In light of the recent change in Coronavirus rules, unvaccinated Britons can now go on holidays in Portugal.
UK visitors aged 12 and over will only need to show proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen coronavirus test result to enter the country.
Before this rule, travellers were required to show that they had been fully vaccinated with an EU-approved COVID-19 vaccine, including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna, upon entry to mainland Portugal or they would have to quarantine for 14 days.
Covid PCR tests must be taken up to 72 hours before departure, or lateral flow tests up to 48 hours before. People must also complete a passenger locator card before they travel.
Travellers planning to have holidays in Portugal and visit one of the below Portuguese islands MUST show either a negative PCR test or a vaccine certificate to avoid a 14-day quarantine.
- Azores
- Madeira
However, they can have a free test on arrival if they agree to go into “prophylactic isolation” – a 12 to a 24-hour waiting period for the test result.
In the UK, Portugal is on the amber travel list & fully vaccinated people entering from the southern European country do not have to self-isolate.
However, a PCR test is needed three days before entering the UK & a PCR test two days after arriving.
Covid Traffic Light: What you should do when you return to England from these countries.
Main restrictions:
- Red list: Hotel quarantine for 10 days & pre-departure tests, plus PCR test on days 2 and 8.
- Amber list: Home-quarantine for 10 days & pre-departure tests, plus PCR test on days 2 and 8. “Test to release” option on day 5. Different rules apply for fully vaccinated people arriving from EU countries and the US.
- Green list: Pre-departure test & PCR test on or before day 2.
You do not need to take a COVID-19 test or quarantine on arrival in England if you are travelling within the Common Travel Area.
