UK travellers no longer required to take PCR test to go to Portugal

Travellers going from the UK to Portugal will no longer need to take a PCR test, after the country changed its travel rules.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance in relation to Portugal, although the country remains on the ‘Amber’ list.

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At a glance: 5 key points

– People going on holiday from the UK to Portugal will no longer need to take a PCR test

– Anyone entering the country will still need to show a negative Covid test result, but this can now be either an antigen test or a PCR

– PCR tests have to be taken within 72 hours of travel

– Antigen tests have to be taken within 24 hours of travel

– Current rules on travelling to Amber list countries means anyone returning to the UK has to self-isolate at home for 10 days, and take PCR tests on days two and eight, or take a test on day five to be able to end their self-isolation earlier.

What’s been said?

The new guidance for Portugal published on the Foreign Office website states: “"With the exception of children up to the age of 2, you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to or through Portugal. The test can be:

– a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), including RT-PCR, taken within 72 hours of travel, or

– an Antigen test that meets the performance standards set out in the EU common list of Rapid Antigen Tests, taken within 24 hours of travel.

"You must show your test certificate before you board your flight to Portugal. Your airline is likely to deny boarding if you cannot show this at check-in. Check with your airline before you travel."

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