
EDIT 2022/07/30:
The Azorean government has lifted the obligation to wear masks on buses, taxis and other means of public transport, other than airplanes.
There is still an obligation to use masks in the Azores in airplanes, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, etc.
Source: Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 117/2022 de 28 de julho de 2022
EDIT 2022/07/08:
End of covid certificate or test obligation upon arrival in Portugal
From 1 July 2022, Portugal has abolished the obligation to present a valid covid certificate or covid test when arriving from abroad. This also applies to the Azores.
There is still an obligation to use masks in public transport, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, etc.
Source: Despacho n.º 8022-D/2022, de 30 de junho
EDIT 2022/04/22:
Masks in the Azores
The use of masks in the Azores ceases to be obligatory in most cases.
When / where is it still necessary to use masks?
- in health care centers,
- in retirement homes or places where people help the weaker, the elderly or the disabled,
- in public transport, including planes, taxis, buses, etc.
Sources:
EDIT 2022/03/14:
From 11 March 2022, only foreigners arriving in the Azores from abroad are required to show the vaccination, recuperation or test certificate, or to do a pre-flight test. There is no longer any obligation to have a certificate or test for domestic (within Portugal) flights.
In the Azores, masks are still required to be worn in closed areas. Other restrictions that may have had an impact on tourists have been lifted.
On flights to mainland Portugal from abroad, the certificate or test is still required. More information about restrictions in mainland Portugal is available on the site Info Lizbona (in Polish).
Sources:
- Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 27/2022 de 9 de março de 2022
- Announcement of Direção Regional da Saúde
- Website Destino Seguro Azores
EDIT 2022/02/11:
Flights to the Azores – restrictions
Vaccinated persons with a valid EU COVID vaccination certificate or the World Health Organization’s international vaccination certificate are exempt from an obligation to undergo a test while flying to the Azores.
Convalescents with a valid EU COVID certificate of recovery or with a declaration from the hospital are also exempt from an obligation to undergo a test while flying to the Azores.
Unvaccinated and non-convalescent people are required to submit a negative PCR (72h valid) or antigen (24h) laboratory test result before boarding an aircraft flying to the Azores.
It is also possible to do a test after landing at the Azores airport and wait in isolation (!) for its result.
Children up to 12 years are exempt from the test obligation.
Source: Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 8/2022 de 10 de fevereiro de 2022
EDIT 2022/02/10:
Mainland Portugal
All passengers flying to mainland Portugal (including – from the Azores) must complete a Passenger Locator Form.
When? After check-in and before the flight.
Penalties for failure to comply with the obligation are EUR 300-800.
Source: Comunicado conjunto sobre preenchimento de Formulário de Localização de Passageiros (PLF)
Azores
People with a valid vaccination or convalescent certificate don’t need to register anywhere. All other people must complete the My Safe Azores form.
Source: site Destino Seguro Azores
EDIT 2022/02/06:
From February 7, 2022, for people with a covid certificate, tests will no longer be obligatory when arriving in Portugal from abroad.
Validity of vaccines:
- complete vaccination with the first series of vaccination: more than 14 and less than 270 days after the last dose,
- taking the third dose – no time specified.
Unvaccinated people must show a negative result of the PCR test (valid 72h) or antigen test (its validity decreases from 48h to 24h).
Children up to 12 years of age are relieved of having to show a negative test result.
Sources:
Azores – government funded quarantine
Mandatory quarantine and isolation of tourists, related to pandemic restrictions, will be financed by the government, i.e. by residents of the Azores.
We are talking about situations when someone, for example, has to stay longer on the islands because they have covid or they had contact with a person with covid. The stay and meals, apart from those already planned by the tourist, will be paid for.
Source: Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 7/2022 de 4 de fevereiro de 2022
EDIT 2022/02/03:
Testing before entering Portugal ceases to be obligatory for people with covid certificate or other valid vaccination evidence.
Antigen tests change their validity from 48h to 24h.
Such a message appeared on the website of the Portuguese government. We are waiting for the full record of the decree.
Source: Comunicado do Conselho de Ministros de 3 de fevereiro de 2022
EDIT 2021/01/14:
Restrictions in mainland Portugal prolonged until February 9, 2022
In mainland Portugal, there’s, i.a., the obligation to show a negative test result when entering a restaurant, checking in at hotels and apartments or when entering cultural and sports events.
It is also still obligatory to show a negative result of the laboratory test (PCR 72h or antigen 48h) for flights from abroad to mainland Portugal or from abroad to the Azores. (Exception: convalescents with a valid covid convalescence passport)
Details about mainland Portugal at Info Lizbona (in PL).
Sources:
- Diário da República – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros n.º 2-A/2022
- Governo dos Açores
EDIT 2021/12/30:
In the Azores, on all islands, there’s a a contingency state/ a state of high risk declared. In São Miguel and in Terceira, there’s a community transmission of coronavirus.
Restrictions in the Azores:
- the obligation to present a negative test result before a flight from abroad to the Azores (also in transit) – also applies to COVID passport owners; exception: kids until 12 years; acceptable tests: PCR or antigen; test requirements described in the introduction to this article;
- the obligation to wear masks or visors in all closed spaces;
- opening premises with dance floors, with restrictions applied by the Regional Health Authority;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may open during sports events, with restrictions applied by the Regional Health Authority;
- limiting the number of people at social, cultural and sports events, and also in night bars and premises with dance floors, and during the New Year’s Eve celebrations to 3/4 of the capacity;
- the obligation to show a COVID certificate or a negative test result when entering premises or events mentioned in the previous point (accepted tests: PCR up to 72h or antigen up to 48h);
- prohibition of all celebrations or gatherings in public spaces, related to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations;
- prohibition of drinking alcohol in public spaces.
Flights from Mainland Portugal to the Azores
- Obligatory tests apply only to flights from abroad to mainland Portugal and to the Azores, even in transit.
- On national flights flights from mainland Portugal to the Azores and back, negative tests results for all are not required. However, the Azores… (keep on reading)
- The Azores still require a COVID certificate or test – either pre-flight or post-flight. Details are described in the post from October 3, 2021.
Sources:
- Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 299/2021 de 28 de dezembro de 2021
- News from Direção Regional da Saúde
EDIT 2021/12/23:
In the Azores, on São Miguel, there’s a a contingency state/ a state of high risk declared, and on other island – a state of alert.
Restrictions in all islands:
- the obligation to present a negative test result before a flight from abroad to the Azores (also in transit) – also applies to COVID passport owners; exception: kids until 12 years; acceptable tests: PCR or antigen; test requirements described in the introduction to this article;
- the obligation to wear masks or visors in all closed spaces;
- opening premises with dance floors, with restrictions applied by the Regional Health Authority;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may open during sports events, with restrictions applied by the Regional Health Authority;
- limiting the number of people at social, cultural and sports events, and also in night bars and premises with dance floors, and during the New Year’s Eve celebrations to 3/4 of the capacity (possibility of more participants if there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority);
- the obligation to show a COVID certificate or a negative test result when entering premises or events mentioned in the previous point (accepted tests: PCR up to 72h, antigen up to 48h or a quick test at the entrance).
Additional restrictions in São Miguel:
- limiting the number of people at social, cultural and sports events, and also in night bars and premises with dance floors, and during the New Year’s Eve celebrations to 3/4 of the capacity;
- the obligation to show a COVID certificate or a negative test result when entering premises or events mentioned in the previous point (accepted tests: PCR up to 72h or antigen up to 48h);
- prohibition of all celebrations or gatherings in public spaces, related to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations;
- prohibition of drinking alcohol in public spaces.
Sources:
Restrictions in mainland Portugal:
In mainland Portugal, there’s, i.a., the obligation to show a negative test result when checking in at hotels, etc., when entering cultural and sports events, as well as New Year’s Eve events. Details at Info Lizbona (in PL).
Sources:
EDIT 2021/12/03:
From December 3, 2021, a state of alert and tests for people travelling from abroad are in force in the Azores
In the Azores, a state of alert and special restrictions are introduced in the period of the greatest contagions. The new restrictions apply from December 3, 2021.
New restrictions in the Azores:
- the obligation to present a negative test result before a flight from abroad to the Azores (also in transit) – also applies to COVID passport owners; exception: kids until 12 years; acceptable tests: PCR or antigen; test requirements described in the introduction to this article;
- the obligation to wear masks in all closed spaces;
- opening premises with dance floors, with restrictions applied by the Regional Health Authority;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may open during sports events, with restrictions applied by the Regional Health Authority;
- limiting the number of people at cultural and sports events to 3/4 of the capacity (possibility of more participants if there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority);
- the obligation to show a COVID certificate or a negative test result when entering cultural or sports events (accepted tests: PCR up to 72h, antigen up to 48h or a quick test at the entrance).
Flights from Mainland Portugal to the Azores
- Obligatory tests apply only to flights from abroad to mainland Portugal and to the Azores, even in transit.
- On national flights flights from mainland Portugal to the Azores and back, negative tests results for all are not required. However, the Azores… (keep on reading)
- The Azores still require a COVID certificate or test – either pre-flight or post-flight. Details are described in the post from October 3, 2021.
Sources:
EDIT 2021/12/02:
From December 3, 2021, the tests will be also obligatory for people travelling from abroad (e.g. the UK) to the Azores.
More details tomorrow.
Source: Resolução do Conselho do Governo n.º 278/2021 de 2 de dezembro de 2021
EDIT 2021/11/29:
Mainland Portugal – state of calamity and mandatory tests – new preventive restrictions
The state of calamity is effective from December 1, 2021 to March 20, 2022. New restrictions apply from December 1, 2021 to January 9, 2022.
The situation in Portugal is stable, and the actions are preventive – they are to prevent the spread of the virus.
New restrictions in mainland Portugal:
- the obligation to present a negative test result before a flight from abroad to mainland Portugal (also in transit) – also applies to COVID passport owners; exception: kids until 12 years; acceptable tests: PCR or antigen; test requirements described in the introduction to this article;
- the obligation to wear masks in all closed spaces,
- the obligation to show a COVID certificate or a negative test result when checking in at the accommodation, entering at a restaurant to have a meal (not applicable to tables outside), entering a gym and events with designated places;
- the obligation to present a negative test result at the entrance to big events without designated places (also in open spaces) and at the entrance to bars and clubs / discos – also applies to COVID passport owners; acceptable tests: PCR or antigen.
