Portugal holiday warning as Covid rules could be brought BACK this year

BRITS heading to Portugal could soon have to follow more Covid measures as cases continue to soar.

Only a month ago, the country scrapped its Covid rules, meaning holidaymakers no longer need to show proof of vaccines or negative tests to enter.

Previously, tourists needed to have proof of either one in order to gain access.

On July 1, the country announced that: “Passengers entering national territory are no longer required to present proof of carrying out a test to screen for SARS-CoV-2 infection with a negative result or to present a COVID-EU digital certificate or vaccination or recovery certificate issued by third countries, accepted or recognised in Portugal.”

While that is still the case, the government has warned that should cases rise to worrying levels in the autumn, they may reintroduce some measures.

Minister of state for the presidency, Mariana Vieira da Silva, said: “A resolution was approved that extends the state of the alert throughout the mainland due to the Covid-19 pandemic until August 31, 23.59 hours.

“When autumn comes, we might have a worsening of the pandemic that may make it necessary to take additional measures.”

There are still some minor mask rules in place in Portugal, with everyone over the age of ten required to wear a face covering on public transport and in certain indoor locations.

They include both medical centres and nursing homes, where there are more elderly and vulnerable people.

The country is also in a state of alert due to forest fires that have resulted from the heatwave.

The UK government is advising Brits to learn about local emergency procedures in case of fire before travelling.

The Foreign Office travel advice states: “Mainland Portugal is currently in a state of alert due to a heightened risk of forest fires. You should familiarise yourselves with local emergency procedures and restrictions in place.”

Here is what you need to do if you catch Covid while in Portugal, as well as other popular holiday destinations.

Meanwhile, hotels in Portugal and Spain are currently suffering from staff shortages.