COVID changed everything with each member state having separate rules. There has always been a border between Spain and Portugal when all that is required is a passport! However - you can't just drive across!
Travel documents
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need only present a passport or national identity card that is valid on the day you enter and leave Portugal. There is no minimum validity required.
All other citizens need to present a passport or other accepted travel document that is valid for the total duration of their planned stay in Portugal. Some will require a visa - see the Visa section below for more information.
All travellers
The documentation you must present on entry when travelling from the UK to Spain is determined by your reason for travel.
If you are traveling to Spain for tourism you must show valid proof of one of the following:
- being fully vaccinated (with both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) at least 14 days prior to arrival in Spain (date(s) of vaccination must be specified). See ‘If you’re fully vaccinated’.
- having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months. You can also use a medical certificate or recovery record to prove your COVID-19 status on entry to Spain. See ‘If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year’.