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 May.

Arrivals

Madeira is open to UK travellers and has been categorised as 'Amber' by the UK government. The requirements for travellers are detailed below:

• A PCR test taken within 72 hours of your departure from the UK*. A negative test result is required in order to travel. At Sunvil, we have a partnership with Randox Health (one of the UK government's approved providers) and our travellers can purchase a test at a reduced rate - see below. *Fully vaccinated passengers or those who have recovered from the virus (within 90 days prior to travel) do not need to undertake a PCR test prior to travel; instead proof of both vaccinations should be provided*
• A completed Traveller Registration Form between 48-12 hours prior to departure. 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 or evidence of vaccination/recover should be uploaded to this platform.
• Thermal screening is in operation at Funchal airport.
• A PCR, LAMP or Antigen test taken at a clinic within 72 hours of your return to the UK - this test is provided Free Of Charge by Visit Madeira. A negative test result is required in order to travel. Further details can be found here.
• A completed UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
• PCR tests on return from travels as per the government's traffic light system. A 10-day period of self-isolation applies for all travellers returning from an Amber destination. In addition, 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.

Evidence for passengers in receipt of both vaccinations or have recovered from the virus (one of the following is required):

• 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 letter from the NHS: This letter can be obtained by calling “119” from any UK landline or mobile.
• Recovery letter: This letter must certify that the bearer has recovered from COVID-19 infection within 90 days before the date of travel.

Testing providers

In UK tests:

At Sunvil, we have a partnership with Randox Health (one of the UK government’s approved providers) and our travellers can purchase tests at a reduced price:

Randox Health
Finsbury House
23 Finsbury Circus
London
EC2M 7EO
Website: https://www.randoxhealth.com
Tel: 0800 254 5130

• UK testing kits for travellers in receipt of both vaccinations: Day 2 and Day 8 test – quote SUNVIL2021 online at https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-day-2-and-8-testing/– at a cost of £86.00
• UK testing kits for travellers not in receipt of both vaccinations: Pre-departure test, Day 2 and Day 8 test – quote SUNVIL2021 online at https://www.randoxhealth.com/amber-travel-pack/ – at a cost of £129.00

With Randox, you will self-administer a swab test using the instructions in the test kit provided and send the test back to Randox using one of their local drop boxes or a courier. Once the test has been analysed you will be sent an electronic test certificate.

Full testing information and details of additional suppliers can be found here.

Please also ensure that you are familiar with the new rules for travel within Europe from 01 January 2021. A synopsis of the changes can be found in our dedicated blog.

Health Safety Regulations

• All travellers are recommended to download the Madeira Safe To Discover smartphone app for the latest information and track and trace purposes
• Facemasks are mandatory for all aged 6 years and older. Facemasks are not required for sporting activities and on beaches, bathing areas and in swimming complexes
• Social distancing of 2 metres between persons

Accommodation

The regional tourist board of Madeira identifies tourist accommodation and activities which are compliant with the hygiene and cleaning requirements to prevent and control Covid-19 and other possible infections.

Further information on the measures to be adopted by accommodation can be found below and in this link:

• Social distancing within the hotel and its grounds
• Perspex screens at reception desks
• Anti-Covid-19 kits for guests which include hand sanitiser, mask and gloves
• Later check-in/earlier check-out to allow for enhanced cleaning
• Use of face masks by customer facing personnel
• Breakfasts to be served (no buffet)
• Limited restaurant reservations
• Reduced guest capacity

Sunvil's team will advise any measures specific to your hotel of choice upon confirmation and with our travel documentation.

Transfers and car hire

In addition to protocols for accommodation, the regional tourist board of Madeira has also established measures for the transportation of visitors. Sunvil and our local partners have adopted these measures and made the necessary plans for those travelling with us.

• Transfer vehicles will be cleaned between each service
• A private taxi transfer can accommodate a maximum of 2 adult passengers (three if from the same family group) per vehicle
• Transfer vehicles will travel with a window open to ensure the vehicle is continuously ventilated
• It is important to note that all passengers will be required to wear face masks during their journey and that in some instances guests will be required to load/unload their luggage from the vehicle
• Hire cars will be deep-cleaned prior to all rentals

Services

Restaurants, bars and similar establishments close at 10pm and operate at 50% capacity. Maximum five persons per table, indoor or outdoor.

Beaches

The essential rules of physical safety distance, frequent hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, cleaning and sanitation of spaces and the mandatory use of a mask when going to restaurants, cafes, service areas and toilets must be observed.

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