On August 24, 2026, Law No. 58/2026—commonly referred to as the "burqa ban"—was published in the Diário da República, establishing a prohibition on wearing clothing or accessories intended to conceal or hinder the identification of the face in public spaces.
The legislation, passed by Parliament in July 2026 and enacted by the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, formally enter into force on September 23, 2026 (30 days after publication).
What motivated the enactment of the law?
The origin of the bill stemmed from a parliamentary proposal focused on full-face female veils (such as the burqa or niqab). The final text approved adopted neutral and generic legal phrasing, grounded on two main pillars:
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Social Cohesion and Public Safety: The necessity of visual identification in everyday social interactions and communal facilities, aligning the Portuguese legal system with European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) case law regarding the preservation of conditions for living together (vivre ensemble) and mutual recognition.
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Dignity and Gender Equality: Combating enforced gender asymmetries and expressly establishing a ban on coercing anyone into covering their face.
Scope of the Prohibition and Applicable Penalties
Law No. 58/2026 bans the use of clothing or accessories designed to conceal the face in:
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Public thoroughfares and roads;
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Public buildings, administrative services, and public transport;
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Commercial establishments and premises open to the public;
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Cultural events, demonstrations, and sports venues.
The administrative offense framework establishes fines of up to 3,000 euros for anyone who violates the ban on circulating with a concealed face or who coerces third parties into covering their faces.
Exceptions Provided by LawTo safeguard fundamental rights, occupational requirements, and public health conditions, the law outlines clear exceptions:
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Health reasons: Use of surgical masks or medically justified protective equipment;
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Professional and occupational safety grounds: Personal protective equipment (PPE), full-face motorcycle helmets during regulated road transit, or specific work uniforms;
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Artistic, sporting, and cultural activities: Stage performances, carnival celebrations, recreational events, or sports requiring specialized technical gear;
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Reserved spaces: Places of worship, religious temples, civil aircraft in flight, and diplomatic or consular premises.