Portugal is planning an 'air bridge' with the UK - here's what that means, and when it could be open

Wednesday, 3rd June 2020, 11:29 am
Updated Wednesday, 3rd June 2020, 11:44 am

The country of Portugal has announced it is considering allowing UK visitors to its shores this summer, with a so-called 'air bridge' linking the two nations.

Portuguese foreign minister Augusto Santos Silva described travel quarantines as "an enemy of tourism".

Here's everything you need to know:

When might I be able to travel to Portugal?

Foreign minister Augusto Santos Silva announced that he hoped an agreement between the two countries would be in place by the end of June.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel is due to tell MPs later that plans for a mandatory 14-day quarantine for arrivals - due to begin on 8 June - is necessary "to prevent a second wave of the virus".

That would mean the earliest the any 'air bridge' could be in operation by is 22 June.

So, business as usual?

Not quite.

Even if the planned 'air bridge' does go ahead, there will still be social distancing measures in place when you land in Portugal.

Mr Santos Silva said "rules" would be in place to ensure people can holiday safely, and suggested that nightlife in Portuguese resorts this summer would be limited, with gatherings of people not allowed at night.

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Tourists would be warned how full beaches are, so they could avoid crowded spots.

Hotels and apartments would also have to comply with standards set by the tourism board before they are labelled as "clean and safe".

Temperature checks will be in place at airports, and "random testing" on passengers is being considered.

What is an air bridge?

An ‘air bridge’ is simply a route between two countries where the outbreak of coronavirus is under control.

Such routes would allow tourists to travel freely between a number of approved countries, and avoid having to go into mandatory quarantine on either end.

Air bridges could potentially allow visitors from certain countries to circumvent the UK's mandatory self-isolating plans, which come into force from 8 June.

Passengers will have to provide their contact and travel information so they can be traced if infections arise, and could face random checks from public health authorities to ensure their compliance during the 14-day period.

But if proposals for so-called air bridges are approved, the UK government could make agreements to allow travel without quarantine with countries who have low rates of infection.

What about Spain?

The news comes as neighbouring country Spain announced visitors will also no longer have to undergo a two-week quarantine from 1 July - unless they're coming from the UK.


What is the UK's current international travel advice?





