The Government has removed Portugal from the UK’s “red list” of countries. In practice, this means that British nationals travelling from Portugal will no longer be required to quarantine for 10 days at a government-mandated quarantine hotel. This will save those who have been travelling to Portugal (for any reason) the substantial sum of £1,750 (being the cost of a 10-night stay in a mandated quarantine hotel).
Portugal had already hinted that it was planning to open up their borders to travelling British nationals who had been vaccinated or who had tested negative for COVID-19. This is in line with the anticipated date of the UK relaxing non-essential travel restrictions out of the country (17 May).
Turkey have, this morning, gone one step further by suggesting British holidaymakers will be able to travel to Turkey without needing to be vaccinated and are unlikely to need to take a Covid test before travelling there.
Greece and Cyprus have already stated that they intend to allow vaccinated British nationals to enter without needing to quarantine.
None of the announcements regarding travel by British nationals have been set in stone, but the removal of Portugal from the “red list” is a welcome travel relaxation to UK-Portuguese nationals and prospective holidaymakers.
Please note that the information in this blog is current at the date and time of posting. Policy and guidance with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic is subject to change at short notice and travellers are advised to read the official Government guidance before travelling. We shall be monitoring all aspects of UK immigration which may be impacted by the Coronavirus closely, so please do keep updated with further blogs and articles which we will be posting on this site.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2021
Trainee Solicitor in our Complex Litigation Team