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Reintroduction of border controls and restrictions on entry into Portugal (16.03.2020)

Portugal has decreed the exceptional and temporary reintroduction of documentary control of persons between Portugal and Spain and the prohibition of road traffic at land borders. Circulation is still permitted for entry of nationals and holders of residence permits in their respective countries, as well as for cross-border workers and the transport of goods. A list of authorised crossing points at the land border is available.

Start date: 16.03.2020

End date: 15.04.2020

Further information: https://www.portaldascomunidades.mne.pt/pt/alertas/covid-19-reposicao-de...

1815.05.2020

On 3 May, Portugal entered the first phase of their plan to ease the lockdown, which will last until 17 May and can be renewed every 15 days should the need arise. Social distancing measures remain mandatory and face masks should be worn when social distancing is not possible. Both measures must be applied in public areas.

Borders remain closed to the movement of people until 15 June. International freight transport, cross-border workers and emergency vehicles are exempt from this measure, however they must cross via one of the following border crossing points: Quintanilha, Tui, Vilar Formoso, Elvas, Castro Marim, Vila Verde de Raia (Chaves), Monfortinho (Castelo Branco), Marvão (Portalegre) and Vila Verde de Ficalho (Beja).

People using the motorways can check the status and activity of service stations and rest areas here.

Facilitation measures

On 22 April, the Portuguese Government advised of a temporary relaxation in the driving and rest times rules, which is applicable from 22 April until 31 May and consists of the following:

- Art. 6.1: extension of the maximum daily driving limit, from 9 hours to 11 hours;

- Art. 8.6: in two consecutive weeks, a driver shall take at least one regular weekly rest and one reduced weekly rest period of at least 24 hours. This reduction does not have to be compensated;

- Art. 8.8: possibility for the driver to take the regular weekly rest in the vehicle, as long as the vehicle is stationary and it has suitable sleeping facilities for each driver;

- The maximum driving limits of 56 hours (Art. 6.2) and 90 hours (art. 6.3) are maintained.

Portugal has also advised of an extension of validity on driving licenses and certificates for other professionals where the expiry date is after 24 February 2020. Their validity is extended until 30 June 2020.

Source : ANTRAM

15.04.2020

On 9 April, the Council of Ministers approved the extension of the state of emergency until 00:00 on 14 May.

Borders will remain closed for the movement of people. International freight transport, cross-border commuters and emergency vehicles are exempted from restrictions. However, only major border crossings with Spain will remain open: Quintanilha, Tui, Vilar Formoso, Elvas, Castro Marim, Vila Verde de Raia (Chaves), Monfortinho (Castelo Branco), Marvão (Portalegre) and Vila Verde de Ficalho (Beja).

The municipality of Ovar remains in quarantine (state of calamity). Freight transport to the municipality is only allowed for the supply of authorised industries (the list of which can be found here), supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations.

International freight transport remains exempted, regardless of the vehicle used or goods carried.

Source: ANTRAM

09.04.2020

During the Easter period, professional drivers must have a declaration signed by their employer attesting that the driver is performing a transport operation. The declaration aims at preventing the unnecessary movement of people during this Easter period. The form can be downloaded here. The obligation to carry such a document will come into force from 00:00 on 9 April, until 00:00 on 13 April. During this period, the movement of people will only be allowed for professional reasons (freight transport drivers included) or for specific needs (to go to hospital, pharmacies or to buy food).

07.04.2020

On 3 April, the President of the Portuguese Republic announced a new decree extending the deadline of the measures currently in force; these measures will remain applicable until 17 April 2020.

In order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, companies should telework whenever possible and non-essential shops should close.

Internal borders will remain closed for road traffic. International freight transport, cross-border commuters and emergency vehicles are exempted from this restriction. However, only major border crossings with Spain will remain open: Quintanilha, Tui, Vilar Formoso, Elvas, Castro Marim, Vila Verde de Raia (Chaves), Monfortinho (Castelo Branco), Marvão (Portalegre) and Vila Verde de Ficalho (Beja).

International goods and freight transport is permitted regardless of the type of services carried out or the type of goods transported. However, drivers should respect hygiene and sanitary requirements set out to prevent the spread of the virus.

During the Easter period, professional drivers must have a declaration signed by their employer attesting that the driver is performing a transport operation. The declaration aims at preventing the unnecessary movement of people during this Easter period. The form can be downloaded here. The obligation to carry such a document will come into force from 00:00 on 9 April, until 00:00 on 13 April. During this period, the movement of people will only be allowed for professional reasons (freight transport drivers included) or specific needs (to go to hospital, pharmacies or to buy food).

Source: ANTRAM