According to the MAI, 41 airlines were also fined for boarding these passengers without a negative test.

In an assessment of this measure to control cases of covid-19, MAI told Lusa that, between December 1 and January 16, PSP and SEF inspected 1,586,295 passengers and 15,309 flights, which resulted in 2,370 offences.

Of the 2,370 infraction notices, 1,561 were raised by the PSP, which controls passengers from flights originating in the Schengen area (European area of ​​free movement of people), and 809 by SEF, which inspects travellers from countries outside the Schengen area.

Since December 1, 2021, all passengers arriving in Portugal by air are required to present a negative test or a recovery certificate upon disembarkation.

Passengers on domestic flights, children under 12 years of age and crews are exempt from the obligation of testing, PCR or rapid.

Airlines that carry passengers without a negative test incur a fine of between 20,000 and 40,000 euros per passenger and travellers are also subject to fines, between 300 and 800 euros, for not presenting a test on arrival.

MAI also states that the 2,370 infractions include eight foreigners who were refused entry into the country because they did not present a test on arrival, since it is only allowed to take the test at the airport to citizens of Portuguese nationality, foreigners residing in Portugal and diplomatic personnel.

MAI data also show that 2,403 diagnostic tests were carried out at airports for passengers who entered the country without this document.

At land borders, also since December 1, citizens of countries outside the European Union and EU countries considered to be at red or dark red risk need a negative test or a recovery certificate.

Citizens from EU countries considered to be at low or moderate risk must have a vaccination, test or recovery certificate to enter Portugal.

The GNR and the Foreigners and Borders Service carried out 17,021 random surveillance operations at land borders until January 10 to ensure tests for Covid-19, according to MAI.

Within the scope of these operations, more than 100,000 inspections were carried out on light and goods vehicles, motorcycles, trains and buses, which gave rise to 36 administrative offense notices for a lack of a test or recovery certificate.

The MAI also mentions that 532 diagnostic tests were carried out at land borders.

Control at the border areas will last until February 9.