UK Issues Travel Warning for British Citizens Visiting Portugal

According to the authorities, non-compliance with restrictions could lead to prosecution for British citizens, who represent one of the main tourism sources for tourism in Portugal, AtoZSerwisPlus.pt reports.

“Mainland Portugal is in a state of contingency until midnight on July 15 due to exceptionally high temperatures and a heightened risk of forest fires,” the warning from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office reads.

The current measures in Portugal include the ban on walking through or remaining in woodland areas, such as forest, woodland, and rural trails, in addition to burning gardens or other agricultural remains and clearing agricultural land by burning.

Moreover, using garden and farm machinery in the woodland areas and nearby is forbidden, as well as lighting fireworks.

Such forest fires can happen anywhere in Portugal during the summer months, which are characterised by dry and hot weather. In recent years, more fires have occurred due to drought and high temperatures, which the Portuguese authorities intend to avoid by potentially evacuating areas and closing roads for safety reasons.

As per COVID-19 restrictions, Portugal has lifted all of those for travellers, regardless of their country of origin, since July 1, right in time for the summer season. In addition, those without a vaccination, test, or recovery certificate are also able to visit Portugal on these dates.

“As of July 1, 2022, 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,” the official website for COVID-19 rules and measures, Visit Portugal reads.

This proves that Portugal is further working to make travelling there more enjoyable for its travellers. Just recently, the Portuguese government announced that driving licences from the Member States were now recognised in the country, as well as in several third countries.

For example, travellers from countries included in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) as well as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will be able to drive across Portugal during their stay freely, provided their driving licence is valid.