Madeira is a popular destination thanks to a warm climate and relaxing atmosphere
The island is owned by Portugal, but has slightly different rules to the mainland due to its autonomous government.
That means it is able to set different coronavirus laws for tourists, which, since February, has allowed Madeira to welcome holidaymakers who are not fully vaccinated without the need to present a coronavirus test. That's a contrast to Portugal's mainland, which requires arrivals to either be fully vaccinated or show a negative covid test.
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Be warned though, if you do go to Madeira, you won't be able to do much while you're there unless you can present a vaccination or negative test certificate. The island, which has an airport serving its capital city, Funchal, has a Covid pass system in place for visiting restaurants, bars, nightclubs and cultural events.
There are weekly Jet2 flights throughout the year from Newcastle International Airport to Funchal. Edinburgh and Manchester Airports also offer direct links.
Madeira Covid travel requirements from the UK
Essentially, there are no coronavirus restrictions on passengers heading to Madeira. There is no requirement to be vaccinated or present a negative Covid-19 test when arriving at Funchal Airport, or through any of the island's ports.
"There are no restrictions on the entry of travellers at the airports, ports and marinas of the Autonomous Region of Madeira," says the Madeira islands' official site.
Tourists are advised, but not required, to fill in a passenger locator form when entering Madeira
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)'s page on Madeira states: "It is recommended that you complete a passenger locator form before you travel to Madeira and Porto Santo. If you’re travelling with children aged 11 and under, include their details in your form. There are no other requirements for entry to Madeira and Porto Santo."
Madeira Covid restrictions
While you can get into Madeira unvaccinated and without a negative covid test, the rules for socialising and travelling around the island require visitors aged over five years and older to use a Covid pass to enter restaurants, bars, cafes and other venues.
The FCO says: "Measures in place include the requirement to show you are fully or partially vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 on entry to retirement and nursing homes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, cultural, social, sporting and recreational events.
"If you are unvaccinated, you will have to show a negative antigen test, which must be renewed weekly."
So if you are unvaccinated - or taking young children aged over five anywhere - then pay for a lateral flow test that can be used for travel purposes. A negative result is good for a week.
British tourists can use their NHS Covid pass to prove their vaccination, recovery or testing status.
Head here for a list of test providers in Madeira.
Usual exemptions apply, but anyone who is exempt must be prepared to prove it. A letter from your doctor will help.
Masks in Madeira
In Madeira, masks must be worn inside and enclosed areas by everyone over six, unless they are exempt. Face coverings are also required outdoors where social distancing is not possible.