Flights from Mainland Portugal to the Azores
- Obligatory tests apply only to flights from abroad to mainland Portugal, even in transit.
- On flights from mainland Portugal to the Azores and back, negative tests results for all are not required. The Azores… (keep on reading)
- The Azores still require a COVID certificate or test – either pre-flight or post-flight. Details are described in the post from October 3, 2021.
Sources:
- Diário da República – Decreto-Lei n.º 104/2021
- Diário da República – Resolução do Conselho de Ministros n.º 157/2021
- Governo dos Açores
- SIC Notícias
- Açoriano Oriental
Detailed information about situation in mainland Portugal in Info Lizbona (in Polish).
EDIT 2021/11/26:
From December 1, 2021, Portugal will be enter a state of calamity.
Some restrictions related to that:
- the obligation to wear masks in all closed spaces,
- the obligation to present a negative test result before a flight to Portugal – also applies to vaccinated persons; acceptable tests: PCR or antigen;
- the obligation to show the COVID certificate at the entrance to restaurants, tourist facilities, accommodation, gym and events with designated places;
- the obligation to present a negative test result at the entrance to big events without designated places (also in open spaces) and at the entrance to bars and clubs / discos – also applies to vaccinated persons; acceptable tests: PCR or antigen.
The information was provided by the Prime Minister of Portugal at a press conference. The law has not yet been released, so I don’t know all the details yet (e.g. how these new restrictions apply to the Azores).
Source: Portuguese Government website
EDIT 2021/10/13:
Current restrictions
More than 81% of the Azorean people are now fully vaccinated.
There is a state of alert declared on São Miguel. In that island and all others following rules apply:
- opening premises with dance floors, with restrictions applied by the Regional Health Authority,
- restaurants, bars and cafes may open during sports events, with restrictions applied by the Regional Health Authority,
- limiting the number of people at cultural and sports events to 3/4 of the capacity (possibility of more participants if there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority);
Source: Jornal Oficial do Governo Regional dos Açores
EDIT 2021/10/09:
According to the new Azores risk assessment table, on October 7, 2021, the island of São Miguel entered the medium risk level. There are no new official guidelines as to whether there are tests on flights from São Miguel to the rest of the islands, and whether there are already restrictions there for medium risk areas.
Source: Direção Regional da Saúde
EDIT 2021/10/03:
In both mainland Portugal and the Azores, more than 80% of the population is already fully vaccinated. This means lifting most of the restrictions.
When flying from the EU, the UK and the Schengen Area to mainland Portugal, you still have to do a test RT-PCR not later than 72 hours before the boarding time or an antigen test not later than 24h before the boarding time. But you don’t need to show anymore the covid certificate or the test result when you for example want to go to a restaurant at the weekend.
Detailed info at Info Lizbona (PL), HERE (PT) and HERE (PT).
Use of masks in public areas
The need for masks in open spaces from mainland Portugal and the Azores has been abolished. Masks are still required, for example, in larger shops, cinemas, hospitals, public transport, buses, taxis, at sports and cultural events, etc.
Detailed info HERE (PT).
Flights to the Azores:
Flights to the Azores are possible:
- upon presentation of a covid certificate;
- upon presentation of a convalescent certificate (valid for 180 days);
- after showing a negative result of the RT-PCR test done max 72h before the trip or the antigen test done max 48h before the trip;
- when doing an on-arrival test and awaiting the result in isolation (at the moment, tests in the Azores are carried out at the expense of the Azorean government).
Unvaccinated people are required to complete the My Safe Azores questionnaire before the flight. (Fully vaccinated people are exempt from it.)
Accepted vaccines:
- Janssen: COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen;
- AstraZeneca: Vaxzevria (wcześniej: COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca);
- Moderna: Spikevax (wcześniej: COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna);
- Pfizer – BioNTech: Comirnaty.
Inter-islands flights:
Currently no tests apply in case of inter-islands flights.
Update on the information about low, medium and high risk areas in the Azores
New point system classification of the risk in the Azores:
Indicator / Points | 0 points | 1 point | 2 points |
---|---|---|---|
No. of new cases per 100 000 inhabitants | below 50 | 50-99 | 100 or more |
Changes in the number of hospitalized people | reducing the number of hospitalized people | the same number of hospitalized people | increasing the number of hospitalized people |
No. of deaths due to covid | 0 | 1-2 | 3 or more |
The degree of risk is calculated once a week and is presented for the entire island.
Risk levels / Points | 0-2 | 3-5 | 6 |
---|---|---|---|
Risk levels | low | medium | high |
Current restricion levels in respective islands:
- low risk: all the islands in the archipelago of the Azores.
Restrictions in respective areas
Restrictions for low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- opening premises with dance floors, without limiting the number of people, without the obligation to use masks by clients, but with appropriate restrictions, e.g. showing at the entrance:
- covid certificate,
- recovery certificate (up to 180 days),
- negative result of RT-PCR test performed max 72h before entry,
- negative result of the antigen test performed max 48h before the entrance,
- negative antigen self-test performed at the entry;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 3/4 of the capacity (possibility of more participants if there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority);
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 3/4 of its capacity;
- opening premises with dance floors (with some restrictions applied);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 3/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may open during sports events.
Restrictions for medium risk areas that may affect tourists:
- opening premises with dance floors, without the obligation to use masks by clients, but with the limit of 75% of the premises’ capacity and with appropriate restrictions, e.g. showing at the entrance:
- covid certificate,
- recovery certificate (up to 180 days),
- negative result of RT-PCR test performed max 72h before entry,
- negative result of the antigen test performed max 48h before the entrance,
- negative antigen self-test performed at the entry;
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at midnight (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/2 of its capacity;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may open during sports events
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities.
Restrictions for high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- opening premises with dance floors, without the obligation to use masks by clients, but with the limit of 50% of the premises’ capacity and with appropriate restrictions, e.g. showing at the entrance:
- covid certificate,
- recovery certificate (up to 180 days),
- negative result of RT-PCR test performed max 72h before entry,
- negative result of the antigen test performed max 48h before the entrance,
- negative antigen self-test performed at the entry;
- bars, cafes, etc. close at 8 pm;
- restaurants, etc. close at midnight (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- prohibition of circulation in public spaces between midnight and 5 am;
- closure of shops and shopping centers at 11 pm (exceptions: pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and petrol stations – sale at the wicket, shops at airports, after safety check);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may open during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities.
Sources of the information about the Azores: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE. (All sources in PT).
EDIT 2021/09/05:
Current restricion levels in respective islands:
- very low risk and over 70% of the inhabitants fully vaccinated: Corvo, Santa Maria, São Jorge, Graciosa, Pico, Faial, Flores, Terceira and São Miguel.
EDIT 2021/09/05:
Current restricion levels in respective islands:
- very low risk and over 70% of the inhabitants fully vaccinated: Corvo, Santa Maria, São Jorge, Graciosa, Pico, Faial and Flores;
- very low risk: Terceira;
- low risk: São Miguel.
Restrictions in respective areas:
Restrictions for very low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
- opening premises with dance floors (with some restrictions applied);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 3/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events.
Restrictions for low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 3/4 of its capacity;
- opening premises with dance floors (with some restrictions applied);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 3/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events.
Restrictions for medium risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/2 of its capacity;
- opening of premises with dance floors (with some restrictions applied);
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at midnight (after that time only take-away or home delivery; exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities.
Restrictions for medium-high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- opening premises with dance floors (with some restrictions applied);
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at 11 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities.
Restrictions for high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- opening premises with dance floors (with some restrictions applied);
- bars and cafes close at 8 pm;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities;
- closure of shops and shopping centers at 11 pm (exceptions: pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and petrol stations – sale at the wicket, shops at airports, after safety check);
- prohibition of circulation in public spaces between midnight and 5 am.
On the islands with over 70% of inhabitants fully vaccinated restrictions of very low risk level areas apply.
—
Inter-island flights
A new rule regarding tests between the islands got introduced. According to that rule, tests in trips from São Miguel to any other island in the archipelago no longer apply.
—
—
Rules applied in discos are described HERE (PT).
EDIT 2021/08/20:
Current restricion levels in respective islands:
- very low risk and over 70% of the inhabitants fully vaccinated: Corvo, Santa Maria, São Jorge, Graciosa, Pico, Faial;
- low risk: Terceira and Flores;
- medium-high risk: São Miguel.
Inter-island flights:
On the flights from São Miguel to any other island in the archipelago of the Azores, tests still apply.
—
In premises with dancing floors, special rules apply (covid certificates or tests).
—
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force on Monday, August 23, 2021, at 00:00.
Restrictions were described on August 16, 2021.
Restrictions for vaccinated islands were described on June 9, 2021.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/08/16:
Current restricion levels in respective islands:
- very low risk and over 70% of the inhabitants fully vaccinated: Corvo, Santa Maria, São Jorge, Graciosa and Pico;
- very low risk and over 70% of the inhabitants vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine: Faial and Flores;
- low risk: São Miguel and Terceira.
Restrictions in respective areas:
Restrictions for very low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 3/4 of its capacity;
- opening premises with dance floors;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 3/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events.
Restrictions for low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 3/4 of its capacity;
- opening premises with dance floors;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 3/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events.
Restrictions for medium risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/2 of its capacity;
- opening of premises with dance floors;
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at midnight (after that time only take-away or home delivery; exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities.
Restrictions for medium-high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- opening premises with dance floors;
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at 11 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities.
Restrictions for high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- opening premises with dance floors;
- bars and cafes close at 8 pm;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes may now open during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority; the same recommended to public entities;
- closure of shops and shopping centers at 11 pm (exceptions: pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and petrol stations – sale at the wicket, shops at airports, after safety check);
- prohibition of circulation in public spaces between midnight and 5 am.
