Portugal holiday warning as Britons could face ‘disruption’

Britons travelling to Portugal over the Easter weekend have been warned of “disruption” at borders. Immigration officers are taking part in strikes.

The UK Government said: “Between 6-10 April there may be travel disruption due to industrial action by Portuguese immigration officers.

“If you are travelling over this period, allow additional time to clear border control when entering and exiting Portugal.

“Check for announcements and follow the guidance provided by your airline or tour operator.”

Immigration officers in Portugal are going on strike over a restructuring of the country’s border service.

Local media has warned that the strikes could lead to disturbances at airports. British tourists could be heavily impacted by the action.

Since Brexit, British holidaymakers need to have their passport stamped on entry and exit to Portugal and other EU countries.

This means they will need to wait for a border official to process their passport before they can enter Portugal.

British tourists could also be impacted by strikes by air traffic control staff in France over the Easter break.

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Air traffic controllers in France are taking part in industrial action over the country’s pension reforms.

British tourists could be impacted even if they are not holidaying in France as planes flying over the country could also be delayed.

Ryanair has launched a petition calling for air traffic controllers from other countries to be able to manage the air space during the action.

Simon Calder said: “Because France is on the way to all our favourites, to Italy, to Portugal, to Spain, to North Africa, unfortunately, that is having a heck of an impact and we are seeing delays already today.”

Tourists should check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport although airlines should contact passengers directly if their journey is delayed or cancelled.

easyJet warned passengers that “all airlines” could be impacted by the strikes and said it expected some delays.

In the UK, British Airways passengers could be impacted by security staff strikes at Heathrow’s Terminal 5.

BA has cancelled flights each day of the action and passengers should have been informed by the airline.

British tourists could also face delays on passport applications as some staff take part in five weeks of action.

The Government is still advising a 10 week window to wait for a new passport and has warned tourists not to book a holiday before recieving theirs.

Online applications are usually fastest but it is also possible to apply for a new passport via post.

Simon Calder warned tourists to “double-check” their passport to ensure it complies with all the rules for their destination.

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