The Government of the Azores simplifies entry procedure for travellers

Incomers can fill an online questionnaire on ‘My Safe Azores’ and present it on arrival

Travellers who would like to visit the Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean will be able to enjoy a more simple and digitalized procedure. Passengers should visit the ‘My Safe Azores’ website where they will be able to get information on how to proceed regarding Covid-19 testing before embarking and upon arriving on one of the islands of the Portuguese autonomous region.

As an autonomous region, the Azores have their own restriction measures separate from mainland Portugal

Visitors who begin their journey in mainland Portugal or the island of Madeira will have two options regarding the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. The faster option will be to have the test taken within 72 hours before departure. They can schedule such test through the ‘My Safe Azores’ website at a lab that has been approved by the Regional Government.

The other step they will have to do is the completion of the Risk Assessment and Early Detection Questionnaire online on the same website. They can attach the negative PCR test result to the questionnaire and submit both on the website. Upon doing this they will receive a QR code generated by the application which they will present upon arrival to the authorities.

Once the code is presented, they can leave the airport. This will simplify the process both for the people working at the airport and the passengers arriving and speed up the process altogether.

This represents a “natural evolution in a procedure that has been continuously improved”, said the Regional Secretary of Health, Teresa Machado Luciano, adding that it will allow passengers “to anticipate the essential steps before boarding and to enter the Region in a faster, simpler and more convenient way”.

Passengers also have the option to do the PCR test upon arrival. Their data will also be automatically recorded faster into the new system, though this option might be seen as the less convenient of the two.

The new tool is also available to travellers departing from points outside of the Portuguese territories, in a version adapted to the epidemiological situation of each country of origin.