Entry to Portugal : Proof of Recovery certificate

[Geoff]

Has anyone who has recently recovered from covid used their " Proof of Recovery" certificate to enter Portugal without getting PCR/Anitigen tests before arrival?
It's just that the easyjet site says that the " proof of Recovery" can be used instead of an antigen test taken 48 hours before arrival....though the UK Govt site doesn't say this...and Trailfinders say you need this as well as an antigen test!
Portuguse Tourist site ( https://www.visitportugal.com/en/conten ... d-portugal) states :

Mandatory negative test for all flights arriving in Portugal, even for those who have a digital vaccination certificate, regardless of the point of origin of the flight or the passenger's nationality:

- RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) - 72h before boarding, or
- Laboratorial Rapid Antigen Test - 48h before boarding, or
- A valid test or recovery EU Digital COVID Certificate, or

- A valid recovery certificate issued by a third country, under reciprocal conditions:Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Switzerland, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, The Vatican (https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-tra ... ificate_en)

Which is all a bit ambiguous...

[PhilT]

I've had just this experience, albeit for a week in Madeira. I came to the conclusion that the auto translators sometimes use "or" and sometimes "and", because the information differed between UK and PT websites, and sometimes between paragraphs!
Gave up and bought pre-departure LF tests at the airport for the night before. Better safe than sorry!

[Geoff]

I went to speak to the easyjet people at Bristol airport....they said that NHS Proof of Recovery was fine.....having consulted some large chart.....the airlines seem to be the ones responsible for checking, so fingers crossed...bit worrying that neither Ryanair, Jet2, BA nor UK Govt seem to say that though!

[Geoff]

I chickened out : belt & braces, and got the antigen test as well.....£60 for piece of mind! Interesting that Tripadviser has a similar story , with similar result!

[carolyn]

Hi Geoff Wondered if you tried using the Recovery Pass before you showed them your negative test when you travelled?

[Geoff]

Girl checking didn't speak much English, so was happy with showing test results....she referred me to a local police guy though, and he confirmed the recovery Pass was valid for 180 days.....so £60 down drain, but at least I slept well & kept stress levels down! Disappointed UK Govt site doesn't mention this.

[Skiingbuffy]

Morning - I can confirm that the Covid Recovery Pass is acceptable in Faro Airport and hence no need for the administered Antigen Test.
However a slight correction to Geoffs post - the certificate is only valid for 30 days unless you keep updating it by logging in on the NHS App. The date extends itself by logging in and maybe then is valid only for 180 days in total.
Hope this helps.

[Geoff]

However a slight correction to Geoffs post - the certificate is only valid for 30 days unless you keep updating it by logging in on the NHS App

Well spotted George.....yes, certificate needs to be renewed every 30 days....should just cover us in May , should tests still be required then.

[Geoff]

At long last the UK Govt website for Entry to Portugal admits that Proof of Recovery certificate will suffice...for 180 days....but only a month at a time!

[carolyn]

Just seen that! Rob like you is going to do a LF just in case- though he too has a Recovery Pass. Just in case airline not up to date (flying Ryanair) on Monday

[Skiingbuffy]

Carolyn - that’s a good point , check with your airline.
I know Jet2 refuse to acknowledge the use of the Covid Recovery Pass despite Portugal lifting their own restrictions and hence would not allow travel without a Antigen Test.

[Geoff]

Just in case airline not up to date (flying Ryanair) on Monday

No wonder we never saw you on the walk today....

[Braken]

Based on recent Portuguese Govt announcement it looks like you do not need a Covid test before departure from UK.

[carolyn]

Yes - good news!

[Braken]

easyJet website still showing departure tests still needed.

Is this just an update issue or are they still required.

Anybody any wiser?