Portugal has banned the burka in public spaces

Portugal has banned the burka in public spaces

The Portuguese Parliament passed legislation in July 2026 to implement a blanket ban on full-face coverings, including the burqa and niqab, in public spaces. The bill, initially proposed by the far-right Chega party, passed with a two-thirds majority after a revised version advanced through parliamentary committees. However, the law still awaits the final signature of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has the authority to sign it into law, veto it, or send it to the Constitutional Court for review.

Key Details of the Legislation

• Fines for Violations: Individuals wearing a full-face veil in restricted public areas face administrative fines ranging from €200 to €4,000.
• Coercion Penalties: Forcing another individual to conceal their face carries a criminal penalty of up to three years in prison.
• Scope of the Ban: The law covers all garments or items that completely obscure the face, including secular items like balaclavas and ski masks.
• Strict Exemptions: Face coverings remain permissible on airplanes, within diplomatic premises, inside places of worship, or when "duly justified" for health, artistic, or professional safety reasons.