For those of you planning to set off on the 17th of May to Portugal from the United Kingdom – there is good news. Portugal has decided it will allow visitors from the United Kingdom to enter the country.
Because riding trams in Lisbon is a done thing – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
Whilst the UK added Portugal to its Green List, there was no immediate reciprocity by Portugal. The Portuguese government has changed it is to allow passengers to land in the country for tourism purposes.
It should be noted that COVID-19 is still high on the priority list of the country and the “state of calamity” has been extended to the 30th of May.
Before you arrive in Portugal, you will need to take a PCR test and for it to have a negative result. This must be taken 72 hours before departure.
Testing capacity in Portugal has also been expanded, the tourist board said, with more than 22,400 businesses registered and more than 23,000 professionals trained.
The move comes after a period of uncertainty and confusion if visitors would be allowed in – especially after the extension of the emergency measures.
It also does not help people took the Green List as “Book now to go on holiday” rather than “have you checked that you will be let into the country in the first place?”
This is why you need to check before you book, to ensure you are allowed into a country.
Currently, Portugal allows flights to and from the UK, but only for essential travel, such as for business, study, family reasons, health, or humanitarian reasons. If you are travelling from Midnight Monday, they will allow any traveller from the United Kingdom to enter.
Restrictions when you are there
It goes without saying with “A state of calamity” in progress, there will be things you can do.
Visit Portugal has published a list of advice at https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal, whilst the UK FCDO advice can be found at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal
Note, you will have to follow re-entry procedures into the UK before departure too – such as having an appropriate negative COVID-19 test.
And next time
Remember – check a country will let you in before you book a ticket, and that you know your airlines/tour operator change and refunds process…
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
