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-   -   Maybe We'll Get To Portugal After All! (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/maybe-well-get-to-portugal-after-all-1680722/)

hetismij2 Jun 29th, 2020 09:29 AM

US residents will not be allowed into the EU yet. It will be reviewed every two weeks, but the way things are in the US I wouldn't count on any travel to Europe this year.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...om-entering-eu

Dancebert Jun 29th, 2020 11:31 PM


Originally Posted by hetismij2 (Post 17122418)
US residents will not be allowed into the EU yet. It will be reviewed every two weeks, but the way things are in the US I wouldn't count on any travel to Europe this year.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...om-entering-eu

A quote from your link - "The list, which will be updated every two weeks, is only advisory and EU member states can deviate if they wish."

Portugal has a history of ignoring EU directives and laws. For example, in February "The European Commission has brought action against Portugal before the EU Court of Justice in relation to the rate of import taxes of vehicles imported from other member states being higher than taxes applied to “used” cars bought within the country." https://www.theportugalnews.com/news...port-tax/53015

Portugal's Immigration and Borders Service current restrictions expire today at midnight. I suggest checking their FAQ tomorrow https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/covid-19...-ba44aa0a-04fc

scrb11 Jun 30th, 2020 09:56 AM

Southern European countries more reliant on tourism than northern European countries were said to want a more expansive list. Spain, which also has a big tourism sector, threw in with the northern countries.


AP6380 Jul 1st, 2020 02:30 AM

I know it won’t happen, but it’s too bad they won’t allow people in who fly out of nyc, who are residents of the states who have gotten it under control. We have paid our dues and continue to do so. It’s Annoying we are paying for much of the USA’s lack of leadership.

rialtogrl Jul 1st, 2020 02:56 AM


Originally Posted by Dancebert (Post 17122650)
A quote from your link - "The list, which will be updated every two weeks, is only advisory and EU member states can deviate if they wish."

US Citizens can enter Croatia. They need to have proof of accommodation and fill out a form to bring to the border for entry. So they are deviating and will continue to do so, unless the numbers rise too much. The reason for entry is economic interest - aka tourism.

progol Jul 1st, 2020 04:44 AM


Originally Posted by rialtogrl (Post 17123121)
US Citizens can enter Croatia. They need to have proof of accommodation and fill out a form to bring to the border for entry. So they are deviating and will continue to do so, unless the numbers rise too much. The reason for entry is economic interest - aka tourism.

This does not appear to be true. Croatia has also followed the EU recommendations, according to their gov't website:
https://www.koronavirus.hr/latest-ne...an-borders/720

Dancebert Jul 1st, 2020 05:02 AM

New flight regulations for Portugal effective today. Site is in Portuguese. Translation below using Bing Translator.

https://expresso.pt/sociedade/2020-0...vo-de-covid-19

U.S. and PALOP[1] passengers must submit negative covid-19 test

The Government has extended several restrictive air traffic measures to and from Portugal, with new guidelines and certain exceptions, in a order that will be published this Tuesday in "Diário da República"

According to a joint communiqué from the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, the Minister for National Defence, the Minister for Internal Affairs, the Minister of Health and the Deputy Secretary of State and Communications, the measures take into account the Council of the European Union Recommendation of 30 June 2020 on the temporary restriction of travel not indispensable for the EU and the possible lifting of such a restriction.

The order provides for the following measures, in force from 00 hours on July 1, 2020 and until 23:59 on July 15, 2020:

- Authorizes air traffic to and from Portugal of all flights to and from the countries that make up the European Union, the countries associated with the Schengen Area (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland) and the United Kingdom under the Terms of the Withdrawal Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

- Authorises flights originating in countries with a positive epidemiological assessment, in view of the Council of the EU recommendation on direct air connections with Portugal, and subject to reciprocity confirmation:
- Algeria
- Canada
- South Korea
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- China

- Prohibits air traffic to and from Portugal from all flights to and from countries that are not part of the European Union or which are not countries associated with the Schengen Area. Except for essential travel only:

- Flights originating in portuguese official speaking countries; from Brazil, however, only flights from and to São Paulo and to and from Rio de Janeiro will be admitted;

- Flights originating in the United States of America, given the presence of important Portuguese communities.

"Passengers on flights from portuguese-speaking countries and the U.S. must present, at the time of departure, proof of test to COVID-19, with negative result, carried out in the last 72 hours before boarding, otherwise they will be refused entry to national territory," the statement said.

Essential trips are considered to allow the transit or entry or exit of Portugal from:

- Nationals of the European Union, nationals of States associated with the Schengen Area and members of their families, and third-country nationals legally resident in a Member State of the European Union;

- Third-country nationals travelling for professional, study, family reunion, health or humanitarian reasons and in accordance with the principle of reciprocity.

[1] PALOP = Portuguese speaking African countries.

Dancebert Jul 1st, 2020 05:59 AM

This reputable site translated the full government resolution for air travel from 1 to 14 July. It expands upon the link in my prior post, but doesn't contradict it.
https://www.safecommunitiesportugal....tional-travel/

rialtogrl Jul 1st, 2020 08:18 AM


Originally Posted by progol (Post 17123152)
This does not appear to be true. Croatia has also followed the EU recommendations, according to their gov't website:
https://www.koronavirus.hr/latest-ne...an-borders/720

Did you not see the part where third party nationals can enter for business or tourism? I am in Croatia. Believe me, it is true.

progol Jul 1st, 2020 09:20 AM


Originally Posted by rialtogrl (Post 17123237)
Did you not see the part where third party nationals can enter for business or tourism? I am in Croatia. Believe me, it is true.

