Portugal will allow UK tourists into the country from May, the country’s Secretary of State for Tourism has said in the same week the European Union launched the so-called “Digital Green Certificate”.
We hope to welcome all British holidaymakers from May 17.
Rita Marques, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Tourism
Portugal’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques, told the BBC that British visitors would be welcome if they can provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test.
“Holidaymakers can present to Portuguese authorities a certification that testifies they are vaccinated or have immunisation to the virus of they have a negative Covid test. It will be very straightforward process.” she told the Today programme.
The president of the Portuguese National Tourism Board, LuĂs AraĂşjo, welcomed the country’s removal from the red list: “This decision represents a vote of confidence in this new phase the world is going through, in addition to encouraging visits to the destination to stimulate economic activity and comes as a recognition of the road travelled in regards to the effective control of the pandemic.
“It is important to signal that Portugal is committed to welcoming all in a safe and sustainable way. We are ready to give those who choose to visit us the same great experiences with added safety” AraĂşjo concluded.
Towards an international green pass?
Portugal’s announcement comes a day after Brussels unveiled its new EU digital green certificate that will allow EU citizens to travel freely within the union.
Citizens qualify for a ‘green pass’ if they can prove they have been vaccinated, have a history of Covid-19 infection, or can provide a negative test result.
Marques used an appearance on CNN to call for the scheme to be thrown open to all international travellers and not just those from EU countries.
