Travelling to Lisbon for New Year.

[DeathWinsAGolfish]

Good morning, just looking at the travel advice for Portugal, we're flying out to family on 28th which is a Bank Holiday here.

So far we have had to book LFT and PCR tests to be conducted at the airport the day before, both to cover any situation, either can be cancelled the day before.

We are trying to second guess the travel controls that may come out. We have all had both our vaccinations my husband and I boosted, but teens obviously not. Of course Portugal could look at our numbers and just say no to the UK at any point.

Anyone else in this situation?

There is now a rule in place that you must show a negative test for entry to restaurants over Christmas and New Year, regardless of vax status. Bars and nightclubs are closed from 25th until at least 10 Jan. No fireworks displays and no gatherings of more than ten people in the street, also no drinking of alcohol in the street.

It’s going to be very quiet

@kikipie

There is now a rule in place that you must show a negative test for entry to restaurants over Christmas and New Year, regardless of vax status. Bars and nightclubs are closed from 25th until at least 10 Jan. No fireworks displays and no gatherings of more than ten people in the street, also no drinking of alcohol in the street.

It’s going to be very quiet

Yes. Think we will be fine the first few days without a est as it's only certain days isn't it. We are staying in a lovely villa and the boys mainly like the beach and fishing so as long as we can do that and self cater we will be golden.

We can eat out in our favourite restaurants the first few days then self cater after that. A negative test each would add a lot to the bill!

It’s difficult to get slots for lab tests at the moment, and self tests are scarce. It only applies 24, 25, 30, 31 and 1/1 so you’ll be fine except if you want to eat out on New Year’s Eve. A lot of places are just closing so it might be worth checking if your favourite restaurants are still open, and maybe book a table.

@kikipie

It’s difficult to get slots for lab tests at the moment, and self tests are scarce. It only applies 24, 25, 30, 31 and 1/1 so you’ll be fine except if you want to eat out on New Year’s Eve. A lot of places are just closing so it might be worth checking if your favourite restaurants are still open, and maybe book a table.

Thanks for the info. As long as we are forewarned, we won't be disappointed. Do you know if we need a test to eat in a food court? We often take the boys to Aqua for a cheap and easy tea, usually a bitoque. Then a galao and pasteis de nata. Lovely. Can't wait. Will be sad if we can't even do that.

I think you’ll need negative tests for Aqua on the specified dates, but I haven’t been to any of the shopping centres recently so not 100% sure. If it’s midweek you may be ok with just masks.

We were asked for Covid certs in the Burger King in Portimao a few weeks ago, before these new rules came into force.

Oh blimey. Oh well, should keep the costs down if we have to self cater I guess..... can be pricey eating out with a large family.

If you sit outside you don't need a test? Just going inside? Good job the weather is looking better.

Yes outside on a terrace is ok. That’s what we’re planning for NYE. We’re all vaxxed and boostered, I’m not getting tests too!

I prefer sitting outside, happy to dress for the cold

We made it! Got here late due to a car hire disaster, a fabulous Knight in Shining Uber Taxi Driver who sorted everything out for us, then fabulous Kentucky Staff at Aqua who served us just before midnight. Boys were starving but very good through the roller coaster of disaster then redemption that the journey was. So happy to be here.

Hooray, so pleased for you!