Restrictions for vaccinated islands were described on June 9, 2021.
—
Tests of the 6th day cancelled
Tests on the 6th day no longer apply – neither in flights to the Azores, not in the ones between the islands.
—
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/08/06:
Update on the information about high, medium-high, medium, low and very low risk areas in the Azores.
New point system classification of the risk in the Azores:
Indicator / Points | 0 points | 1 point | 2 points |
---|---|---|---|
No. of new cases per 100 000 inhabitants | below 50 | 50-99 | 100 or more |
Changes in the number of hospitalized people | reducing the number of hospitalized people | the same number of hospitalized people | increasing the number of hospitalized people |
No. of deaths due to covid | 0 | 1-2 | 3 or more |
The degree of risk is calculated once a week and is presented for the entire island, not – as before – for individual municipalities.
Risk levels / Points | 0 | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5 | 6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Risk levels | very low | low | medium | medium-high | high |
Current restricion levels in respective islands:
- very low risk and over 70% of the inhabitants fully vaccinated: Corvo, Santa Maria, São Jorge, Graciosa and Pico;
- very low risk and over 70% of the inhabitants vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine: Faial and Flores;
- low risk: São Miguel and Terceira.
Inter-island flights:
Inter-island flight tests will now apply from 75 cases per 100,000. inhabitants (and not from 50 as before). This means that flight tests from Terceira to other islands in the archipelago no longer apply.
The tests on the 6th day also stop applying. (I’m not sure if this is only for inter-island flights or for all tests, it was not made clear at the press conference. When the official documents come out, I will check it).
___
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 00:00.
Restrictions were described on July 30, 2021.
Restrictions for vaccinated islands were described on June 9, 2021.
EDIT 2021/07/30:
Update on the information about high, medium-high, medium, low and very low risk areas in the Azores.
Classification of the risk in different areas:
- high risk area: area with 100 or more new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
- medium-high risk area: area with 75-99 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
- medium risk area: area with 50-75 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
- low risk area: area with 25-49 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
- very low risk area: area with less than 25 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days.
Restrictions in respective areas:
Restrictions for very low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 3/4 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes are closed during sports events.
Restrictions for low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 2/3 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/3 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes are closed during sports events.
Restrictions for medium risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/2 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at midnight (after that time only take-away or home delivery; exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes are closed during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority.
Restrictions for medium-high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at 11 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes are closed during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority.
Restrictions for high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- bars and cafes close at 8 pm;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes are closed during sports events;
- limiting the number of people at events organized by public entities to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied and that there’s a contingency plan approved by the Regional Health Authority;
- closure of shops and shopping centers at 11 pm (exceptions: pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and petrol stations – sale at the wicket, shops at airports, after safety check);
- prohibition of circulation in public spaces between midnight and 5 am.
Restrictions for vaccinated islands were described on June 9, 2021.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/07/25:
Risk levels and restriction levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Lagoa;
- medium-high risk: municipalities of Ribeira Grande and Vila Franca do Campo;
- very low risk: municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação.
The current level of risk on Terceira:
Both municipalities on the island (Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória) are in a high risk area.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on May 31, 2021, and June 28, 2021. Since Monday there will be only few little changes, I’ll describe them soon in a new update.
Zaszczepione wyspy:
- Islands with 70% of the population vaccinated with the first dose: Graciosa and Pico
- Islands with 70% of the population vaccinated with two doses: Corvo, Santa Maria and São Jorge.
Restrictions for vaccinated islands were described on June 9, 2021.
Inter-island flights – a reminder:
All passengers onboarding in an Azorean island of medium or high risk with community transmission of coronavirus with destination in any of the other islands of the Azores archipelago are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 or do the test on the arrival to the island of destination. These passengers are also obliged to do the 6th day tests, according to respective law. At the moment, all these tests are carried out at the expense of the Azorean government. For now it applies only to flights from São Miguel and Terceira to any other island in the archipelago of the Azores.
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force on Monday, July 25, 2021, at 00:00, and stay valid until August 8, 2021, 11:59 pm.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/07/09:
New rules in mainland Portugal
In mainland Portugal the state of calamity was prolonged until July 25, 2021, 11:59 pm.
Tests in hotels and restaurants in mainland Portugal
From Saturday 2021/07/10, a valid COVID certificate or a negative test result must be presented in hotels and other accommodation throughout mainland Portugal on the check-in. Accepted tests are listed below.
Additionally, in high and very high risk municipalities (among others: Albufeira, Aveiro, Cascais, Lisboa, Matosinhos, Nazaré, Óbidos, Sintra, Vila Nova de Gaia and Viseu) on Fridays from 7 pm, on Saturdays and Sundays and holidays, you must show a valid COVID certificate or a negative test result also to use the restaurant, cafe, etc. inside the building (doesn’t apply to tables outside). Accepted tests are listed below.
Accepted tests:
- RT-PCR (valid 72 h),
- antigen tests (valid for 48 h),
- self-test performed at a Portuguese pharmacy (valid for 24 hours),
- self-test performed in the presence of an employee of a given facility.
Details on the Info Lizbona website (in Polish).
EDIT 2021/07/09:
Risk levels and restriction levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: municipalities of Ribeira Grande and Lagoa;
- medium-high risk: municipality of Ponta Delgada;
- low risk: municipality of Vila Franca do Campo;
- very low risk: municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on May 31, 2021, and June 28, 2021.
Changes in the restrictions that can affect tourists:
Cultural and sports events are permitted in all risk level areas, but the number of people who can participate in them is limited:
- very low risk areas: 1/2 of the capacity;
- low risk areas: 1/3 of the capacity;
- medium, medium-high and high risk areas: 1/4 of the capacity.
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force on next Saturday at 00:00.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/07/05:
In line with the regulations of 2021/05/27, the restrictions in the Azores remain the same for the next week or are reduced if the risk levels decrease.
Risk levels and restriction levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: municipalities of Ribeira Grande and Lagoa – restrictions for high-risk areas are maintained;
- medium risk: municipality of Ponta Delgada – restrictions for medium-risk areas start applying; Vila Franca do Campo – restrictions for low-risk areas are maintained;
- low risk: municipality of Nordeste – restrictions for very low-risk areas are maintained;
- very low risk: municipality of Povoação – restrictions for very low-risk areas are maintained.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on May 31, 2021, and June 28, 2021. Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels came into force on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at 00:00.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/07/01:
From 1 July 2021, the EU Digital COVID Certificate (the so-called covid passport) is accepted in the Azores
What does the covid passport mean for people travelling to the Azores?
- travellers fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after the last dose of the vaccine) and convalescents (up to 180 days after recovery) don’t have to do the mandatory tests in the Azores (pre-flight or on arrival, test on the 6th day and test by flights from São Miguel to other islands) or complete the My Safe Azores questionnaire;
- travellers who have already performed the RT-PCR test before travelling to the Azores can present it in the EU COVID Certificate (the test result will be available there) or – as so far – in the form of a laboratory certificate; these travellers must complete the My Safe Azores questionnaire, attach a negative test result to the questionnaire and undergo further Azores tests (the 6th day test and the test before or after the flight from São Miguel to the other islands); these people are still eligible for the Azores voucher;
- travellers who did not perform the RT-PCR test prior to arrival in the Azores can still do it at the airport upon arrival, at the expense of the Azorean government – as so far (and as so far – waiting in isolation for its result); these travellers must complete the My Safe Azores questionnaire and also undergo further Azores tests (the 6th day test and the test before or after the flight from São Miguel to the other islands).
Waiting for the test result in the Azores usually takes up to 24 hours. This time may change depending on how many tests were performed on a given day.
Children up to 12 years are exempt from testing.
Mainland Portugal also honors EU Digital COVID Certificates from July 1, 2021.
Source HERE and HERE. Details on Info Lizbona (in Polish).
EDIT 2021/06/28:
Risk levels and restriction levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: municipalities of Ribeira Grande and Lagoa;
- medium-high risk: municipality of Ponta Delgada;
- low risk: municipality of Vila Franca do Campo;
- very low risk: municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on May 31, 2021.
Changes in the restrictions:
- low risk areas: restaurants, cafes and bars open until 11 pm;
- medium and medium-high risk areas: restaurants, cafes and bars open until 10 pm;
- high risk areas: restaurants open until 10 pm, cafes and bars continue closed;
- high risk areas: shops and shopping centers open until 10 pm;
- high risk areas: prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 11 pm and 5 am;
- people who had covid within the last 180 days (not 90 days, as it was until now) don’t have to do the tests.
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels came into force on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 00:00.
Covid certificate since July 1, 2021
It is planned to introduce the green covid certificate from July 1, 2021. Travellers with this certificate will be exempt from pre-arrival tests in the Azores, tests on the 6th day and tests on flights from São Miguel to the other islands.
Source HERE and HERE, and HERE.
EDIT 2021/06/25:
The Azorean government has confirmed the plan of introducing certificates covid from July 1, 2021. Soon I’ll write more about it.
Source HERE and HERE, and HERE.
EDIT 2021/06/18:
In line with the regulations of 2021/05/27, the restrictions in the Azores remain the same for the next week or are reduced if the risk levels decrease.
Risk levels and restriction levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: municipality of Ribeira Grande – restrictions for high-risk areas are maintained; municipality of Lagoa – restrictions for medium-risk areas are maintained;
- medium-high risk: municipality of Ponta Delgada – restrictions for medium-high risk areas are maintained;
- very low risk: municipality of Povoação – restrictions for very low-risk areas are maintained; municipalities of Nordeste and Vila Franca do Campo – restrictions for very low-risk areas start applying.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on May 31, 2021. Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Saturday at 00:00.
There’s still a conversation about introducing covid certificates from July 1, 2021, but there’s still no detailed confirmation.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/05/16:
In mainland Portugal the state of calamity was prolonged until June 27, 2021, 11:59 pm.
There has been also introduced a possibility of arriving to mainland Portugal with an antigen test (done max 24h before boarding), and not only with RT-PCR (max 72h before boarding).
Source HERE.
