Algarve ‘lowers cost of travelling’ and welcomes Britons without need of negative PCR test

Portugal: Holidaymakers share experience of getting back to UK

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Portugal may be back on the amber list, but the country doesn’t want to lose the much needed UK tourism. While Portugal expects to be added back to the green list in the next review, the country has now eased the measures even more.

Algarve Tourism has announced that UK travellers can now use lateral flow tests to enter the country.

The Government offers lateral flow tests free of charge to all UK citizens.

According to the Portuguese Government, this is now sufficient proof that travellers don’t have Covid-19 to go on holiday.

President of Algarve Tourism, João Fernandes, said: “This will significantly lower the cost of travelling to the Algarve.

“In the meantime, we continue to implement strict social distancing measures and health and safety operating procedures to keep both tourists and residents safe.”

Lateral flow tests must be carried out within 24 hours of boarding a flight to Portugal.

PCR test had to be done 72 hours in advance of the flight.

The changes, signed off by the Council of Ministers in Portugal, take place with immediate effect.

Portugal was the major tourist destination added to the UK’s green list in May.

However, the country was moved to the amber list last week, meaning travellers who want to visit the country have to follow a mandatory 10 day quarantine on return.

Spain also started allowing Britons into the country without restrictions.

Although Spain is currently on the amber list, UK travellers can visit the country with no need to present a negative Covid-19 test.

Portugal registered a drop in holiday prices after the country was moved back to the amber list.

Flights and hotel prices fell dramatically after registering a 64 percent downgrade, compared with the previous week.

The next UK travel list review will take place around June 24.

There is hope that more countries will be added to the green list, and restrictions will be eased at least for vaccinated travellers.

From July 1, fully vaccinated EU tourists will be able to travel restriction-free.

With the new EU vaccine passport, residents will avoid tests and quarantines if they have been fully vaccinated for 14 days or more.

The UK is currently working on a vaccine passport, although users can access their vaccine records using the NHS app.

The app can be used as proof that a traveller has received the jab when entering a country that allows fully vaccinated tourists.

Currently, some destinations like Spain, France, Cyprus or Greece are allowing fully vaccinated Britons to enter without restrictions.

Source: Read Full Article