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Original poster

Are Portugal allowing in Brit tourists?

46 replies

BackIn · 11/05/2021 09:30

I’m confused. I know it’s on our green list but according to the various government websites it says ‘essential travel’ only. Various rules for Portuguese residents returning from various countries and other sets of rules for people visiting for health and work reasons. Nothing at all about leisure travel or tourism. Can anyone find exactly the rules please? As I’m reading that people are booking hols there.

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RockingMyFiftiesNot · 14/05/2021 08:23

I've just posted this link on another Portugal thread as it was on the news just now

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.b&c.co.uk/news/business-57107154.amp

averylongtimeago · 14/05/2021 08:34

Well Brittany Ferries must be pretty sure travel from the U.K. will be allowed!

Are Portugal allowing in Brit tourists?
Needingsomeguidance · 14/05/2021 08:44

Thank you both! @averylongtimeago they seem very confident indeed Grin

It's the uncertainty I don't like, BBC news said they'd make another announcement in the next couple of days but if state of calamity is extended to may the 30th I don't feel optimistic.

Let's keeping hoping eh! Has anyone got a holiday booked? I have flights for may the 31st!

lurker101 · 14/05/2021 09:16

I have accommodation booked for end of May, it is cancellable though I really hope it can go ahead or be moved

TokyoSushi · 14/05/2021 09:19

It seems that the Government have missed a vital point, it's all very well us being 'let out,' but what if the countries on the green list won't let you in?!

Zodlebud · 14/05/2021 09:41

@TokyoSushi The government have been very clear on the point that you need to check restrictions on the country you plan to travel to. Likewise if you try to book a flight on the internet via a U.K. based site you will get a “click here” message to review restrictions on travel. They cannot personalise everything as some people are legitimately allowed to travel at the moment.

I think what needs to change is people thinking that going away this summer is going to be easy, cheap or something you can plan anything other than last minute.

TokyoSushi · 14/05/2021 10:13

@Zodlebud We might have to agree to disagree on that one, my impression from the Government and the media is that green = good to go. I wouldn't blame anybody for assuming that's the case.

For complete disclosure, I'm a massive political nerd so have been following, well everything really, very closely and have absolutely no plans to travel abroad this summer. Travel is likely going to absolutely tie people up in knots with rules and restrictions, but I can understand why people would get the impression that it's going to be perfectly fine to go.

daisypond · 14/05/2021 10:25

It’s never meant green = good to go. It has always meant green = good to come into the UK.

Zodlebud · 14/05/2021 10:33

@TokyoSushi Official transcript from the green list country update. Section 5.52 minutes in.

“So, it’s up to you to check thoroughly before traveling. And if you’re thinking of booking your holiday in a green list destination, please check the restrictions applying to new arrivals. So you can get this information on gov.UK. And it is important because each country has its own restrictions. Indeed, our strong advice is not to book any holiday which does not include a refund in the event that the COVID related situation changes and you’re able to cancel.“

Link to full transcript

www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/uk-green-list-countries-downing-street-press-conference-grant-shapps-transcript

I’m not sure that is anything but blatantly clear. It’s just people are conveniently choosing to ignore it.

Needingsomeguidance · 14/05/2021 11:24

I acknowledge it's a gamble! Portugal tourist minister said they'd be welcoming Brits mid may, all you can do is go on what's said at the time

Hopefully we'll use this thread to update those wanting to for to Portugal with whatever updated we can find. I really hope we can all have the holiday we deserve! Smile

Parker231 · 14/05/2021 13:02

Portugal have just announced that tourists can travel to the country from next Monday. Must test before you travel.

Needingsomeguidance · 14/05/2021 13:06

Yessss!! Am so happy. Have a wonderful holiday to all those that have booked Star

Needingsomeguidance · 14/05/2021 14:26

Does anyone know of vaccine status has any affect on need to have a PCR test prior to entry?

Original poster
BackIn · 14/05/2021 15:10

@Parker231 ooh please link! I can’t see that on the news pages.

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Original poster
BackIn · 14/05/2021 15:16

I wonder how keen the Portuguese are about this?

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Mabelene · 14/05/2021 15:34

Those who rely on tourism will be very happy. Others maybe not so, but the vaccination programme is gathering pace so hopefully the impact won’t be disastrous

Howshouldibehave · 14/05/2021 15:37

So, what are the current rules around testing-is it a PCR test before you go and on your return, not a LFT? Is there a list of approved PCR suppliers?!

Original poster
BackIn · 14/05/2021 15:49

I’m rather surprised to be honest. We booked ages ago for half term but fully expected it to be cancelled. Then the green list came out & I thought mmmm, but they’ll maybe not want Brits arriving though, especially with the India variant now causing problems here.

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Needingsomeguidance · 14/05/2021 16:44

@Howshouldibehave you need a PCR 72 hours prior to departure. On return you need some sort of test but unclear if LFT or PCR! Approved list of testers within UK on gov website

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