There’s also information that mainland Portugal is planning to introduce covid certificates on Monday, June 14, 2021. I’ll confirm that after seeing official information in legal documents.
EDIT 2021/06/09:
Risk levels in the Azores
Risk levels and restriction levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: municipality of Ribeira Grande,
- medium-high risk: municipality of Ponta Delgada,
- low risk: municipalities of Lagoa and Vila Franca do Campo,
- very low risk: municipalities of Nordeste and Povoação.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
The specific restrictions for the area Rabo de Peixe that may affect tourists stop applying.
[this part was not finished; I will finish it later]EDIT 2021/05/31:
In line with the regulations of 2021/05/27, the restrictions in the Azores remain the same for the next week or are reduced if the risk levels decrease.
Risk levels and restriction levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: municipality of Ribeira Grande – restrictions for high-risk areas are maintained;
- medium-high risk: municipality of Ponta Delgada – restrictions for medium-risk areas are maintained;
- medium risk: municipality of Lagoa – restrictions for low-risk areas are maintained; Vila Franca do Campo – restrictions for medium-risk areas start applying;
- very low risk: municipality of Povoação – restrictions for very low-risk areas are maintained; municipality of Nordeste – restrictions for very low-risk areas start applying.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on May 31, 2021. If the levels of risk don’t change until midnight on Thursday, restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Saturday at 00:00.
Tests
From Saturday, June 12, 2021, 00:00, tests on the 12th day are no longer valid. The remaining tests (before the trip or on the arrival, the 6th day test and tests on flights from São Miguel to any of the other islands in the archipelago) still apply.
Green passports
Portugal and the Azores are working on covid passports. Their introduction is scheduled for July 1, 2021. These passports are intended to facilitate the travel of people who have already received the full covid vaccine (in the case of two-dose vaccines – both doses).
When will the restrictions in the Azores be lifted?
The Azorean government predicts that by the end of July / beginning of August 2021, min. 70% of Azorean people will have already received both doses of the vaccine. It will mean a return to a more or less normal life. There are planned three steps planned in lifting restrictions in the Azores, related to the number of vaccinated people:
1. Islands without community transmission of coronavirus, where min. 70% of people took the first dose of the vaccine:
After 14 days from this moment, new rules will apply:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 20;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 3/4 of its capacity;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/2 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied.
Different rules will be specified for islands where community transmission of the coronavirus will continue to exist.
2. Islands without community transmission of coronavirus, where min. 70% of people took the second dose of the vaccine:
After 14 days from this moment, new rules will apply:
- collective restrictions stop applying;
- possibility of opening premises with dance floors (limitation of the maximum number of people in the premise to 1/2 of its capacity; contingency plan of the premise must be approved by the Regional Health Authority).
Different rules will be specified for islands where community transmission of the coronavirus will continue to exist.
(The smallest Azorean island, Corvo, which has already been fully vaccinated, may apply these new rules since Saturday, June 12, 2021, 00:00).
3. 70% of people across the whole Azores archipelago will receive the second dose of the vaccine:
- restrictions in premises with dance floors stop applying;
- the possibility of discontinuing the obligatory use of masks will be considered.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/05/31:
Update on the information about high, medium-high, medium, low and very low risk areas in the Azores.
Classification of the risk in different areas:
- high risk area: area with 100 or more new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
- medium-high risk area: area with 75-99 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
- medium risk area: area with 50-75 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
- low risk area: area with 25-49 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
- very low risk area: area with less than 25 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days.
Restrictions in respective areas:
Restrictions for very low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 3/4 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at 11:59 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
- from 11:59 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/3 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes are closed during sports events.
Restrictions for low risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 2/3 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at 10:00 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
- from 10 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
- limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied;
- restaurants, bars and cafes are closed during sports events.
Restrictions for medium risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants, bars and cafes to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/2 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- restaurants, bars and cafes close at 10 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery; exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests);
- prohibition of selling alcohol after 8 pm;
- from 10 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
- suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public;
- suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies.
Restrictions for medium-high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- restaurants and cafes close at 8 pm;
- prohibition of selling alcohol after 8 pm;
- from 10 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
- suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public;
- suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies.
Restrictions for high risk areas that may affect tourists:
- limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- closing of premises with dance floors;
- closing of bars, etc.
- restaurants and cafes close at 8 pm;
- prohibition of selling alcohol after 8 pm;
- from 10 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
- suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public;
- suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies;
- prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 9 pm and 5 am;
- closure of shops and shopping centers at 9 pm (exceptions: pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and petrol stations – sale at the wicket, shops at airports, after safety check).
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/05/27:
Risk levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: municipalities of Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo and Nordeste,
- medium risk: municipality of Ponta Delgada,
- low risk: municipality of Lagoa,
- very low risk: municipality of Povoação.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Additionally, in São Miguel, in the area of Rabo de Peixe, apart from restrictions applicable to high-risk areas, restrictions described on May 21, 2021, apply:
- restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. are closed (only take-out or home delivery are available),
- events that would favor the gathering of many people are cancelles,
- lockdown (prohibition of circulation in public spaces).
There were also determined new rules for different levels of risk. Among them:
- very low risk level: restaurants, cafes and bars open until 11:59 pm,
- low risk: restaurants, cafes and bars open until 10:00 pm,
- medium risk level: restaurants, cafes and bars open until 10:00 pm, sale of alcoholic beverages allowed until 8:00 pm,
- medium-high risk level: restaurants, cafes and bars open until 8:00 pm,
- high level of risk: restaurants open until 8:00 pm; closed cafes and bars; curfew from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am.
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Saturday at 00:00. They last two weeks, unless on the next week the number of cases lowers – in this case, restrictions for lower risk levels start applying.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/05/25:
From May 26, 2021, non-residents who do tests before the trip to the Azores can get a voucher for tourist activities on the islands. Details in the article „Azores voucher – 35 EUR for a test before the trip„
EDIT 2021/05/21:
In the Azores, in São Miguel, in Rabo de Peixe there’s a state of calamity declared, in municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo and Nordeste – also a state of calamity, in Ribeira Grande – a contingency state/ a state of high risk, in Povoação, Ponta Delgada and Lagoa – a state of alert. In the other islands – a state of alert.
Risk levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: Rabo de Peixe, municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo and Nordeste,
- medium risk: municipality of Ribeira Grande,
- low risk: municipality of Povoação,
- very low risk: municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Lagoa.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Additionally, in São Miguel, in the area of Rabo de Peixe, apart from restrictions applicable to high-risk areas, other restrictions apply:
- restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. are closed (only take-out or home delivery are available),
- events that would favor the gathering of many people are cancelles,
- lockdown (prohibition of circulation in public spaces).
There were also determined new rules for the high-risk areas. Among them:
- limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
- limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
- restaurants close at 8 pm;
- cafes are still closed;
- prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 9 pm and 5 am;
- closure of shops and shopping centers at 9 pm.
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Saturday at 00:00.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/05/16:
In mainland Portugal the state of calamity was prolonged until May 30, 2021, 11:59 pm.
Source HERE.
In mainland Portugal, the provision on the possibility of traveling from Poland to mainland Portugal only in necessary situations was abolished. This means that tourist trips from Poland to mainland Portugal are already possible. Tests maximum 72 hours before the flight still apply.
Source HERE. More information at Info Lizbona (in Polish).
EDIT 2021/05/14:
In the Azores, in São Miguel, in Rabo de Peixe there’s a state of calamity declared, in municipalities of Ribeira Grande and Nordeste – a contingency state/ a state of high risk, and in Vila Franca do Campo, Lagoa, Ponta Delgada and Povoação – a state of alert. In the other islands – a state of alert.
Risk levels in São Miguel:
- high risk: Rabo de Peixe,
- medium risk: municipalities of Ribeira Grande and Nordeste,
- low risk: municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo and Lagoa,
- very low risk: municipalities of Ponta Delgada and Povoação.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Additionally, in São Miguel, in the area of Rabo de Peixe, apart from restrictions applicable to high-risk areas, other restrictions apply:
- restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. are closed (only take-out or home delivery are available),
- events that would favor the gathering of many people are cancelles,
- lockdown (prohibition of circulation in public spaces).
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Sunday at 00:00.
EDIT 2021/05/06:
In the Azores, in São Miguel, in municipality of Vila Franca do Campo there’s a state of calamity declared, in municipalities of Lagoa, Ribeira Grande and Povoação – a contingency state/ a state of high risk, and in Ponta Delgada and Nordeste – a state of alert. In the other islands – a state of alert.
Risk levels in São Miguel:
* high risk: Vila Franca do Campo,
* medium-high risk: Lagoa i Ribeira Grande,
* medium risk: Povoação,
* low risk: Ponta Delgada,
* very low risk: Nordeste.
Other islands are considered very low risk areas.
Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Additionally, in São Miguel, in municipality of Vila Franca do Campo (high-risk area), restaurants are open only until 3pm, and bars, pubs, etc. are closed. During the week days there’s curfew from 5pm until 5am there, and during the weekend – from 8pm until 5am. Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Saturday at 00:00.
Source HERE. Legal foundation from May 7, 2021, HERE.
EDIT 2021/05/01:
In Portugal, the state of emergency has been lifted. Instead, mainland Portugal is now in a state of calamity.
The obligatory quarantine for people flying from Poland and some other European countries has also been abolished. The RT-PCR test performed no later than 72 hours before the trip is still mandatory. And there are still allowed only essential travels, i.e. for professional, scientific, family, health and humanitarian reasons.
The new law is in force from today until May 16, 2021, 11:59 pm.
Details for mainland Portugal (in Polish) on the site of Info Lizbona.
EDIT 2021/04/30:
Since May 1, 2021, 00:00, until May 16, 2021, 11:59pm, in mainland Portugal the state of calamity is declared. Source HERE.
From May 1, 2021, 00:00, until May 7, 2021, 11:59pm, São Miguel is in a state of calamity and restrictions for high-risk areas apply there. On the other islands in the Azores archipelago – the contingency state / the state of high risk is declared, and restrictions for very low risk areas apply. The tests on the 6th and 12th after the first tests also still apply.
Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Additionally, there are closed restaurants all over the island of São Miguel (described on April 14, 2021). Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Saturday at 00:00.
From May 1, 2021, at at 00:00, making tests before arriving in the Azores is no longer obligatory. However, anyone who doesn’t do the test before the the flight has to do it on arrival and wait in isolation for the result. The same applies to flights from São Miguel to the other islands in the archipelago.
Details of the test performed no later than 72 hours before the flight with destination in the Azores (or another Azorean island, in case you’re flying from São Miguel), if you choose this solution:
Test method required: RT-PCR. The certificate (paper or electronic; it can’t be a text message) must contain your data, laboratory data, date of the test, test method (RT-PCR) and negative result.
The ones who stay in any of the Azorean islands for 7/13 days or more are obliged to make a test on the 6th/12th day after the first test. The obligation to perform the test doesn’t apply, inter alia, to children up to 12 years of age, people who had covid within the last 90 days (appropriate certificate needed) and people for whom it’s not possible to perform the RT-PCR test (for such people, a separate procedure applies). At the moment, these tests are carried out at the expense of the Azorean government. List of medical facilities HERE.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/04/29:
Due to the change of the state of emergency into a state of calamity in Portugal, from May 1, 2021, at 00:00, making tests before arriving in the Azores is no longer obligatory. However, anyone who doesn’t do the test before the the flight has to do it on arrival and wait in isolation for the result. The same applies to flights from São Miguel to the other islands in the archipelago.
Three municipalities in São Miguel are now considered high-risk areas (Nordeste, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande). Thus, in accordance with applicable law, the restrictions for high-risk areas apply now to the whole island of São Miguel.
All the other islands are considered very low risk area.
Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Additionally, there are closed restaurants all over the island of São Miguel (described on April 14, 2021). Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Saturday at 00:00.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/04/22:
End of tests in the Azores?
The president of Portugal expressed his hope that the state of emergency in Portugal would no longer need to be extended after 30 April. If the state of emergency is indeed not extended, the test before traveling to the Azores will no longer be obligatory. But that doesn’t mean the tests will completely disappear. The Azorean government is planning three scenarios:
1) Travelers from mainland Portugal or from Madeira who do the test max 72h before the trip to the Azores at their place (at the expense of the Azorean government) will receive a 35€ voucher to be used in the Azores. They will still be subject to the 6th and 12th day tests (at the expense of the Azorean government).
2) Foreign travelers who do the test max 72h before the trip to the Azores at their place (at their own expense) will receive a 50€ voucher to be used in the Azores. They will still be subject to the 6th and 12th day tests (at the expense of the Azorean government).
3) People who will fly to the Azores without a test will have to undergo a test upon arrival (at the expense of the Azorean government) and wait for its result (max 24h). They will still be subject to the 6th and 12th day tests (at the expense of the Azorean government).
If the result of the test done upon arrival is positive, the person must undergo a 10-day lockdown, and close and high-risk persons (e.g. co-passengers) – a 14-day lockdown. Lockdown takes place in a place previously reserved by the traveler. If the required stay is longer than the reservation, the person spends the rest of the time in a hotel appointed and paid for by the Azorean government (accommodation + meals).
If the place of stay previously booked by the traveler doesn’t meet the conditions for lockdown, the traveler will be transferred to a hotel appointed and paid for by the Azorean government (accommodation + meals).
Exceptions: children up to 12 years of age, people who had covid within the last 90 days (appropriate certificate needed).
The Azores are also planning to introduce green passports for vaccinated people, but there’s no complete information on this yet.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/04/16:
The state of emergency in Portugal is prolonged until April 30, 2021, 11:59 pm. Source HERE.
Trips from Poland to the Azores with a change in mainland Portugal:
I got a message from the Polish Embassy in Lisbon that they already have official information from MNE (Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs) about people traveling from Poland to the Azores / Madeira with a change in mainland Portugal. According to this information, these people are not subject to preventive isolation in mainland Portugal, provided that their stay on the continent doesn’t exceed 48 hours.
So far, I haven’t heard about cases of the necessity to undergo preventive isolation after arriving to the islands, but it’s possible that such a necessity will be introduced / enforced at some point.
Source (flight resolution) HERE.
EDIT 2021/04/14:
Four municipalities in São Miguel are now considered high-risk areas (Vila Franca do Campo, Nordeste, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande). Thus, in accordance with applicable law, the restrictions for high-risk areas apply now to the whole island of São Miguel.
All the other islands are considered very low risk area.
Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Friday at 00:00.
New restrictions connected with the situation on São Miguel:
* All restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. on the whole island of São Miguel are closed. Only take-away or home delivery are available (until 10 pm). Exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests.
* Restrictions regarding restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. applicable in high-risk areas start applying also in medium-high risk areas.
* During the next three weeks, there should be no event that would favor the gathering of many people. The Rally Açores will therefore not be held on the scheduled date.
The tests in trips to the Azores (before the trip and the tests of the 6th and 12th day) and in trips from São Miguel to other Azorean islands still apply.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/04/13:
The Regional Secretary for Health and Sports announced that the entire island of São Miguel will enter a high-risk area. Details will be known tomorrow.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/04/12:
From Tuesday, 13th of April, 2021, 00:00, all restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. in the high-risk areas (municipalities of Nordeste and Vila Franca do Campo) are closed. Only take-away or home delivery are available (until 10 pm). Exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests).
Source HERE.
Flights from Poland to the Azores with a change in mainland Portugal:
I received confirmation from Linha de Saúde Açores („Azores health line”) that people flying from Poland to the Azores on one ticket, with a change in mainland Portugal, are not obligated to undergo preventive isolation, regardless of whether they stay at the airport or leave it. The test performed in Poland must still be valid before the flight to the Azores.
There is no clear information on people who have their journey on two separate tickets
EDIT 2021/04/09:
Regional Health Authority announced new levels of risk in individual municipalities in São Miguel:
* medium-risk areas: Lagoa, Povoação, Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande
* high-risk areas: Nordeste and Vila Franca do Campo
All the other islands are considered very low risk area.
Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels come into force next Saturday at 00:00.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/04/08:
Almost the whole Azores are considered very low risk area. All exceptions are located in São Miguel: Vila Franca do Campo (high risk), Nordeste (high risk), Ponta Delgada (medium risk), Lagoa (low risk) and Ribeira Grande (low risk). Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels always come into force next Saturday at 00:00. (Exception: in Vila Franca do Campo restrictions of high-risk area apply from today).
The tests in trips to the Azores (before the trip and the tests of the 6th and 12th day) and in trips from São Miguel to other Azorean islands still apply.
São Miguel is currently the only island in the Azores archipelago with community transmission of the coronavirus. Most of the cases are of the British variant of the virus.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/03/31:
The state of emergency in Portugal is prolonged until April 15, 2021, 11:59 pm. Source HERE.
Restrictions regarding flights from Poland to Portugal were also prolonged. Source HERE.
Almost the whole Azores are considered very low risk area. Exceptions: Nordeste (high), and Ponta Delgada (medium-high). Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels exceptionally come into force on Monday, April 5, 2021, 00:00 (if the risk level don’t change before that).
Restrictions for the Easter period (Friday, April 2, 2021 at 00:00 – Sunday, April 4, 2021 at 11:59 pm):
1. São Miguel:
* restaurants and cafes close at 3 pm (between 3 pm and 10 pm only take-away or home delivery);
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
* prohibition of travelling between municipalities;
* prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 3 pm and 5 am.
2. Other islands:
* restaurants and cafes close at 10 pm;
* prohibition of selling alcohol after 8 pm.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/03/25:
Almost the whole Azores are considered very low risk area. Exceptions: Ribeira Grande and Vila Franca (low), and Ponta Delgada (medium-high). Two districts in Ponta Delgada with restrictions in the high-risk area were distinguished: São Pedro and São Sebastião. Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels always come into force next Saturday at 00:00.
The tests in trips to the Azores (before the trip and the tests of the 6th and 12th day) and in trips from São Miguel to other Azorean islands still apply.
São Miguel is currently the only island in the Azores archipelago with community transmission of the coronavirus. There are also cases of a British variant of the virus, but at the moment all the chains are identified. So there’s no reason to say that the community transmission also applies to the British variant.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/03/25:
Do you have to undergo preventive isolation when flying from Poland to the Azores?
The number of coronavirus cases in Poland has exceeded 500 per 100,000 residents. Therefore, mainland Portugal has imposed on people traveling from Poland the obligation not only of a test before arrival, but also of 14-day preventive isolation after arrival. (And it reminds you to travel when absolutely necessary).
At the same time, the Azores have their own flight regulations. But when flying from Poland to the Azores, you are currently flying with a change in mainland Portugal. For this reason, the question arose whether people flying from Poland to the Azores with a transfer in mainland Portugal are subject to preventive isolation.
I’ve been trying to explore this topic for two days. I have contacted Linha de Saúde Açores („Azores health line”), Lisbon airport, Portuguese airline TAP, the Polish Embassy in Portugal and the Portuguese Embassy in Poland. What have I found out?
First of all, the whole situation is highly uncertain and legal regulations can be a subject to interpretation.
In TAP I received information that if you have the entire flight on one ticket and you don’t leave the airport (you don’t pick up your luggage, you don’t go beyond the gates), you don’t have to undergo preventive isolation. However, when you leave the closed zone of the airport, you’re already bound by the law of mainland Portugal, i.e. you must undergo preventive isolation.
However, from both embassies I got the answer that even with flights with a change, during which you leave the airport (e.g. for an overnight stay in Lisbon), PROBABLY Art. 10 of Regulation 2807-A/2021 applies. It says that if someone has a confirmation (in this case it would be your ticket to the Azores) that they will leave Portugal within 48 hours, they are not subject to preventive isolation. (But they’re still verifying this topic).
This article raises my doubts because it’s about leaving the national territory, not the territory of mainland Portugal. And the Azores are still a national territory in my opinion.
