The Coronavirus | Madeira

This document contains the latest information about the protocols, preventative measures and changes adopted on Madeira in response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

At Sunvil, we relaunched our holiday programme to Madeira in the autumn and have been working alongside our destination partners and the local tourist board to educate ourslves about the latest government guidance and regional policies. Below we have highlighted the facts and guidelines relating to accommodation, shops and services on Madeira. It is important to note that guidelines are being updated daily and you should contact us should you have any specific questions or concerns.

This document was updated on Thursday 06 January.

Testing Guidance.

Travellers in receipt of double-vaccination:

• Pre-departure testing. This is not required for travellers in receipt of both vaccinations – see below for details of the evidence required. .
• A completed Traveller Registration Form within 48 hours of the departure from the UK. It is your responsibility to do so as will be any costs incurred for new flight tickets and amendments to your travel plans should the form not be submitted. Airlines are denying boarding to those who fail to provide evidence of their submission and QR code. 
• Thermal screening is in operation at Funchal airport.
• A completed UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
• Testing on return to the UK: A Day 0-2 lateral flow (antigen) test. This must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form. Please Note that this test will not be applicable for arrivals into the UK after 4am  11th Febuary.

Evidence for passengers in receipt of both vaccinations (one of the following):

• The NHS App: This application is valid on smart phones and tablets and requires ALL passengers to register for their own account. The account is connected to your NHS number, date of birth and postcode. The application will display your Covid-19 vaccine record.
• An official certificate from the NHS: This certificate can be obtained by calling “119” from any UK landline or mobile (or by dialling "111" if resident in Wales). This request takes c.5-7 days to receive.
• You should check that your name on your passport matches how it is displayed on your NHS Covid App/certificate (Pass). If the names are different, contact your GP practice to have your details updated. Middle names are not required on the App/certificate.
• We recommend you travel with a printed copy of your vaccination certificate. A printed copy of your vaccination status (as obtained by the NHS App) must be dated after 01 November.

If you have not received both vaccinations:

• Pre-departure testing: An antigen test taken within 48 hours of your flight departure time from the UK - A negative test result is required in order to travel and should be uploaded to the Madeira Traveller Registration Form. Please note that the test must be completed by a healthcare professional. Self-administered tests are not accepted.
• A completed Traveller Registration Form within 48 hours of the departure from the UK. It is your responsibility to do so as will be any costs incurred for new flight tickets and amendments to your travel plans should the form not be submitted. Airlines are denying boarding to those who fail to provide evidence of their submission and QR code. The negative antigen test result should be uploaded to this platform.
• Thermal screening is in operation at Funchal airport.
• In-resort test. An antigen test must be taken locally 5-7 days after the pre-departure test swab was taken. This test is offered free of charge by the Madeiran authorities and must be completed every subsequent 7 days.
• Test to return: All travellers must undertake a PCR, LAMP or Antigen test within 48 hours of return to the UK. This test must be taken at a local clinic or using a virtual provider approved by the UK government. A fit to fly certificate is provided (the certificate must be in English, Spanish or French). One free PCR test per visitor is offered by the Madeiran authorities. This can be used as the Test to return.
• A completed UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
• Testing on return to the UK: A 10-day period of self-isolation plus a PCR test on/before Day 2 and on/after Day 8 is required. These tests must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form.
• Test to release on Day 5: This optional test is available to travellers in England. The test must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form. If you choose to purchase a Day 5 test after your return to the UK a revised Passenger Locator Form must be submitted.

Testing for children: 

• Pre-departure testing – required for children aged 12-17yrs: An antigen test taken within 48 hours of your flight departure time from the UK - A negative test result is required in order to travel should be uploaded to the Madeira Traveller Registration Form. Please note that the test must be completed by a healthcare professional. Self-administered tests are not accepted.
• A completed Traveller Registration Form within 48 hours of departure from the UK - aged 12-17yrs. It is your responsibility to do so as will be any costs incurred for new flight tickets and amendments to your travel plans should the form not be submitted. Airlines are denying boarding to those who fail to provide evidence of their submission and QR code. The negative PCR test result should be uploaded to this platform.
• Thermal screening is in operation at Funchal airport.
• In-resort test. An antigen test must be taken locally 5-7 days after the pre-departure test swab was taken. This test is offered free of charge by the Madeiran authorities and must be completed every subsequent 7 days.
• A completed UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
• Testing on return to the UK - required for children aged 5-17yrs: A Day 0-2 lateral flow (antigen) test. This must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form.Please Note that this test will not be applicable for arrivals into the UK after 4am  11th Febuary.

Pre-departure team

Should you have any questions concerning your booked trip, contact our Pre-departure team who will only be too happy to answer any questions. Contact them on - 020 8568 4499 and press Option 4. Alternatively email us at predep@sunvil.co.uk.

On Madeira

It is recommended that all travellers to Madeira practice social distancing of 1.5m in both indoors and outdoor spaces.

Travellers should also carry evidence of a negative antigen test, taken within seven days, alongside proof of their vaccination status. This evidence is required to enter many public areas and establishments including:

• Supermarkets, pharmacies and shopping malls
• Cinemas
• Bars and restaurants
• Nightclubs
• Gyms
• Cultural, social and sports events;

The use of public transportation will also require proof of a negative antigen test

Exceptions: Children under 12 years old and persons who, for health reasons, cannot be vaccinated, are exempt from compliance with the measures indicated above (presentation of test and/or vaccines and UK Covid Pass). Those with a Covid recovery certificate are also exempt.

Sunvil's support

Sunvil’s destination specialists have toured Madeira and know the country inside out. The team consisting of Rosanna, Michelle, Yasmin, Cristiana, Alison and Bekki, are supported in-country by our local agent. We operate a 24-hour emergency telephone number and are also on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Useful links

• Covid Madeira
• COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map
• MadeiraGov
• Madeira Safe To Discover | Best Practices Rules and Recommendations