TAP, Portugal’s biggest airlines, is set to resume its nonstop flight between Lisbon and Newark airport in the USA as of June 4, 2020.
On June 6, Schengen Area travelers, except Spain and Italy, will be allowed to enter by air. Tourists from Canada, Brazil, and other Portuguese speaking countries will also be allowed to enter. Visiting mainland Portugal entails temperature checks through walkthrough camera scanners but you are not required to quarantine. The social distancing of 2 meters and face masks are a must if you intend to use public transportation.
Visiting the Azores however, requires a negative COVID -19 test within 72 hours prior to arrival. Free tests are also available upon arrival. In Madeira, everyone arriving must quarantine for 14 days. As of July 1, 2020, Madeira will also implement the negative COVID – 19 test 72 hours prior to arrival rule. Other beaches are set to open on June 6, 2020, with a “color-coded traffic light app” that will help prevent overcrowding.
Prior to opening up the country, Turismo de Portugal created a “Clean & Safe” stamp of approval to distinguish activities that are compliant with the hygiene and cleaning standards that have been put in place to prevent and control possible infections.
Tourism enterprises, tourist entertainment companies, travel agencies, and companies registered with the National Tourist Authority were able to request the certification and upon approval are allowed to publicize this seal physically on their premises or on their digital platforms.
TAP, Air Portugal, has also developed its TAP Clean & Safe standards for travelers as follows:
Safety at home
update your personal information
check-in online, download your boarding pass and charge your battery
check that you have enough masks to last from point of origin to destination
face masks are mandatory except for children under 6 and travelers with health issues
Safety at the airport
arrive on time
wear a face mask at all times
only passengers are allowed to enter the airport
drop your baggage in the self baggage drop off area
limit your carry on luggage
follow the airport signs and instructions given by the staff
boarding will be contactless
digital boarding passes will be used
reach your gate in advance and follow the instructions
Safety onboard – the aircraft
daily preventive disinfection
nebulization that acts on encapsulated viruses and bacteria
strict compliance with hygiene and routine cleaning protocols
deep cleaning of high touch surfaces
aircrafts equipped with vertical air recycling systems to renew air every 2 – 3 minutes
HEPA filters onboard
Crew use PPE equipment and are trained to deal with suspect cases on board
Safety on board – the services
meal and beverage services are limited
packaged and sealed meals to boost confidence
pillows and blankets are disinfected between flights and are sealed for each new use
magazines are no longer available on board. They can be accessed on the app.
TAP, EasyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways are preparing very attractive deals for visits to Portugal and who can blame them when nearly 3 out of the 10 most recommended beaches to travel to after the lifting of the lockdown is in Portugal.
Whether you plan to visit Lisbon or Porto or the beaches at Alentejo, don’t forget to get in touch with our Halal Travel Experts for all your halal food or accommodation questions. Reach out to us at Halaltravels.com or email us at vyabanigul@halaltravels.com and you may also get a free issue of our e-magazine, Battuta.
Source: Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Forbes, Tap Portugal
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