The move, approved in a cabinet meeting, is aligned with
European Union rules.
In a statement, the government said negative tests will no
longer be required for “those who present the EU COVID Digital Certificate in
any of its modalities or other proof of vaccination that has been recognised”.
It did not say when the decision would take effect, but the
rules now in force were meant to last until Feb. 9.
The Interior Ministry, which is responsible for the entry of
people into the country, could not immediately provide further details,
including whether British or American proof of vaccination would be considered
valid.
The EU digital certificate is issued to people who have been
vaccinated, received a negative test result or have proof of recovery from
COVID-19.
In early January, Portugal eased some COVID curbs allowing
students to return to schools and nightclubs to reopen but kept the negative
test requirement to all passengers entering the country.
Portugal is one of the world’s most vaccinated nations, with
nearly 90% of its people fully inoculated, and although the infection numbers
and incidence are still near record levels, hospitalisations and deaths are
well below year-ago peaks.