Portugal offers tempting winter sun with direct flights from Newcastle, making it a popular destination with tourists, including half-term holidaymakers set to jet off this month.
There are year-round flights from Newcastle International Airport to Faro, in the Algarve region of mainland Portugal, and Funchal, a city in the Portuguese-owned island of Madeira, which is off the coast of northwest Africa.
There are slightly different rules for tourists heading to the mainland or Madeira, including a lower age limit in Madeira's mask requirement compared to continental Portugal.
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In both cases, tourists from the UK do not need to be fully vaccinated or have proof of recovery from Covid to enter, but a vaccine or recovery pass will certainly make your holiday easier.
So if you're heading off to Portugal - lucky you - but make yourself aware of what you need to do.
Covid vaccine entry rules for Portugal, includes Algarve, Lisbon, Porto
Faro, in the Algarve, is the main gateway to Portugal's tourism region. There are direct flights throughout the year from Newcastle, via Ryanair, and Jet2 flights between February and October.
The Algarve is part of Portugal's mainland - along with other popular destinations like Lisbon and Porto.
There are different requirements depending on whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
Fully vaccinated tourists from the UK can enter Portugal without needing to take a Covid test. Those who have completed a one dose or two dose vaccine course at least 14 days before and no more than 270 days before arrival are considered fully vaccinated. If it has been more than 270 days since your last shot, you will need a booster to qualify as fully vaccinated.
You can also enter Portugal without needing to take a Covid test if you have caught and recovered from coronavirus in the past year. You will need a Covid recovery certificate to prove that. UK tourists can use their NHS Covid Pass.
Children aged 11 and under do not need to be fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 to enter Portugal without taking a test.
If you are not vaccinated and are 12 or over , you can enter Portugal with proof of a negative PCR test or lateral flow test taken no more than 72 hours before entry. Tourists can not use the self-testing kits. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's page on travel to Portugal states: "Make sure your test is carried out by a trained healthcare professional. Self-administered tests are not acceptable."
But, your holiday may be quite difficult to enjoy if you have not got a Covid pass through vaccination or recovery, as many venues - including hotels - require them.
All travellers to Portugal's mainland must fill out a Passenger Locator Form.
Where and when do I need a Covid pass in Portugal's mainland, including the Algarve?
Portugal requires anyone aged 12 and over to use a Covid pass - which proves either vaccination, recovery or testing status - to enter hotels, accommodation, restaurants, casinos, gyms and events with reserved seating. Those who are not fully vaccinated or have not got proof of recovery can pay for and take a Covid-19 test to get the pass.
The NHS Covid Pass can be used, in either app or paper form, as an equivalent to the EU pass in Portugal.
Those entering bars and nightclubs, large events, sporting events and events without reserved seating must show a Covid pass AND a certified negative test result, UNLESS they have had a booster jab at least 14 days ago, in which case they do not to produce a negative test and can enter with just their Covid pass.
Mask and social distancing Covid rules in Portugal (mainland)
There are still social distancing and mask measures in force in Portugal, including a ban on drinking alcohol outside in public.
Masks must be worn by everyone aged 10 and over in enclosed spaces in mainland Portugal.
The FCO says: "You must wear a face mask in enclosed spaces. You should wear your face covering when you enter the building and keep it on until you leave. In cafes and restaurants, keep your mask on until you are seated. In mainland Portugal and in the autonomous region of the Azores, you are also advised to wear a face mask outdoors where it is not possible to maintain a 1.5 m social distance from other members of the public."
Mask exemptions in Portugal are different to the UK. If you are exempt, you will need a letter from your doctor declaring that you can not wear one.
The social distancing distance is 1.5 metres.
Covid vaccination entry rules for Madeira
Unlike the mainland, there is no testing or vaccination requirement for entering Madeira via air from Newcastle, but tourists are advised to register with Madeira Safe and complete its survey.
All passengers flying to Madeira should fill out a passenger locator form here
However, there is a Covid pass system in place requiring people to be vaccinated, recovered, or tested for Covid-19 to enter venues like restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, sports facilities and cultural venues.
Where will I need a Covid pass in Madeira?
Visitors to Madeira will need to show a Covid pass to access "restaurants, bars and similar establishments, nightclubs, gyms, sports as well as cultural, social, recreational and similar activities," says Visit Madeira.
To get a pass, visitors must show they are fully vaccinated, have recovered from Covid-19 or can produce a negative Covid test. The tests - which must be paid for, you can't use the self-service lateral flow kits - are valid for a week.
Where will I need a Covid Pass in Madeira?
Visitors to Madeira will need to show a Covid pass to access "restaurants, bars and similar establishments, nightclubs, gyms, sports as well as cultural, social, recreational and similar activities," says Visit Madeira.
To get a pass, visitors must show they are fully vaccinated, have recovered from Covid-19 or can produce a negative Covid test that they paid for. The tests are valid for a week.
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