I’m still checking the topic. As soon as I know more, I’ll let you know. For now, I will only remind you of what various institutions in turn remind me of in response to my questions. That any travel, especially from Poland (and from other countries on the same list), should now be limited to essential. When the situation in Poland improves, the conditions for admitting it in Portugal will also change.
EDIT 2021/03/23:
The restrictions that apply upon arrival in mainland Portugal depend on the country you’re flying from. Poland entered the list of countries with severe restrictions. As in Poland there were more than 500 cases of coronavirus per 100,000 habitants in the last 14 days, when flying from Poland to mainland Portugal, you have to do a test not later than 72 hours before the flight and undergo a 14-day prophylactic isolation after arrival. Additionally, travel must be limited to the essential ones (work, return home, etc.). These restrictions are valid until March 31, 2021, 11:59 pm and may be extended. This will depend on the number of coronavirus cases in Poland. Details (in Polish) on the Info Lizbona website.
REMARK: I’m checking how it relates to trips to the Azores (what in the case of changes in mainland Portugal, etc.).
Source HERE and HERE.
EDIT 2021/03/18:
Almost the whole Azores are considered very low risk area. Exceptions: Povoação (low), Ponta Delgada (medium) i Lagoa (high). Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. Restrictions in line with the newly determined risk levels always come into force next Saturday at 00:00. The tests in trips to the Azores (before the trip and the tests of the 6th and 12th day) and in trips from São Miguel to other Azorean islands still apply.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/03/16:
From 15th of March, 2021, Portugal mainland is leaving the lockdown. Details (in Polish) at Info Lizbona.
The state of emergency in Portugal is prolonged until March 31, 2021, 11:59 pm. Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/03/11:
The whole Azores, except for the area of Ribeira Grande (high risk) and Lagoa (low risk), are considered very low risk area. Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. The lockdown in Rabo de Peixe is finishing (from 13th of March, 2021, 00:00). The tests in trips to the Azores (before the trip and the tests of the 6th and 12th day) and in trips from São Miguel to other Azorean islands still apply.
Source HERE and HERE.
EDIT 2021/03/08:
The whole Azores, except for the area of Ribeira Grande (high risk) and Lagoa (low risk), are considered very low risk area. Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. A part of Rabo de Peixe is keeping the lockdown so far. The tests in trips to the Azores still apply (before the trip and the tests of the 6th and 12th day).
Terceira stopped being considered an island with a community transmittion of the coronavirus.
From March 6, 2021, tests in the trips from São Miguel to other Azorean islands start applying again.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/02/28:
The state of emergency in Portugal is prolonged until March 16, 2021, 11:59 pm. Details (in Polish) on the site of Info Lizbona. Source HERE.
The whole Azores, except for the area of Ribeira Grande (medium risk), are considered very low risk area. Restrictions were described on February 16, 2021. A part of Rabo de Peixe is keeping the lockdown so far. The tests in trips to the Azores still apply (before the trip and the tests of the 6th and 12th day).
From March 2, 2021, tests in the trips from São Miguel to other Azorean islands stop applying.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/02/18:
Today at a press conference regarding the coronavirus pandemic in the Azores it was announced that the whole Azores, except for the area of Rabo de Peixe, are considered very low risk area. New restrictions (described below) apply since midnight (February 19, 2021, 00:00). Rabo de Peixe is keeping the lockdown so far. All the tests still apply.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/02/16:
On the 12th of February, 2021, in the Azores there were introduced high, medium-high, medium, low and very low risk areas.
Classification of the risk in different areas:
* high risk area: area with 100 or more new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
* medium-high risk area: area with 75-99 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
* medium risk area: area with 50-75 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
* low risk area: area with 25-49 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days;
* very low risk area: area with less than 25 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days.
Remarks:
* the level of risk in different areas and thus islands is determined weekly by the Regional Health Authority;
* on the islands with no community transmission of coronavirus, restrictions for very low risk areas apply, unless the Regional Health Authority decides elsewise;
* on the islands with community transmission of coronavirus, where 1/3 of municipalities is defined as high risk areas, other municipalities are defined as medium or medium-high risk area;
* on islands with community transmission of coronavirus where there’s more than 1 municipality and where 50% or more municipalities are considered high risk areas, restrictions for high risk areas apply to the entire island.
Restrictions in respective areas:
Restrictions for very low risk areas that may affect tourists:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 10, unless they belong to the same household;
* limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 3/4 of its capacity;
* closing of premises with dance floors;
* restaurants and cafes close at 11:59 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
* from 11:59 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
* suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies;
* limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/3 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied.
Restrictions for low risk areas that may affect tourists:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
* limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 2/3 of its capacity;
* closing of premises with dance floors;
* restaurants and cafes close at 10:00 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery);
* from 10 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
* suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies;
* limiting the number of people at cultural events and sports competitions to 1/4 of the capacity, making sure the rules of social distance are applied.
Restrictions for medium risk areas that may affect tourists:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
* limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/2 of its capacity;
* closing of premises with dance floors;
* restaurants and cafes close at 8 pm (after that time only take-away or home delivery; exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests);
* prohibition of selling alcohol after 8 pm;
* from 10 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
* suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies;
* suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public.
Restrictions for medium-high risk areas that may affect tourists:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
* limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
* closing of premises with dance floors;
* restaurants and cafes close at 8 pm (between 8 pm and 10 pm only take-away or home delivery; exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests);
* prohibition of selling alcohol after 8 pm;
* from 10 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
* suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies;
* suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public.
Restrictions for high risk areas that may affect tourists:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
* limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity;
* closing of premises with dance floors;
* restaurants and cafes close at 3 pm (between 3 pm and 10 pm only take-away or home delivery; exception: hotel restaurants serving their guests);
* prohibition of selling alcohol after 8 pm;
* from 10 pm to 6 am gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies;
* suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies;
* suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public;
* prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 10 pm and 5 am during the week and between 3 pm and 5 am at weekends;
* closure of shops and shopping centers at 8 pm during the week and at 3 pm on weekends (exceptions: pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and petrol stations – sale at the wicket, shops at airports, after safety check);
* closure of gyms and indoor swimming pools;
* closure of casinos and other arcades.
Inter-island flights: All passengers onboarding in an Azorean island of medium or high risk with community transmission of coronavirus with destination in any of the other islands of the Azores archipelago that has lower risk, are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. This obligation also applies to all passengers onboarding in an Azorean island with community transmission of coronavirus and with at least one municipality considered as high risk (now this is São Miguel) with destination in any of the other islands of the Azores archipelago that has lower risk. These passengers are also obliged to do the 6th day and 12th day tests, according to respective lat. At the moment, all these tests are carried out at the expense of the Azorean government. List of medical facilities HERE.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/02/12:
The state of emergency in Portugal is prolonged until March 1, 2021, 11:59 pm. Details (in Polish) on the site of Info Lizbona. Source HERE.
Update of the restrictions in the Azores:
* The Azores are introducing a 5-point scale for assessing the risk of a pandemic (when it gets precisely specified in the law, I’ll explain the subject in more detail).
* All passengers onboarding in an Azorean island with community transmission of coronavirus and with at least one municipality considered as high risk (now this is São Miguel) with destination in any of the other islands of the Azores archipelago that has lower risk, are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. At the moment, these tests are carried out at the expense of the Azorean government. List of medical facilities HERE. Source HERE.
* Lockdown in some parts of the area of Rabo de Peixe got prolonged for one more week.
* Restrictions for next Monday and Tuesday (last two days of the Carnival time): closing of restaurants, cafe, bars, etc., at 3 p.m.; prohibition of Carnival fests, prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 8pm and 5 am.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/02/04:
Update of the restrictions in the Azores, applying from February 5, 00:00 am:
* lockdown in Rabo de Peixe was limited to only a part of its area;
* Terceira and Faial are considered again low-risk areas; that means that the obrigatory of tests between the islands applies only to passengers embarking in São Miguel with destination in any of the other islands of the Azores archipelago; in Terceira and Faial low-risk area restrictions come back, i.a. restaurants may stay open until 10 pm;
* on low-risk area islands it will be possible for a public to participate in sports events, providing that the number of people doesn’t exceed 1/4 of the capacity;
* restrictions for the period of Carnival, from February 12: closing of all non-essential trade; closing of restaurants, cafe, bars, etc; prohibition of Carnival fests, prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 8pm and 5 am.
Source HERE and update 2021/02/05 HERE.
EDIT 2021/02/01:
The state of emergency in Portugal is prolonged until February 14, 2021, 11:59 pm. Portugal has introduced new restrictions, including pre-arrival coronavirus testing and a quarantine obligation. Details (in Polish) on the site of Info Lizbona.
Source HERE.
Azores – changes in the restrictions
There has been added an obligation to perform the test on the 12th day. The test restrictions are now as follows:
All passengers onboarding with destination in the Azores archipelago are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. The test should be performed no later than 72 hours before the flight with destination in the Azores. Test method required: RT-PCR. The certificate (paper or electronic; it can’t be a text message) must contain your data, laboratory data, date of the test, test method (RT-PCR) and negative result. The ones who stay in any of the Azorean islands for 7 days or more are obliged to make a test on the 6th day after the first test. The ones who stay in any of the Azorean islands for 13 days or more are obliged to make a test on the 12th day after the first test. The obligation to perform the test doesn’t apply, inter alia, to children up to 12 years of age and people for whom it’s not possible to perform the RT-PCR test (for such people, a separate procedure applies). At the moment, these tests are carried out at the expense of the Azorean government. List of medical facilities HERE.
Terceira has entered the medium risk area. This means, inter alia, limiting the number of people in public space to 6 and closing the restaurant at 8 pm. Details in the fragment from January 7, 2021.
Tests between islands: All passengers onboarding in an Azorean island of medium or high risk with community transmission of coronavirus (now it’s São Miguel and Terceira) with destination in any of the other islands of the Azores archipelago that has lower risk, are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Later they are also obliged to take the test on the 6th day (if they stay for 7 days or longer) and on the 12th day (if they stay for 13 days or longer).
On the islands with no community transmission of coronavirus regulations of low risk area apply.
