Tourists visiting the Algarve this autumn will be able to enjoy relaxed “de-confinement” rules for socialising and leisure pursuits. According to Portuguese authorities, health and safety restrictions have been eased in response to Portugal “having the highest vaccination rate in Europe, with 84 per cent of the population vaccinated”.
The updated rules mean restaurants, cafés and other commercial outlets will no longer have limits on the number of customers per group, evening entertainment venues will be permitted to re-open, and capacity limitations will be lifted for cultural shows – although a digital COVID certificate will still be required for such gatherings as large sports events and nightclubs.
Masks will only be mandatory in areas or spaces still considered a risk, including public transport, supermarkets, hospitals and concert halls, and where there are large concentrations of people unable to maintain adequate social distancing.
The new local rules are being introduced one month after Portugal ended quarantine for all tourists, including unvaccinated visitors.
They also coincide with news that Northern Ireland is following England’s lead in removing the “traffic light” system and opting for a single “red list” of countries. The new rules are due to apply from 4am on Monday 4 October. Three airline companies, EasyJet, Jet2.com and Ryanair, provide services between Belfast and Faro Airport.
Comprehensive information about travelling to the Algarve from elsewhere in the UK is available at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website – including updated details about “Coronavirus” measures and “Entry Requirements”.