Government offices serving public now open without prior appointment

Government offices in Portugal that serve the public, including Lojas do Cidadão – one-stop Citizen’s Shops – are as of Wednesday once more receiving people without prior appointment, in line with the plan for easing restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, approved by the cabinet last month.

The measure, which forms part of the second phase of easing, was announced by the cabinet office minister, Mariana Vieira da Silva, on August 20.

The second phase has been able to go ahead because 70% of the population has already been vaccinated against Covid-19, since August 18.

Under the restrictions imposed because of the pandemic, even when government offices were reopened to the public, it was only possible to be served after making an appointment.