After the joy of Portugal being initially included in the UK's green travel list for many tourists and second home owners in Portugal, the government had made a U-turn. Reports that Portugal is to be removed from the green list will come as disappointment for many who have already booked holidays and will now have to cancel their plans, in yet another uncertain summer where international travel is affected.
Why is Portugal being taken off the green list?
What is the current situation in Portugal? And why has it been taken off the green list? Scientists are worried about a rising number of coronavirus cases in Portugal, stating that the number of new cases has nearly quadrupled in the last month. The vaccine rollout in Portugal also isn't happening as quickly as it is in other countries, and yesterday the Portuguese government confirmed 724 new coronavirus cases and 1 death.
Portugal being moved to the amber list follow a meeting between the government members in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and advice from the joint biosecurity centre. The decision was announced on 3rd June 2021.
What do the new rules mean for travel between Portugal and the UK?
If a country is on the green list, then you are free to go on holiday there from the UK and will not have to quarantine on your return if you present a negative PCR test. It is also necessary to book a test for day 2 after your return and complete passenger locator form.
However, now that Portugal is moved to the amber list, then these rules will change on 8th June. The government has advised against non-essential travel to amber list countries, although travel there is legal and holidays are technically still allowed but not recommended. As well as presenting a negative COVID test at the airport when you arrive back in the UK, you will also have to quarantine for 10 days and book tests for days 2 and 8 when you arrive in the UK from Portugal.
What happens if you're already in Portugal and want to return to the UK?
Portugal has been officially added to the amber list and the new rules will come into force on 8th June 2021. If your return flight is before this date, you will not be required to quarantine, but those who return after 8th June will be required to self-isolate at home for a period of 10 days.
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