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Original poster

Meant to be going Portugal.....

28 replies

courtney25 · 15/06/2021 13:43

Hi,

We are meant to be going to Portugal mid July. We booked it last summer. I honestly didn't think for one second we would still be in this situation, optimistic I know! Obviously Portugal is now on the amber list. Apparently this means that we are not entitled to any refund because even though it's amber flights and holidays are very much still going ahead. I'll be honest the Pcr tests are putting me off. They are working out all together around £600 for the four of us which is crazy!! The air bnb will refund me 50% but not all. What would you do? Would you go?

OP posts:
Lalliebelle · 15/06/2021 13:44

If I could afford the extra for the testing, then yes I would go in a heartbeat.

Redtartanshoes · 15/06/2021 13:45

Don’t know. Think things could change by then. I’m
In same situation but august.

Original poster
courtney25 · 15/06/2021 13:46

I mean I can afford it if I scrape here and there but obviously it's a lot! To be honest the whole stress of doing the pcr before we go and then having to find somewhere in Portugal to do one so we can fly back is hard work. I just wanted to take my kids on a nice holiday without all this stress.

OP posts:
Original poster
courtney25 · 15/06/2021 13:47

I know they are doing another travel announcement next week but from what I've been hearing it's very unlikely Portugal will go in the green list.

OP posts:
NameChange2PostThis · 15/06/2021 14:01

Assuming by ‘the four of us’ this means you are taking children, so you are risking not being able to travel there - or back - because they will be unvaccinated so have the potential to test positive pre-boarding.

For this reason, we cancelled our holiday to Portugal - because paying the balance was potentially throwing good money after bad, and I didn’t want to risk the double upset for my DC of no holiday and it being ‘their fault’. We have lost some money - but at least we know we will get a summer holiday, even if it’s in the UK.

On the other hand, I know plenty of people who have said they are taking the risk. You need to think about the financial and emotional risk of no holiday at all versus UK holiday versus Portugal holiday- only you can decide what is most important to you and your family.

If you are actually 4 fully vaccinated adults, I think it’s a negligible risk and I’d personally be tempted to go ahead with the holiday.

fruitbrewhaha · 15/06/2021 14:05

Are you not able to move the flights?

It depends how much you have paid out already.

OlafLovesAnna · 15/06/2021 14:05

I live in Portugal and I just wanted to add that if you do decide to come it is very much easier to do a walk-in PCR test than it is in the UK. There are lots of places you can visit from 8am -10pm (We use the CUF hospitals) and they cost around 90 euros.

Clymene · 15/06/2021 14:21

You are not insured id you travel to Portugal.

loginfail · 15/06/2021 14:51

@Clymene

You are not insured id you travel to Portugal.
FWIW there are certainly and fortunately companies that will provide insurance for those travelling to countries on the Amber (and possibly the Red) list..

There's a thread running on the subject here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/holidays/4271377-Amber-countries-and-travel-insurance

Thischarmlessgirl · 16/06/2021 10:09

I’ve just come back from portugal with three kids, easy to get a test there to come home (antigen 25 euro each) you can get travel insurance through Battleface. I have family there and a home so different situation but if you can quarantine I’d do it. Also by July hopefully things will look different 🤞

Hairbrush123 · 16/06/2021 21:53

I’m honestly sure the government are deliberately making it difficult and expensive as possible for people to travel. I am beginning to wonder if we are slowing morphing into Australia with their strategy seeing as other countries are flying without the need to quarantine upon return Confused.

If you can go, I would. I know of someone who went to Portugal in the last month and they said it was wonderfully quiet without all the heaps of international tourists. Also check FCO if you’re advised against travel as that will render your insurance invalid.

lurker101 · 16/06/2021 22:06

Whereabouts in Portugal are you going?
Lisbon airport does Lateral flow testing for €25 each (acceptable for re-entry to UK), alternatively UK providers are offering kits for you to take with you, process on video call and they confirm the results (again acceptable for re-entry to uk) this would remove the testing stress for you while away

NBFJ364N · 16/06/2021 22:24

do you have to isolate upon return? how long for and would you lose pay from work?

doorornottodoor · 16/06/2021 23:43

How much would you lose on the apartment if you cancelled and can you move the flights- double check this. I would be tempted to take the hit on the apartment and just cancel. I’m assuming you don’t have travel insurance cover?

earsup · 16/06/2021 23:46

A friend went and paid 30 euros for test to return, Algarve area....returned to uk and rang the 111 line to ask about the tests for day 2 and 8 and was told to just use the free ones they give out and not bother paying etc...nobody has every contacted her....go for it !!

Laufeythejust · 16/06/2021 23:56

My brother is in Portugal now, was meant to fly back yesterday but he has tested positive for covid. Him and his mates have to isolate over there for 10 days, get retested, get new flights and then fly home… to then isolate for 10 days. It’s cost him a fortune and his work are making him take it as unpaid leave. I wouldn’t risk it.

lurker101 · 17/06/2021 08:01

@earsup sorry your friend must have returned when Portugal was Green or has been misleading.

Within the 48hrs before boarding you need to complete a passenger locator form, which requires you to state your private test package booking reference number. It’s an electronic form and you can’t proceed without this, and it checks for a specific number. The airlines are checking both at check in and boarding as are the border staff when you re enter.

Hoppinggreen · 17/06/2021 08:05

@earsup

A friend went and paid 30 euros for test to return, Algarve area....returned to uk and rang the 111 line to ask about the tests for day 2 and 8 and was told to just use the free ones they give out and not bother paying etc...nobody has every contacted her....go for it !!
You have to have the day 2 and 8 tests booked before you travel home and have proof of this
earsup · 17/06/2021 13:41

Ok...seems friend returned earlier....also language barrier...my portugese is a bit wobbly !

Bluebird2021 · 17/06/2021 15:10

@Laufeythejust

My brother is in Portugal now, was meant to fly back yesterday but he has tested positive for covid. Him and his mates have to isolate over there for 10 days, get retested, get new flights and then fly home… to then isolate for 10 days. It’s cost him a fortune and his work are making him take it as unpaid leave. I wouldn’t risk it.
wow thats a pain! so many people won't have realised this could happen....and won't have planned accordingly
Original poster
courtney25 · 20/06/2021 20:27

Hi everybody,

Thanks for your replies. Unfortunately on Friday easy jet actually cancelled our flights so I guess it just wasn't meant to be. The stress Just isn't worth it. Let's hope we can fly in 2022 without all the extra costs and having to quarantine!

OP posts:
DietingAgain · 21/06/2021 09:09

Can I ask what date you were supposed be going? I'm in a similar situation and am supposed to be travelling on 15th July and as yet has not been cancelled. Thanks

Original poster
courtney25 · 22/06/2021 15:55

Hi,

I was due to fly from London with easy jet on the 11th July. My friend is also with easy jet and her flight is July 25th but that is still going ahead. Worth ringing up and checking x

OP posts:
DietingAgain · 22/06/2021 16:31

Thanks for the reply, we're with Jet2, will wait and see what the announcement is on Thursday first.

jakeyboy1 · 23/06/2021 21:03

@DietingAgain also waiting on Jet2...