Portugal has enacted a ban on covering the face in public, with fines ranging from €150 to €3,000 depending on the offence. The law took effect after President António José Seguro approved it, according to the report published on August 22, 2026. Locally described as the “burqa law,” it prohibits clothing that fully covers the face or obstructs identification.

The law provides exemptions for health needs, professional duties, artistic activities and weather-related reasons. It does not apply in places of worship, diplomatic missions or aircraft. It also prohibits forcing someone to cover their face because of their gender, religion, age or ancestral identity. Seguro said the face plays an important role in identity and interpersonal communication, and that keeping it visible is a basis for mutual trust in Portuguese society.

The proposal, introduced by the right-wing Chega party, was approved by parliament in July. The governing right-wing coalition and far-right parties supported it, while left-wing parties opposed it. Legal groups questioned its legal and constitutional aspects, and left-wing leaders warned it could increase Islamophobia and discrimination. The report places Portugal alongside several European countries that have imposed restrictions on face-covering clothing.