Additional restrictions for different areas:
* low-risk area: limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 2/3 of its capacity,
* medium-risk area: limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/2 of its capacity,
* high-risk area: limitation of the maximum number of people in restaurants etc. to 1/3 of its capacity.
Lockdown:
* The lockdown in Rabo de Peixe has been prolonged until February 5, 2021, 11:59 pm.
* There is no longer a lockdown in Ponta Garça, but restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. are still closed (until February 5, 2021, 11:59 pm). – only home delivery orders are possible.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/01/25:
The state of emergency in the Azores, like the state of emergency in all of Portugal, has been prolonged until January 30, 2021, 11:59 pm. Therefore, the Azorean government has clarified the restrictions in the Azores:
* All passengers onboarding in an Azorean island of medium or high risk with community transmission of coronavirus (now it’s São Miguel) with destination in any of the other islands of the Azores archipelago that has lower risk, are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
* The lockdown in Rabo de Peixe has been prolonged until January 30, 2021, 11:59 pm.
* There is no longer a lockdown in Ponta Garça, but restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. are still closed (until January 30, 2021, 11:59 pm). – only home delivery orders are possible.
Restrictions for high risk areas that may affect tourists:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household (in this case the maximum limit is 6);
* restaurants and cafes close at 3 pm (after this time only take-away or home delivery);
* prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 11 pm and 5 am during the week and after 3 pm at weekends;
* closure of shops and shopping centers at 8 p.m. during the week and at 3 p.m. on weekends (exceptions: pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and petrol stations).
Restrictions in low and medium risk areas remain the same as described on January 7 and 8, 2021.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/01/22:
At a press conference, the Azorean government announced that the restrictions on São Miguel would be extended until January 29, 2021, 11:59 pm. Ponta Garça district is already will already finish its lockdown, Rabo de Peixe district remains in lockdown for another week.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/01/15:
Changes in the restrictions in the Azores:
* All passengers onboarding in an Azorean island of high risk (now it’s São Miguel) with destination in any of the other islands of the Azores archipelago that have lower risk, are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
* A provision of the new regulatory decree says that all passengers who stay on any Azorean island (= in the archipelago) for 7 days or more are required to do the test on the 6th day after the first test.
* Lockdown in Rabo de Peixe and Ponta Garça São Miguel districts from Friday, January 15, 2021 at 00:00 am, until January 29, 2021, 11:59 pm.
All the other restrictions that applied until now still apply.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/01/13:
The state of emergency in Portugal was prolonged from January 16, 2021 00:00 am, until January 30, 2021 11:59 pm. Source HERE.
Due to the prolongation of the state of emergency in Portugal, the President of the Azorean government announced in a press conference the tightening of restrictions in the Azores:
* lockdown in Rabo de Peixe and Ponta Garça São Miguel districts from Friday, January 15, 2021 at 00:00 am, until January 29, 2021, 11:59 pm;
* in other parts of São Miguel prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 8 pm and 5 am during the week (prohibition of circulation in public spaces after 3 pm at weekends and other prohibitions were maintained).
* closure of swimming pools and casinos in São Miguel.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/01/08:
The Azorean government has clarified the restrictions in place in low-risk areas. Those that may affect tourists are as follows:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 8, unless they belong to the same household;
* od godz. 22:00 do 6:00 stacje benzynowe mogą sprzedawać wyłącznie paliwo i elementy zaopatrzenia samochodów,
* shortening the operation of bars and other venues with alcohol until 10 p.m.,
* from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies,
* suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies,
* suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public.
Source HERE.
EDIT 2021/01/07:
The state of emergency in Portugal was prolonged from January 8, 2021 00:00 am, until January 15, 2021 11:59 pm. Source HERE.
On this basis, a low, medium and high-risk areas and appropriate restrictions have been introduced in the Azores. The new restrictions are in force for now from January 8, 2021 at 00:00 until 15 January 2021 at 23:59, and they can be extended.
Source HERE and HERE.
A high-risk area is the one with more than 100 active cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 7 days. Medium-risk area – 50 to 100 cases, low-risk area – less than 50 cases. One area is considered here as one municipality. In the event that an island has more than one municipality and the high-risk area is recorded in more than 50% of the municipalities, the entire island is subject to high-risk area restrictions.
As of today, there are 4 high risk municipalities in the Azores, all in São Miguel: Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo and Lagoa. The municipality of Nordeste (also São Miguel) is a municipality of medium risk. As São Miguel consists of 7 municipalities, 4 of which are considered high-risk areas, the entire island of São Miguel is subject to restrictions for high-risk areas.
Restrictions for high risk areas that may affect tourists:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 4, unless they belong to the same household;
* restaurants and cafes close at 3 pm (after this time only take-away or home delivery);
* prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 11 pm and 5 am during the week and after 3 pm at weekends;
* closure of shops and shopping centers at 8 p.m. during the week and at 3 p.m. on weekends (exceptions: pharmacies, clinics, doctors’ offices and petrol stations).
Restrictions for medium risk areas that may affect tourists:
* limiting the number of people in a group in public space to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
* limiting the number of people at the table in restaurants and cafes to 6, unless they belong to the same household;
* restaurants and cafes close at 8 pm (after this time only take-away or home delivery).
Restrictions for low risk areas remain as before.
EDIT 2020/12/22:
From December 24, 2020, 00:00 a.m., until January 7, 2021, 11:59 p.m., the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and the contingency state / the state of high risk was prolonged on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge. The restrictions that may concern tourists stay the same. The source is HERE.
EDIT 2020/12/18:
From December 19, 00:00 am, all passengers onboarding in Terceira or São Miguel with destination in any of 7 other islands of the Azores archipelago are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. The test should be performed no later than 72 hours before the flight. Test method required: RT-PCR. The certificate (paper or electronic) must contain your data, laboratory data, date of the test and negative result.
The obligation to perform the test doesn’t apply, inter alia, to:
* children up to 12 years of age;
* people for whom it’s not possible to perform the RT-PCR test (for such people, a separate procedure applies);
* passengers who have only a stopover in Terceira or São Miguel, providing that they don’t leave the airport.
The ones who stay in the Azores 7 days or more are still obliged to make a test on the 6th day. Source HERE.
The state of emergency in Portugal was prolonged since December, 24, 00:00 a.m., until January, 7, 2021, 11:59 p.m. Source HERE.
EDIT 2020/12/09:
Closing of the parish of Rabo de Peixe in São Miguel was prolonged from December 9, 2020, 00:00 am, until December 13, 2020, 11:59 pm. Source HERE.
EDIT 2020/12/07:
From December 9, 2020, 00:00 a.m., until December 23, 2020, 11:59 p.m., the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and the contingency state / the state of high risk was prolonged on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge. The restrictions stay the same.
The source is HERE and HERE.
The state of emergency in Portugal was prolonged since December, 9, 00:00 a.m., until December, 23, 2020, 11:59 p.m. It is initially planned to extend the state of emergency until January 7, 2021. Additional restrictions will apply during the Christmas and New Year period.
Source HERE. Details of the restrictions in mainland Portugal on the website Info Lizbona (information in Polish).
EDIT 2020/12/02:
From December 2, 2020, 00:00 a.m., until December 8, 2020, 11:59 p.m., the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and the contingency state / the state of high risk was prolonged on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge.
The source is HERE.
Restrictions that apply during that time:
* closing of premises with dance floors,
* shortening the operation of bars and other venues with alcohol until 10 p.m.,
* from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies,
* suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies,
* suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public.
Recommendations related to this:
* a recommendation that passengers travelling to the Azores from the outside of the archipelago should minimize moving around the island/islands to the essentual until receiving a negative results of the test on the 6th day; they should of course respect the rules on mask use, social distancing and breathing etiquette,
* a recommendation to limit travelling between islands to the essential,
* travelers planning to go to (an)other island(s) than the one they arrived on must notify their local health authorities by filling out a special form and, on the destination island, contact the local health center for the 6th day test (6th day after the first test).
In case of a positive result of the 6th day test and / or need to remain in preventive isolation, the Azorean government covers the cost of accommodation. Failure to remain in preventive isolation mandated by local medical authorities results in immediate reporting of a crime.
The situation related to the pandemic in the Azores is monitored on an ongoing basis. Therefore, the above arrangements may be changed at any time.
Additionaly, because of the pandemic situation, the Azorean government closed the parish of Rabo de Peixe in São Miguel from December 3, 2020, 00:00 am, until December 8, 2020, 11:59 pm.
EDIT 2020/12/01:
In the Decree from the 27th of November the current restrictions in the Azores were explained in detail:
All passengers onboarding with destination in the Azores archipelago are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. The test should be performed no later than 72 hours before the flight with destination in the Azores. Test method required: RT-PCR. The certificate (paper or electronic; it can’t be a text message) must contain your data, laboratory data, date of the test, test method (RT-PCR) and negative result. The ones who stay in the Azores 7 days or more are still obliged to make a test on the 6th day. The obligation to perform the test doesn’t apply, inter alia, to children up to 12 years of age and people for whom it’s not possible to perform the RT-PCR test (for such people, a separate procedure applies).
EDIT 2020/11/25:
The Portuguese government passed that the prohibition of travelling between municipalities applies only in mainland Portugal, not on the islands.
EDIT 2020/11/24:
Since 27th of November, 11 pm, until 2nd of December, 5 a.m., and since 4th of December, 11 pm, until 9th of December, 5 am, travel between municipalities in Portugal, including the Azores, is prohibitied.
The government has suspended the need for tests by those flying from Terceira or São Miguel to other islands in the Azores archipelago.
EDIT 2020/11/23:
Since today until the end of the emergency state in Portugal all passengers onboarding in Terceira or São Miguel with destination in another island of the Azores archipelago are obliged to present a negative result of test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. The test should be performed no later than 72 hours before the flight. Test method required: RT-PCR. The certificate (paper or electronic) must contain your data, laboratory data, date of the test and negative result. It’s also recommended that before the flight they fill in a questionnaire My Safe Azores, which helps in estimating the risk of spreading the coronavirus in the Azores. The ones who stay in the Azores 7 days or more are still obliged to make a test on the 6th day.
