Government opens Portugal to tourism in May

The secretary of state for Tourism, Rita Marques, says that Portugal will open its borders again in May to those who are vaccinated, are immune or have a negative test.

Rita Marques told the BBC: “I do believe that Portugal will soon allow restriction-free travel, not only for vaccinated people, but those who are immune or who test negative. We hope to welcome British tourists from 17 May.”
Portugal is currently on the UK’s red list, meaning travellers coming from there have to quarantine in the UK when they arrive.
The earliest date those in England can go abroad for holidays is 17 May, following a review on travel rules.
Rita Marques said that the situation in Portugal was “stable” and added, “Everything will be ready by mid May.”
On the 17, the European Commission will present a legislative proposal to create digital free-transit which would allow flights to recommence providing travellers have proof of vaccination or citizens who have recovered.
The Covid passport could include not only a vaccination certificate but also the results of a test or immunity information for people who had recovered from the illness.
The UK remains the main source of tourists for Portugal, representing in 2020 16.3% of overseas bed occupancies, despite a decrease of 78.5% on 2019, according to the National Statistics Institute.