FAQs

Question

What is the exchange rate, since hotel rates are listed in euros?

Answer

Right now 1 Euro = $1.21 but you can always check the most up-to-date exchange rate between the US Dollar and Euro here: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=EUR

Question

How far are the other two hotel options on the site from Pine Cliffs?

Answer

Those hotels were chosen due to their close proximity to Pine Cliffs! Falesia Garden and Falesia Mar are directly next to each other and sister hotels. Both are 1 - 1.5 km (a 10-15min walk) from the resort. Taxis or Ubers are available as well.

Question

What are the current requirements for US citizens to enter Portugal?

Answer

Portugal began allowing US citizens into the country as of June 15, 2021 for nonessential travel (including tourism). Currently they do not require proof of vaccination, but DO require a negative covid test. They will accept PCR tests taken within 72hrs of boarding, or antigen (rapid) tests taken within 24hrs of boarding. It is STRONGLY recommended that you bring a printed copy of your negative test results, as digital copies can sometimes cause issues. You will be required to present your negative test results both before you board your flight, as well as when going through customs when you arrive in Portugal. Although not required, we also recommend bringing your US covid vaccination card - especially if you plan to travel outside of Portugal - as it can only help! Additional resources to help monitor changing conditions and requirements: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal

Question

Why did the CDC move Portugal to a Level 4, and does this mean the borders may close?

Answer

While Portugal has seen a spike in cases due to the Delta variant like many other countries, they are nowhere near the covid levels they saw last winter when borders were closed and the country was on lockdown. Despite the US travel advisory, Portuguese borders remain open to Americans as of June 15th, and they are not expected to close in the coming months as Portugal moves forward with their gradual reopening plans. On July 29th, Portugal announced they will slowly be rolling back some of their current restrictions over the next 3 months as vaccination rates continue to increase – currently 58% of their population is fully vaccinated, and they expect to reach 70% by September. Specifics on these plans can be found here: https://www.euronews.com/2021/07/29/towards-total-freedom-portugal-eases-covid-19-restrictions

Question

Where can I find the latest info on the travel advisory and any restrictions or requirements from both the US and Portugal?

Answer

Portugal Travel Advisory: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/portugal-travel-advisory.html US Embassy & Consulate in Portugal (Covid-19 Information): https://pt.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ Covid-19 Travel Guidance for US Citizens: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information1.html Covid-19 Safety Measures Implemented in Portugal: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal Re-Open EU: https://reopen.europa.eu/en Find up-to-date information on travel and health measures in European countries to help you plan your travel, including quarantine and testing requirements for travelers. The information is updated frequently, and there is also an app version you can download. Info on Required Testing Before Air Travel Back to the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

Question

What are the testing requirements when returning home to the US?

Answer

Info on Required Testing Before Air Travel Back to the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html Please read the requirements carefully, but there are a few testing options accepted: 1) PCR test taken within 3 days of departure 2) Antigen (aka rapid) tests are also accepted, so long as they are an approved viral test version Based on our research there is one at-home test currently available online that is approved for entry back into the US by the CDC. Details and where to order found here: https://thepointsguy.com/news/abbott-at-home-covid-test/

Question

Where can I get tested in Portugal if needed?

Answer

Here are the names of few places you can get tested in Portugal: https://www.grupohpa.com/pt/teste-despiste-de-covid-19/ https://www.germanodesousa.com/postos-de-colheita/unidade-covid-de-faro-centro/ https://www.aqualab.pt/ The average cost for a PCR test is 100 euros, and a rapid test 20 euros. PCR test results take about 1 day and the results are emailed to you. There will be testing sites in both the Algarve and around Lisbon.

Question

What happens if I test positive for Covid while still in Portugal?

Answer

The Government of Portugal will not permit a Covid-positive traveler to board their flight home and will require a 10 day quarantine at the traveler's expense. Fortunately most airlines have been flexible with itinerary changes should this impact your return flight. The US Embassy is unable to help travelers avoid or shorten this government-mandated quarantine. If you can show a negative test after the first 7 days (test must be taken day 5 or later) you will likely be permitted to end quarantine and travel. Additional resources: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/positive-covid-abroad-what-to-do/ The Red Cross (Cruz Vermelha) has been assisting travelers with locating accommodation for quarantine - https://www.cruzvermelha.pt/ or +351-961-783-473

Question

What are the hotel cancellation policies?

Answer

All 3 of our hotel options require reservation changes or cancellations to be made 10 days prior to check-in in order to get a full refund on your deposit. If you cancel within the 10-day window, they can charge you the full amount of your stay. Should you choose to cancel now, please feel free to cc us when you email the planners and we're happy to help facilitate as needed. We recommend doing this sooner vs. later just to be safe. In the event that you decide to come but something happens at the last minute (i.e. you test positive and cannot travel) our planner said there is no guarantee, but we can speak with the hotel and they will usually allow for a credit in the amount you paid to be used at a later date. They evaluate this on a case-by-case basis. You can also look into buying travel insurance that specifically includes covid coverage. If you booked a different hotel or Air BnB, make sure you review their cancellation policies asap so you can plan accordingly.

Question

What are flight cancellation policies?

Answer

Cancellation policies for flights will vary by airline and ticket type. While full refunds upon cancellation are rare, it never hurts to try - if you are initially denied a refund, you can also contact your bank and discuss your options for fighting the airline to recover your costs. Otherwise, depending on the type of ticket you purchased you will either be given a voucher in the amount of your flight cost, or be permitted to change your travel dates (and potentially destination). We recommend confirming with the airline whether there is a deadline for using any vouchers or credits so you can plan future travel accordingly.

Question

If I'm still able to come, any recommendations?

Answer

1) Contact your airline to confirm what covid test is needed prior to travel, they are the 1st checkpoint to verify your test results. 2) Download the Re-Open EU app. 3) We recommend bringing a few at-home covid tests, available in drugstores for ~$13 ea. Currently hotels and some indoor dining are requiring negative covid tests upon check in. They accept at-home rapid tests when taken at the facility under supervision, and this approach will be much less disruptive during your trip. 5) Consider bringing the CDC approved at-home rapid test for an easier testing process when returning to the US. 6) Consider bringing your work computer with you in case you end up getting stuck abroad a bit longer than planned. 7) Keep an eye out for future emails from us! We arrive in Portugal on 8/29 and plan to send an email out to everyone outlining our experience with travel, testing, and customs.