The state of emergency in Portugal was prolonged since November, 24, 00:00 a.m., until December, 8, 2020, 11:59 p.m.
EDIT 2020/11/19:
From November 20, 2020, tests for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 are in force BEFORE arriving in the Azores. The tests are valid for all passengers over the age of 12 who arrive in the Azores from zones recognized by the WHO as zones of active transmission of coronavirus. The test should be performed no later than 72 hours before the flight with the Azores as its destination. Test method required: RT-PCR. The certificate (paper or electronic) must contain your data, laboratory data, date of the test and negative result. This certificate must be presented to the representatives of the airlines you are flying. Refusal automatically means a report on a crime. This law applies until the end of the state of emergency in Portugal.
The ones who stay in the Azores 7 days or more are still obliged to make a test on the 6th day (counting from the 1st test). It’s recommended that they minimize moving around the island/islands to the essentual until receiving a negative results of the test on the 6th day. They should of course respect the rules on mask use, social distancing and breathing etiquette.
EDIT 2020/11/17:
From November 17, 2020, masks must be used in public spaces in the Azores. You must use masks whenever it’s impossible to keep the recommended social distance. Exceptions: children up to 10 years of age, families living together (if there’s no one else nearby), people with a medical certificate that they cannot use masks, and situations with which the use of masks is incompatible.
EDIT 2020/11/13:
Test for covid BEFORE the arrival to the Azores: the Azorean government has passed a law that a coronavirus test will have to be done before arriving in the Azores (i.e. it has ruled out the possibility of doing this test immediately after arrival). There’s no clear information yet if the 6th day test will still apply . New law regulations connected to the pandemic should be published on Monday, the 16th of November – maybe then there will be more information.
EDIT 2020/11/08:
From 9 to 23 November 2020, a state of emergency was declared in mainland Portugal. Restrictions introduced during the state of calamity remain in place. Additional restrictions:
– prohibition of circulation in public spaces between 11 pm and 5 am during the week and from 1 pm until 5 am at weekends; the prohibition is in force in 121 municipalities with an increased risk of coronavirus infection; exceptions: road to and from work, access to a pharmacy, hospital, etc .; the prohibition also applies to tourists,
– the possibility of non-invasive temperature measurement at the entrance to workplaces, educational institutions, means of transport and commercial, cultural and sports facilities (in the case of temperature above 38 degrees Celsius or refusal to check the temperature, the possibility of refusing entry),
– COVID-19 test result may be required in health facilities, residential buildings, educational establishments, on entry or exit (by sea or air), in prisons and at other locations designated by the General Directorate of Health.
EDIT 2020/11/07:
Until November 30, 2020, 11:59 p.m., the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico. And on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was transformed into a contingency state / a state of high risk.
New recommendations related to this:
– a recommendation that passengers travelling to the Azores from the outside of the archipelago should minimize moving around the island/islands to the essentual until receiving a negative results of the test on the 6th day; they should of course respect the rules on mask use, social distancing and breathing etiquette,
– a recommendation to limit travelling between islands to the essential.
New restrictions effective from November 9, 2020, 00:00 until November 30, 2020, 11:59 p.m.:
– closing of premises with dance floors,
– shortening the operation of bars and other venues with alcohol until 10 p.m.,
– from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. gas stations can only sell fuel and car supplies,
– suspension of all public events and recommendation to suspend open events open organized by private companies,
– suspension of the possibility of organizing sports events with the public.
EDIT 2020/11/06:
Until November 15, 2020, the state of calamity was prolonged in Portugal. New rules are in force. Among them some that apply also to tourists:
– the obligation to use masks in public spaces, both in closed premises and in open spaces (in open spaces, whenever it’s impossible to keep the recommended social distance);
– no gathering of more than 5 people,
– from November 4: restaurant groups are limited to 6 people, unless they are family.
From November 4, additional restrictions were introduced for 121 municipalities, including Lisbon, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Sintra, Viana do Castelo and Guimarães. Among others, all retail and service outlets may be open only until 10 p.m., and restaurants until 10:30 p.m.
The obligation to wear masks in all public spaces (also in open spaces, if it’s not possible to keep the prescribed social distance) will soon apply also in the Azores. (The law has already been passed, it just needs to be published).
EDIT 2020/10/24:
Until November 7, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
EDIT 2020/10/15:
Until October 24, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
From today until October 31, 2020, 11:59 p.m., a state of calamity applies in Portugal. Changes in relation to the rules from the state of conringency/ the state of high risk, which also apply to tourists:
– no gathering of more than 5 people (applies to both open spaces and closed premises, e.g. restaurants),
– recommendation to use masks in all public spaces and use the Stayaway Covid application.
EDIT 2020/10/01:
Until October 16, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
Until October 14, 2020, a contingency state / a state of high risk was prolonged in Portugal.
EDIT 2020/09/02:
Until October 2, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
From September 15 at 00:00 until September 30 at 11:59 p.m., in mainland Portugal, estado de contingência, i.e. a contingency state / a state of high risk, applies. It means:
– no gathering of more than 10 people,
– no alcohol consumption in public spaces,
– a ban on the sale of alcohol at gas stations,
– prohibition of selling alcohol after 8:00 p.m. except for restaurants and others eateries,
– shortening the activity of shops and service premises by 8-11 p.m.,
– a ban on gathering more than 4 people in restaurants in shopping centers and within 300 m from schools.
EDIT 2020/09/02:
Until September 16, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
On São Miguel until September 10 at 00:00, the last resolutions stay in force: all discos are closed, and other bars etc. with alcohol close at 10 pm. At gas stations after 10 pm there is only available services and products directly connected to cars (e.g. refueling the car), but alcohol is not be available.
EDIT 2020/08/12:
Until September 2, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
On São Miguel from August 13 at 00:00 until September 2 at 00:00, all discos are closed, and other bars etc. with alcohol must close at 10 pm. At gas stations after 10 pm there will be only available services and products directly connected to cars (e.g. refueling the car), but alcohol will not be available.
EDIT 2020/07/30:
Until August 15, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
EDIT 2020/07/15:
Until August 1, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
EDIT 2020/07/02:
Until July 15, 2020, 00:00, the state of calamity was prolonged on Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico, and on Flores, Corvo, Graciosa and São Jorge the state of alert was prolonged.
2020/06/15:
Today, new restrictions in the Azores came into force. You can wait for the test results in the place of your choice, and instead of three tests, only two tests are required.
We no longer have any active case of coronavirus in the Azores, and all sources of virus on the islands are considered extinct. As a result, the Azorean government introduced new rules that apply upon an arrival to the islands.
These restrictions apply until the end of the state of calamity
Until July 1, 2020, 00:00, a state of public calamity has been prolonged in Terceira and São Miguel and introduced in Pico, Faial and Santa Maria. The remaining islands will be continue in the alert state until then.
The situation is monitored on an ongoing basis.
From today until further notice, if you arrive to the Azores from areas where the coronavirus is still active, you will get a declaration already at the airport. You have to complete it and sign.
On the declaration, you provide your data and you pledge to choose one of three possible options (described below). On this declaration you must also provide the place of your stay: the island and the municipality and the exact address. You also write there the date of the test you’ll take on the 6th day (details of this test described below).
If you plan to visit also other islands, you complete the annex to that declaration as well. You provide there information about which island you came to and which island(s) you plan to go to. You must provide the dates of travel between the islands and the means of traveling (plane, ferry), as well as a place of your stay on other islands. You also enter information about the first SARS-CoV-2 test and the test on the 6th day. And of course your data.
After arriving to the Azores, you currently have 3 options to choose from:
1) Provide written confirmation from a certified laboratory that you are not infected with SARS-CoV-2. RT-PCR tests should be carried out within 72 hours before departure. If you stay on the islands for 7 days or more, you are required to contact the health center in the municipality in which you are staying on the 6th day after the initial test and carry out additional tests on site.
(Tests are required for people above 12 years old. The test before the arrival is made on your cost, the test on the 6th day – on cost of the Azorean government).
2) Take a test for SARS-CoV-2 immediately after arrival and go for preventive isolation until you receive a negative test result. Isolation can be carried out in your own home (this is the case of the residents of the Azores) or in the hotel where you will be staying.
On Terceira and on São Miguel, where there are laboratories, waiting for the result should be max 12h [update 2020/08/01: that time may increase due to a big number of tests that are made]. On other islands, when SATA opens connections between them and the mainland (I’m talking here about the islands of Santa Maria, Pico and Faial), the waiting time may increase due to the lack of laboratories on these islands.
If you’re staying in the Azores for 7 days or more, you are required to contact the health facility in the municipality in which you are staying on the 6th day after the initial test and perform additional tests on site.
(Tests are required for people above 12 years old. The test after the arrival and the test on the 6th day are made on cost of the Azorean government).
3) Return to the place of origin, or move to any place outside the Azores. (Until then, you must remain on preventive isolation in a designated hotel).
If you choose option 1, you can immediately fly to other islands in the archipelago. If you choose option 2, you must wait for a negative test result. If the island on which the test is being carried out is not your final destination, but only a stopover, the Azorean government will cover your preventive isolation in the hotel while waiting for the test result.
What in case of…?
In case of a positive test result, the local medical authorities will decide on what to do next. You certainly can’t travel and you need to be prepared for staying in isolation.
In case of non-compliance with the above requirements, you will be directed to a compulsory 14-day quarantine to the indicated hotel, at your own expense. Your insubordination will be also considered a crime and reported to the local judicial department.
If something happens, DO NOT go to the hospital!
No, I don’t mean that when you get serious health problems, you should insist on your stay in the hotel. What I do mean is that you don’t go to the hospital to get checked if you notice COVID-19 symptoms. In this situation, call a special number where you will be able to describe your symptoms and get instructions on what to do. Save this number on your phone: +351 808 24 60 24.
That’s it. As usual, if you have any questions, I am waiting for your emails. And follow me on the Facebook and the Instagram.
I wish you great holidays and a lot of health!
Source of information: the website of the government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Detailed information about the new restrictions from June HERE.
Journals of Law: Azorean and Portuguese