Portugal changes travel entry rules – what are the latest requirements for the UK?

Simon Calder says current UK travel rules are a ‘mess’

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The EU Covid passport used to be the only form of vaccination certificate accepted by Portugal. This meant that British tourists without one had to take a pre-departure test before arrival in Portugal even if they had been fully vaccinated.

However, the Portuguese Government has now announced that certificates issued by other countries, including the UK, will be accepted for entry.

All tourists who have been double-vaccinated with an EU approved vaccination will be allowed into Portugal without taking a pre-departure test.

Every passenger who has been fully vaccinated with the approved vaccines of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson will be accepted.

British tourists must be able to show their vaccination certificate to enter Portugal but will no longer have to have an EU Covid passport, according to SchengenVisaInfo.

If British tourists have not been double-jabbed, they will need to present a recent recovery certificate.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the requirements and will not need to have a vaccination certificate.

A statement from the Portuguese Government said: “All citizens wishing to travel to Portugal by air, except children under the age of 12, must present the EU Covid Digital Certificate or vaccination or recovery certificate issued by third countries and whose validity is now recognised.”

The UK will now be recognised as a ‘third country’ making travel a lot simpler for British tourists as the NHS Covid vaccination pass should be accepted as proof of vaccination.

Double-jabbed British tourists will also be excused from any self-isolation or quarantine measures once in Portugal.

The Portuguese Government said airlines would only allow passengers on planes if they had the correct documentation.

However, a recent investigation by Which? magazine found that many airlines and holiday providers did not know the correct regulations for travel.

In the undercover report, several potential passengers were given the wrong travel advice by major airlines.

All British tourists are advised to check the latest travel requirements before travelling to Portugal as restrictions can change rapidly.

Portugal is a very popular destination for British tourists, with many choosing to travel to the Algarve.

Known for stunning beaches, world-renowned golf courses and soaring temperatures, the hotspot is a fantastic choice for a relaxing holiday.

Other popular destinations include the capital city of Lisbon and northern city of Porto. Lisbon is one of the best value city breaks in Western Europe.

From October 4, UK tourists will no longer have to take a pre-departure test before arriving in the UK.

Portugal is on the UK’s ‘rest of world’ list and double-jabbed Britons will not be required to quarantine or self-isolate on arrival to the UK.

Later on in October, day two PCR tests will be replaced with cheaper lateral flow tests although the exact date has yet to be announced.

Covid restrictions are in place in Portugal and a maximum of eight people can eat together inside a restaurant. Nightclubs can serve drinks but dancing is forbidden.

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