According to the decree, published in Diário da República, the government decided to extend the current ban until 11:59pm on 30 September, and this may be extended again depending on the epidemiological situation in Portugal.

The Government justifies the ban “as a measure to contain possible contagion lines in order to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and the epidemiological situation, both in Portugal and in other countries”.

“International experience shows the high risk arising from the disembarkation of passengers and crew of cruise ships”.

The order, which is signed by the Ministers for National Defence, Internal Administration and Health and the Deputy Secretary of State for Communications, also states that “cruise ships are allowed to dock in national ports for refuelling, maintenance and waiting as long as there are no passengers and only the minimum crew for the operation”.