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What can British people expect on their holiday in Portugal?

Fancy a jaunt to Porto? Everything you need to know before heading to Portugal - Getty
Fancy a jaunt to Porto? Everything you need to know before heading to Portugal - Getty

As the first British tourists begin to jet off to Portugal today, they can be guaranteed an ecstatic welcome from local restauranteurs, hoteliers and residents across the country.

Since last week’s announcement that tourism between the two countries was set to resume, Portugal’s hospitality and tourism industry has been working flat out to welcome Brits back to its shores.

“We were all celebrating when Britain announced the green list with Portugal on it and we’re really looking forward to welcoming the British guests back!” said Chitra Stern, chief executive of Martinhal Resorts, a collection of family-friendly luxury villas and hotels.

So what exactly can you expect, on your trip to Portugal this summer? Here’s everything you need to know.

Will British tourists be welcomed?

With bells on. Around one fifth of the Portuguese economy derives from tourism, of which visitors from the UK make up a substantial share. With only a brief window between travel restrictions this time last year, the impact of Covid on the country’s tourist industry has been brutal.

It’s not just the big coastal resorts and hotel chains of the Algarve and Lisbon that are waiting arms-open for the expected flood of British visitors. Smaller destinations around the country are waiting with equal anticipation.

Fernando Tinta Ferreira, mayor of Caldas da Rainha, a city on the central ‘Silver Coast’ famous for ceramics, talked of a “cherished” history of British-Portuguese friendship.

“We will enthusiastically welcome everyone who wasn’t to visit our community,” he said, stressing that all health precautions will be “taken care of”.

Are face masks used?

Yes, it is mandatory to wear face masks outdoors as well as inside bars, restaurants and all other public venues.

While seated indoors, masks can be removed for eating and drinking only. At outdoor tables, the rules are a little more relaxed, with face coverings not compulsory. Local etiquette suggests putting on your mask when conversing with waiting staff.

Likewise, there’s no need to wear a mask on the beach, but failure to respect social distancing will be frowned upon.

UK passengers prepare to board a flight to Faro on May 17 - Gareth Fuller
UK passengers prepare to board a flight to Faro on May 17 - Gareth Fuller

Do I need to take a hand sanitiser?

Low-cost hand sanitiser is widely available in shops and pharmacies throughout the country, so don’t panic if you forget to bring any.

Alcohol gel is also found at entrances to most shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Venues rarely police usage but customers are expected to sanitise their hands on entry.

How strictly are people following the rules?

Broadly speaking, the Portuguese have kept obediently to social-distancing, mask-wearing and other restrictions since the start of the pandemic.

As everywhere, an element of weariness is beginning to creep into the general population, although hospitality venues remain diligent in keeping to safety norms. Visitors will be expected to do likewise.

Making it onto the UK’s ‘green list’ ahead of other European destinations is seen here as a tribute to the country’s adherence – something Portugal will be reluctant to concede now.

Oliver Key, General Manager at Penha Longa Golf Resort in Sintra, echoes other hospitality operators in describing health and safety as the industry’s “utmost priority”.

‘The Portuguese population has been adhering to our Government’s guidelines and the resulting improvements have allowed us to create a clear path to meet the requirements of the British Government’s Green List,” he said.

What are the social distancing rules?

Social distancing is mandatory and expected, although exactly how far apart people are supposed to be isn’t always clear. Expect restaurant tables to be spaced out. Venues such as airports and malls may well have markers on the floor to indicate the precise distance required.

Are bars and restaurants open?

Yes, but all must close by 10.30pm at least until the end of May. Groups of six people are allowed inside and ten people outside.

What about hotels?

Most hotels are ready and waiting to receive visitors. That said, some larger hotels are operating phased openings in place, so do check before making a reservation if you want a specific location.

Look for the ‘Clean and Safe’ seal from Visit Portugal, which shows accommodation providers are compliant with hygiene measures.

Do I need to take a Covid test to enter Portugal?

Yes, a negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test is a mandatory precondition of entry for all travellers from all nationalities. The only exception is infants under 24 months. The test must be carried out less than 72 hours before boarding time.

For the return leg, Portugal has many private labs offering pre-booked tests, with results delivered by email or phone within 24 hours. Unilabs offers walk-in testing centres throughout Portugal (see unilabs.com) at a cost of €100 per test.

For how long are the current restrictions in place?

The situation is reviewed every two weeks, with the current State of Calamity due to end on May 30. Future updates can be found via the Visit Portugal website (visitportugal.com).