3 reasons why October is the perfect time for a holiday!
Details on current Covid restrictions for travel to Portugal
3 reasons why October is the perfect time for a holiday!
Details on current Covid restrictions for travel to Portugal
With ‘staycations’ being many people’s holiday of choice so far this year, it’s not surprising that many people have been somewhat underwhelmed with their home countries offering of ‘summer’ weather, if you can even call it that! Thankfully, it’s not too late to squeeze in some sunshine, and with the long awaited easing of restrictions finally making travel more simple again, it’s the perfect time to book that last minute getaway.
1) From October 1st, it is predicted that the traffic light system will be scrapped
It has been hard to keep up with the ever changing rules throughout this year. Portugal started with all things go, as we were one of the first destinations to be put on to the UK’s green list. Sadly the good news was short lived, which led to widespread cancellations and a lot of headaches for those that still decided to travel, but had to decipher the various government announcements from both countries in order to understand what was actually required just to go on holiday. Thankfully, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, with the green and amber quarantine restrictions from the UK due to be lifted in the next travel review.
What will this mean for travellers?
Regardless of vaccination status, this would mean that those returning to the UK would no longer need to quarantine when landing from Portugal. Given the low case numbers in Portugal and high vaccine uptake, news is only set to get better for travel to the region. As of the 8th September 2021, Our World in Data reported that 78.8% of Portugal’s population have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
1) From October 1st, it is predicted that the traffic light system will be scrapped
It has been hard to keep up with the ever changing rules throughout this year. Portugal started with all things go, as we were one of the first destinations to be put on to the UK’s green list. Sadly the good news was short lived, which led to widespread cancellations and a lot of headaches for those that still decided to travel, but had to decipher the various government announcements from both countries in order to understand what was actually required just to go on holiday. Thankfully, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, with the green and amber quarantine restrictions from the UK due to be lifted in the next travel review.
What will this mean for travellers?
Regardless of vaccination status, this would mean that those returning to the UK would no longer need to quarantine when landing from Portugal. Given the low case numbers in Portugal and high vaccine uptake, news is only set to get better for travel to the region. As of the 8th September 2021, Our World in Data reports that 78.8% of Portugal’s population have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
2) Unvaccinated travellers no longer need to quarantine on arrival in Portugal
Complicated restrictions enforced on Portugal’s side also meant that some were left with no other choice than to cancel their trip when Portugal announced that anyone arriving from the UK without two doses of an approved vaccine, would need to isolate for 14 days. This is another rule that has since been abolished, and current entry guidelines mean that travellers simply need either of the following:
-
Negative PCR test (72 hour validity) or negative antigen test (48 hour validity) and completed passenger locator form.
OR
- EU vaccine passport and completed passenger locator form.
2) Unvaccinated travellers no longer need to quarantine on arrival in Portugal
Complicated restrictions enforced on Portugal’s side also meant that some were left with no other choice than to cancel their trip when Portugal announced that anyone arriving from the UK without two doses of an approved vaccine, would need to isolate for 14 days. This is another rule that has since been abolished, and current entry guidelines mean that travellers simply need either of the following:
- Negative PCR test (72 hour validity) or negative antigen test (48 hour validity) and completed passenger locator form
OR
- EU vaccine passport and completed passenger locator form
3) Great value flights and accommodation, paired with some real summer weather
With the peak prices of July and August behind us, now is a great time to snap up some great value deals in terms of both flights and accomodation. Weather in Portugal is generally sunny in the months of September and October, with typical highs of around 26°C, so you can also look forward to some sun soaked days at the beach when booking a holiday in this period. Whether you’re looking for a luxury beach front villa, or a countryside property set in the national park, accommodation can be found for as little as 20 euros per person, per night (based on 7 people sharing a 3 bed villa).
3) Great value flights and accommodation, paired with some real summer weather
With the peak prices of July and August behind us, now is a great time to snap up some great value deals in terms of both flights and accomodation. Weather in Portugal is generally sunny in the months of September and October, with typical highs of around 26°C, so you can also look forward to some sun soaked days at the beach when booking a holiday in this period. Whether you’re looking for a luxury beach front villa, or a countryside property set in the national park, accommodation can be found for as little as 20 euros per person, per night (based on 7 people sharing a 3 bed villa).
