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The Kuwait embassy in Lisbon said in a statement that Portugal’s new law banning clothing that conceals the face in public places takes effect on September 23. According to the embassy, violations carry fines of between 400 euros and 3,000 euros. The diplomatic mission urged Kuwaiti citizens to respect Portuguese laws during visits and to check local rules to avoid fines or legal action.
The embassy statement indicated that the ban covers streets, public places, buildings providing public services, sporting events and demonstrations. It also makes it a crime to force anyone to cover their face through threats, violence, coercion or abuse of authority. Such offenses carry penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine, with tougher penalties if the victim is a minor.
Kuwaiti citizens can contact the embassy emergency line at 00351916666645 or the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Communication Center at 00965159 for assistance, the statement added. The advisory follows publication of Lei 58/2026 in the Diário da República on August 24, which established the rules 30 days before they enter into force. A report by Observador noted that the legislation prohibits garments intended to hide or obstruct the face in defined public spaces.
The law text specifies exceptions for health reasons, professional needs, safety requirements, artistic performances and weather conditions, along with exemptions for places of worship, diplomatic sites and aircraft. According to PÚBLICO, the measure was approved by parliament on July 17 with support from PSD, Chega, Iniciativa Liberal and CDS-PP. The legislation originated from a proposal by the far-right Chega party that was modified during debates.
Amnesty International stated in July that the blanket ban threatens human rights including freedom of religion and expression, particularly for Muslim women who choose to cover their faces. The group’s Portugal executive director described the law as discriminatory even after earlier versions removed direct references to Islam. Amnesty International called for a constitutional review before the measure advanced.
Similar face-covering restrictions have prompted past advisories from Kuwaiti authorities to citizens traveling in Europe, according to a Gulf News report on prior ministry guidance. The foreign affairs ministry has previously emphasized compliance with local laws in nations that introduced burqa bans several years ago. Kuwaiti travelers are also routinely reminded to verify passport validity, visas and health insurance for European trips.
