Covid-19: Portugal still does not recognize Brazil’s vaccination certificates

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Covid-19 vaccination certificates issued in Brazil are not yet recognized in Portugal. Therefore, in order to travel to the European country, Brazilian tourists still need to present a negative test for the virus, even if fully immunized.

The clarification was provided on Monday, September 20, by the Portuguese embassy in Brasilia, after a number of websites and social media groups published information that the document issued by SUS would now be accepted as proof of immunization in Portugal.

In a video, Portuguese Ambassador Luís Faro Ramos says that Portugal and Brazil have not yet reached a reciprocity agreement for the validation of vaccines.

The confusion is likely due to the fact that in the ordinance renewing the authorization for Brazilian tourists to enter the country, the Portuguese government left open the possibility of recognizing vaccination certificates issued by non-EU countries. However, the text failed to provide a list of countries whose certificates are now recognized, which led to misinformation.

For over 2 months, Portugal and Brazil have been discussing the bilateral validation of vaccination certificates, but an understanding has not yet been reached.

Nevertheless, the entry of Brazilian tourists in the country of Camões is not impaired.

Unlike several European Union countries which only allow entry to vaccinated Brazilian tourists, Portugal only requires a negative test for Covid-19: a PCR performed up to 72 hours before departure or an antigen test performed up to 48 hours before boarding.

However, the failure to recognize certificates may compromise travelers’ access to cultural and leisure events.

Just like other European countries, Portugal began to demand proof of complete vaccination (or Covid-19 recovery certificate for less than 6 months) in several situations, such as check-ins at hotels and holiday apartments, access to concerts and cultural events, and permanence inside restaurants (at weekends and holidays).

Anyone without a valid certificate can alternatively present negative tests for Covid-19. It is an expensive, laborious, and less nostril-friendly option for travelers.

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