Portugal has joined many European countries in dropping all Covid-19 related entry restrictions for travellers from the UK. Scots can now enter mainland Portugal without needing to show proof of vaccination, or being tested for Covid.
Those looking for a fuss-free holiday in the sun are expected to flock to Portugal’s popular destinations including Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and The Algarve. However, the country’s autonomous region of the Azores - a group of islands in the mid-Atlantic - will still require travellers to prove their Covid status on entry.
Other European countries to have dropped the entry requirements so far include Germany, Italy, Cyprus, Austria, Estonia, and Greece. But not all are following suit, with restrictions staying put in France, Malta, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Read More: Five EU countries keeping Covid travel rules in place this summer
The Foreign Office’s latest travel advice for Portugal states: “There are no COVID vaccination or testing requirements for entry to mainland Portugal, Madeira and Porto Santo.”
Those over the age of 11 travelling to Portugal’s Azores will need to provide proof of their fully vaccinated status. If not fully vaccinated, travellers may show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding, a negative rapid lateral flow test taken no more than 24 hours before boarding, or a recovery certificate showing you had Covid between 180 and 11 days before travelling.
Just to make your trip to Portugal that bit easier, the country also allows UK citizens to use e-gates at passport control on arrival, meaning you can avoid the non-EU passport queue. The measure was introduced in April, however UK citizens must still have their passports stamped at a manned booth on entering and leaving the country, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises.
When visiting Portugal or other Schengen areas for extended periods be sure not to outstay the 90-day visa-free period. The FCDO’s official advice states: “If you are travelling to Portugal and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.”
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