The Coronavirus | Portugal

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

Sunvil has offered holidays to Portugal since 1984, and, in keeping with our ethos, focuses on the lesser-known regions of the country. From the Algarve in the south to the border with Galicia in the north, we have selected destinations and properties full of charm, authenticity and character. Our desire is that you have a personal and enriching holiday experience.

Throughout the pandemic, we have closely monitored government guidance, regional policies and have maintained a continuous dialogue with our colleagues in Portugal. Below we have highlighted the facts and guidelines relating to accommodation, shops and services. 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 Sunday 28 November.

Testing guidance.

Travelling to Portugal if you have received both vaccinations (more than 14 days prior to departure):

• Pre-departure testing: A PCR test taken within 72 hours of your flight departure time from the UK or a rapid antigen test from an authorised clinic taken within 48 hours of your flight departure time - A negative test result is required in order to travel.
• A completed Passenger Locator Card questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed 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. You can find further information in our dedicated blog.
• A completed UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
• Testing on return to the UK: A Day 2 PCR test is required. This test must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form. Travellers are required to self-isolate until a negative test result is received.

* Evidence for passengers in receipt of both vaccinations (NHS App OR letter):

• 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 5-7 days.
• 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.

Travelling to Portugal if you have not received both vaccinations: 

• Pre-departure testing: A PCR test taken within 72 hours of your flight departure time from the UK or a rapid antigen test from an authorised clinic taken within 48 hours of your flight departure time - A negative test result is required in order to travel.
• A completed Passenger Locator Card questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed 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. You can find further information in our dedicated blog.
• All travellers must undertake a PCR, LAMP or Antigen test within 72 hours of return to the UK. This test must be taken at a local clinic or using a virtual provider (see below), approved by the UK government. A fit to fly certificate is provided (the certificate must be in English, Spanish or French). Further details can be found here.
• A completed UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF).<
• A 10-day period of self-isolation applies for all non-vaccinated travellers returning from Portugal. 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. A full list of providers for the Day 2 and Day 8 tests can be found here.
• 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.

Children aged 17yrs and younger:

• Pre-departure testing – required for children aged 12-17yrs: A PCR test taken within 72 hours of your flight departure time from the UK or a rapid antigen test from an authorised clinic taken within 48 hours of your flight departure time - A negative test result is required in order to travel.
• Testing on return to the UK - required for children aged 5-17yrs: A Day 2 PCR test is required. This test must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form. Travellers are required to self-isolate until a negative test result is received.

Testing providers

In UK tests:
At Sunvil, we recommend the testing services of Randox Health, Medic Spot and Express Test (three of the UK government’s approved providers). Their services have been tried-and-tested by our team and also utilised by our travellers throughout the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Full details of their products and pricing can be found below.

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

• UK testing kits for adults in receipt of both vaccinations and children aged 5-11yrs travelling with fully vaccinated parent(s)/parental guardian(s): Day PCR test – quote SUNVIL2021 online. Price: £43.00. A reduced rate applies for click and collect purchases.
• UK testing kits for adults not in receipt of both vaccinations: Pre-departure PCR test, Test to return lateral flow (antigen) test, Day 2 and Day 8 PCR tests – quote SUNVIL2021 online. Price: £43.00 for the PCR pre-departure test and £107.50 for the Test to return lateral flow (antigen test) and the Day 2 and Day 8 PCR tests. A reduced rate applies for click and collect purchases.
• Children aged 12-17yrs: Pre-departure PCR test and Day 2 PCR test – quote SUNVIL2021 online. Price: £43.00 for the pre-departure PCR test and £43:00 for the Day 2 PCR test.

Note: An alternative to the Test to return lateral flow (antigen) test detailed above, is an in-clinic test in resort. Our local partners will book your test for you at a registered clinic; transfers can also be arranged. The test is payable locally. An antigen will cost c.20-30 Euros.

Medic Spot
6 Lower Belgrave Street
Belgravia
London
SW1W 0LJ
Website: https://www.medicspot.co.uk/
Tel: 020 3637 8398

• UK testing kits for adults not in receipt of both vaccinations: Pre-departure PCR test, Test to return lateral flow (antigen) test, Day 2 and Day 8 PCR tests. Price: £75.00 for the PCR pre-departure test, £29.00 for the Test to return lateral flow (antigen) test and £150.00 for the Day 2 and Day 8 PCR tests. 

Note: An alternative to the Test to return lateral flow (antigen) test detailed above, is an in-clinic test in resort. Our local partners will book your test for you at a registered clinic; transfers can also be arranged. The test is payable locally. An antigen will cost c.20-30 Euros.

Express Test by Cignpost
Building X92 Cody Technology Park
Farnborough
Surrey
GU14 0LX
Website: https://www.expresstest.co.uk/
Tel: 020 3384 0000

• UK testing kits for adults in receipt of both vaccinations and children aged 5-11yrs travelling with fully vaccinated parent(s)/parental guardian(s): Day 2 PCR in clinic test – quote AITO21 online. Price: £69.00. 
• UK testing kits for adults not in receipt of both vaccinations: Pre-departure PCR test, Test to return lateral flow (antigen) test, Day 2 and Day 8 PCR tests – quote AITO21 online. Price: £59.00 for the PCR pre-departure test and £35.00 for the Test to return lateral flow (antigen test) and £129.00 the Day 2 and Day 8 PCR tests. 
• Children aged 12-17yrs: Pre-departure PCR test and Day 2 PCR test – quote AITO21 online. Price: £59.00 for the pre-departure PCR test and £69.00 for the Day 2 PCR test.

In addition to the 'Clean and Safe' stamp of approval detailed below, Portugal was also the first country to be awarded the WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council) Global Safety Stamp, 'Safe Travels'. This stamp is designed to enable travellers to recognise governments and companies around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.

All arrivals into Portugal are given a leaflet about the measures adopted by the country and what they should do if they start displaying symptons. Airports are using temperature screening. 

Sunvil's support

Sunvil’s destination specialists have toured Portugal and know the country inside out. The team consisting of Rosanna, 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

• A country by country overview can be found at reopen.europa.eu/en
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice for Portugal
• Coronavirus specific travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office