Statement from the British Embassy re the UK government decision on travel and borders

The British Government understands that these decisions are important for Portugal, for the travel and tourism sector in Portugal, for the Portuguese community resident in the UK and for the British community resident in Portugal.  The British Government considered the evidence very carefully before taking these decisions, with the aim of protecting public health and safety.

Because of the relatively high incidence of COVID-19 cases, mainly in the Greater Lisbon area, British Government travel advice continues to recommend against all but essential travel to mainland Portugal.  In recognition of the much lower rates of infection in the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores, together with the fact that these islands are accessible by direct flights from the UK and have effective COVID-19 related entry controls, we are no longer recommending against non-essential travel to these regions. This change will come into effect on 4 July.

With respect to the exceptional UK border control measures currently in force – namely mandatory fourteen day quarantine for people arriving in the UK – these measures will for the time being remain in force for all people arriving in the UK from the whole of Portugal.

Both the travel advice and border control measures will be kept under continuous review.  We hope and expect that the rate of infection in Portugal will decrease rapidly and that it will be possible to lift the remaining restrictions in the near future.

Link to decision on travel advice.

Link to decision on exemption from quarantine.

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