Portuguese authorities have announced that all UK tourists, including those not vaccinated, can now visit popular resorts such as the Algarve without having to quarantine. Travellers are, however, still required to provide a negative result from a PCR or rapid antigen test, performed within 72 hours of arriving in Portugal.
Until this month, only UK travellers vaccinated with one of the vaccines accepted by Portugal as a “valid proof of immunity” (including Pfzier, Moderna and AstraZeneca) had been eligible to enter the country without quarantine, while unvaccinated visitors were subject to a 14-day self-isolation period.
Portugal also announced that travellers from the United States would still be allowed to enter Portugal – even for non-essential travel such as tourism – in spite of a European Union Council recommendation that countries tighten their requirements for American citizens.
The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its GovUK.com travel advice portal to include details of the new entry regulations. The office notes…
“If you have an EU digital COVID vaccination certificate showing you have been fully vaccinated with an EU approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before you travel, or an EU COVID recovery certificate showing you have recovered from COVID-19 no less than 11 days and no more than 180 days of when you are due to travel:
- You do not need to have a COVID-19 test to enter Portugal. Be prepared to show a digital or paper copy of your COVID vaccination or recovery certificate when you check-in for your flight, and…
- Complete an online passenger locator card.
“If you do not have an EU digital COVID vaccination certificate showing you have been fully vaccinated…
- You will need to take a COVID-19 test to enter Portugal (children up to the age of 11 are exempt).
- This can be an RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, or an antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure. If you have an antigen test, make sure it meets the standards set out in the EU common list of Rapid Antigen Tests.
- You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.”
On arrival in mainland Portugal – including at Faro Airport – passengers will be subject to health screening. “If your temperature is 38ºC or over or you show signs of being unwell, you may be required to take a COVID-19 test and remain at the airport until you receive your test result.”
According to research for the “Holiday Money Report”, tourists visiting the Algarve can enjoy excellent value for money, from low-cost airlines to meals and drinks.