Portugal to ‘scrap ALL Covid restrictions’ by Easter, says government minister
PORTUGAL is expected to scrap all of its Covid rules ahead of the summer holidays, in a boost to Brits planning a trip to the country.
The country has already lifted some restrictions, with vaccinated Brits no longer having to take a Covid test to enter Portugal.
However, Portuguese authorities have today announced it is unlikely any internal Covid restrictions will be in place by Easter.
Currently, there are limits on how many people can be in shops at one time and everyone needs a vaccine pass or negative test to enter hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Yet Minister of State Mariana Vieira da Silva said she thought all restrictions could be lifted in around five weeks if the number of people dying from Covid continues its downward trend.
It means Brit families travelling to Algarve resorts this Easter are set to find a country similar to that of the pre-Covid era.
Mrs Vieira da Silva said the relaxation of many of the Covid measures which had been in place is a “very important moment and a further step towards the return of normality".
Face masks will continue to be mandatory in indoor public spaces and at outdoor events like concerts and football matches.
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Even if Portugal abolishes all its internal Covid restrictions before Easter, some level of entry requirements for overseas arrivals are expected to remain in place
Portugal is one of the growing list of European countries that has put an expiration date on vaccines.
The destination will only class Brits as vaccinated if they can prove they were fully vaccinated against Covid within the last 270 days.
All adults who received their second dose more than nine months ago, which is before mid-May, 2021, must have had a booster jab to be classed as fully vaccinated.
The booster must have been given more than 14 days before travelling.
The announcement follows in the footsteps of neighbouring country Spain's relaxation of Covid rules - which came just in time for half term.
On Monday, Spain scrapped the requirement for kids to be fully vaccinated to enter, which was a huge boost for families with holiday plans.
Additionally, Spain also ditched its outdoor face mask requirement meaning Brits no longer need to wear masks on beaches.
We've rounded up the 41 countries Brits can travel to without needing a single Covid test.
