In Portugal, hotels are beginning to reopen, beaches are accessible and flights to and from the UK have resumed. But while it is possible to visit Portugal, UK Foreign Office advice remains against all non-essential international travel.
Portugal travel: latest update
In Portugal, hotels are beginning to reopen, beaches are accessible and flights to and from the UK have resumed. But while it is possible to visit Portugal, UK Foreign Office advice remains against all non-essential international travel.
Those travelling to Portugal will be able to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches and rolling hills. Restaurants are open with limited capacity and with a push on outdoor dining, and most shops have also opened their doors. On arrival, visitors will undergo health screening and temperature checks. As with many countries reopening their borders, face masks will be essential in enclosed spaces and social distancing measures will be in place. In Lisbon, lockdown has yet to be relaxed as far as in other parts of the country, with shops remaining closed and limited public transport capacity.
With the UK Foreign Office advising against all but essential travel, Portugal should remain off-limit to British visitors for now. Some good news may be on the horizon, though. There is media speculation that an ‘air bridges’ announcement later this month could put an end to the government’s 14-day quarantine policy, and Portugal could well be one of the first countries to agree a travel corridor with the UK. Speaking earlier this month, Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva said he was optimistic that an air bridge between Portugal and the UK could be agreed before July.
Any Brits that choose to travel to Portugal against Foreign Office guidelines should note that their travel insurance may not be valid.
Click here to find out more information on global travel restrictions.