So I’ve been assuming you are referring to US citizens traveling to Europe, including Croatia, but perhaps I made an incorrect assumption. Are you in Croatia right now as a tourist from the US?

My understanding, from their website, is that US citizens are not approved for travel to Croatia, which is following the general recommendation by the Euro Commission. Here is the section I’m reading. From this, I understand the “Third country nationals” which is referred to in bold type, to be the countries that are listed after the paragraph:
————————————-
As of midnight, all EU/EEA nationals and persons with permanent residence in EU/EEA country can enter Croatia freely, without restrictions. All travellers are, however, advised to fill out the form on the ENTERCROATIA web-page. Third country nationals still have some restrictions in place: they can enter on business or tourism related reasons only.

Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the recommendation, as from 1 July member states should start lifting the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries:
  • Algeria
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Georgia
  • Japan
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Rwanda
  • Serbia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay
  • China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity
——————
So those are the “third country nationals” I understand to be allowed in now, and the US is not on that list.

rialtogrl Jul 1st, 2020 10:08 AM

Progol, I know it’s weird. Yes, I am in Croatia, I have a US passport. I have been here for months. Until a few weeks ago, nobody could get in. But now, everyone can. It’s all about the wording, or lack of exact wording, in those government bulletins. If a US citizen arrives from a US airport, going through Amsterdam or Zurich etc, and they have their paperwork in place, they will get through. There is a travel Viber group dedicated to this issue (not just US, everyone) that I am on and many Americans have got here.. in the apartment next door are some people who just arrived from Chicago. I am not suggesting people run out and buy tickets, I am just telling you what I am seeing on the ground.

twk Jul 1st, 2020 11:26 AM


Originally Posted by StCirq (Post 17122189)
<<Not correct. No need for language and no test. Just the money.>>

OH! They must have simplified the requirements. That's good. Can you buy your way in if you have the virus? What about an STD?

You forgot the obligatory "Asking for a friend." ;)

progol Jul 1st, 2020 12:52 PM


Originally Posted by rialtogrl (Post 17123293)
Progol, I know it’s weird. Yes, I am in Croatia, I have a US passport. I have been here for months. Until a few weeks ago, nobody could get in. But now, everyone can. It’s all about the wording, or lack of exact wording, in those government bulletins. If a US citizen arrives from a US airport, going through Amsterdam or Zurich etc, and they have their paperwork in place, they will get through. There is a travel Viber group dedicated to this issue (not just US, everyone) that I am on and many Americans have got here.. in the apartment next door are some people who just arrived from Chicago. I am not suggesting people run out and buy tickets, I am just telling you what I am seeing on the ground.

Got it! I’m not planning on coming but just trying to make sense of the various rules - and how people are getting around them, obviously!

HelenaFatima Jul 1st, 2020 07:52 PM

Had oto gogle to know what is a STD. Well, I', just in this forum trying to help and give information from the country where I am from, and where I live, and had beedn living all my life. In Portugal, StCirq, we don't use sarcasm very much. I know you're being sarcastic, but due to translation problems, I don't quite understand what you mean.

cafegoddess Jul 1st, 2020 10:41 PM

HelenaFatima,

A lot of us appreciate your help, please excuse stcirq, for her gross comment. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Portugal will be opened to Americans.

Dancebert Jul 2nd, 2020 02:16 AM


Originally Posted by progol (Post 17123261)
So I’ve been assuming you are referring to US citizens traveling to Europe, including Croatia, but perhaps I made an incorrect assumption. Are you in Croatia right now as a tourist from the US?
...
As of midnight, all EU/EEA nationals and persons with permanent residence in EU/EEA country can enter Croatia freely, without restrictions.
...

Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the recommendation, as from 1 July member states should start lifting the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries
...

——————
So those are the “third country nationals” I understand to be allowed in now, and the US is not on that list.

Not allowed unless they have 'permanent residence in EU/EEA country'. However 12 years an expat has taught me the practice of immigration policy at the point of contact with travelers doesn't always adhere to policy.

progol Jul 2nd, 2020 02:41 AM


Originally Posted by Dancebert (Post 17123582)
Not allowed unless they have 'permanent residence in EU/EEA country'. However 12 years an expat has taught me the practice of immigration policy at the point of contact with travelers doesn't always adhere to policy.

Not surprising. I guess there are rules ...and there are rules. Thanks for your take. I’m not going to be the one to test the waters, though, to see whether we would be able to “sneak” in or not!

rialtogrl Jul 2nd, 2020 09:27 AM

I do not want to hijack maitaitoms Portugal thread too much more, but I will reiterate, anyone can come into Croatia.
https://hr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/
I am not sure, if because they are not in Schengen they have more leeway or what.

janisj Jul 2nd, 2020 06:04 PM


Originally Posted by HelenaFatima (Post 17123537)
Had oto gogle to know what is a STD. Well, I', just in this forum trying to help and give information from the country where I am from, and where I live, and had beedn living all my life. In Portugal, StCirq, we don't use sarcasm very much. I know you're being sarcastic, but due to translation problems, I don't quite understand what you mean.


Don't worry -- your contributions are very welcome/valuable. There is something about almost all Covid-19 threads on the Europe forum that bring out angry, rude, off topic, political, or just plain mean responses. Many posts have been deleted on various threads but some do slip through . . .

joannyc Jul 2nd, 2020 06:26 PM


Originally Posted by janisj (Post 17123893)
Don't worry -- your contributions are very welcome/valuable. There is something about almost all Covid-19 threads on the Europe forum that bring out angry, rude, off topic, political, or just plain mean responses. Many posts have been deleted on various threads but some do slip through . . .

Those types of comments are not limited to just Covid-19 threads, unfortunately.

HelenaFatima, thank you for your valuable input.


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