Pre-pandemic, about 3 million Brits travelled to Portugal each year. The numbers haven’t recovered to their pre-Covid levels just yet, but Portugal is welcoming fully-vaccinated Brits with open arms. So, what rules do you need to know before heading for a Portuguese getaway?
What are Portugal’s entry requirements?
Portugal is on the UK Government’s ‘amber list’, meaning there are no restrictions on travelling to Portugal but there are still rules to follow.
Fully-vaccinated Brits can enter Portugal without needing to quarantine.
However, you must bring proof of your vaccinations – an EU digital Covid vaccination certificate – and you must have been vaccinated at least 14 days before entering Portugal.
If you are fully vaccinated, you don’t need to take a PCR test before you travel.
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If you are travelling to Portugal from the UK and you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
You will also need to bring proof of a negative PCR or antigen test to show at the airport.
Children under the age of 12 do not need to show a negative PCR test or have been vaccinated.
What do I need to bring to Portugal?
In addition to bringing proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative PCR or antigen test if you are not yet fully vaccinated, you will need to fill out a Passenger Locator Card before you go to Portugal.
Portugal’s coronavirus restrictions include:
- Social distancing of two metres
- Face masks should be worn in any enclosed public spaces, or outdoors where social distancing is not possible
- Shops restaurants and cafes are open, but nightclubs are still closed
- Hotels may require to see your vaccination certificate or a negative test before you can check in
- Taxis can only carry two passengers and you cannot sit in the front seat
Coronavirus at the beach
Even though the beach is outdoors, where there are fewer restrictions, Portugal has rules about beach etiquette to prevent overcrowding.
Portugal has introduced one-way systems to beaches. Sunseekers are also advised to keep their towels and sun loungers three metres apart from others.
You can use this website to check how full the beach is before you go. If it is amber or red, it should be avoided.
Returning to the UK from Portugal
If you are fully vaccinated, or under the age of 18, you do not need to quarantine when you return to the UK from Portugal.
If you have not been vaccinated, you will need to quarantine for 10 days when you return to the UK. You will need to take a PCR test on day two after arriving in the UK, and on day eight.
Will Portugal be added to the green list?
An update on the UK’s traffic light system for travel restrictions is expected to on either August 25 or August 26.
Express.co.uk will keep you updated with all the latest news on entry requirements for travelling to Portugal.
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