Quick Guide to Flying with Covid Restrictions

Diamond's Guide to Flying with Covid Restrictions

As most of our clients are Expats from abroad, we are sharing this guide we put together for our own travel purposes as Real Estate experts (we are not health, travel border professionals). If, like us, you find it all a bit confusing, we hope you find this guide we've prepared in simplified terms helpful, based on what we would need to do to fly to and from Portugal to the UK (and return) during the Covid measures, as is our understanding of the current rules.

We have gathered information from official sources and included these resources as useful links at the bottom. At the time of writing this Blog the UK has placed Portugal on the Amber List, and Portugal has placed rules and restrictions on passengers arriving from the UK, detailed below. From 19 July 2021 Portugal is lifting the quarantine from UK travellers for those that are exempt.

If you wish to buy a property in Portugal we are operating as normal within Preventative Measures offering FREE virtual Live Neighbourhood Tours and Property Showings if you can't travel. Likewise if you are selling you don't need to travel, we regularly sell properties for overseas owners. Working with Expats is our speciality. You can contact us via this website, on WhatsApp, email, live chat or pop into our shop in Boliqueime village if you're in the Algarve, Portugal.

Here is our Quick 10 Step Checklist we prepared for our own travel purposes only, you must investigate and inform yourself with updated information (please check your local news or weblinks below for updates to keep yourself informed of any changes to Airline and Country status and requirements for your specific journey).

Quick 10 Step Checklist

Our Quick 10 Step Checklist when flying between Portugal and the UK during Amber status:-

1. Book a flight allowing sufficient time to pre-book a Covid test and get printed test results/receive the 2 Covid Vaccinations (more than 14 days before travel and 3-4 (or even 8) weeks apart from the 1st vaccine and the 2nd) and apply for an NHS Covid Pass or EU Covid Certificate. Before you book a flight check the Covid 19 rules and restrictions of your departing Country, arriving Country and Airline.
2. Book a pre-flight Covid test to be taken within 3 days before departure and check what type of Covid test your Airline/receiving Country require as there are different kinds. (Within 72 hours before you fly, a A RT-PCR Test (or similar NAAT test) or within 48 hours before you fly, a Rapid Antigen Test).The test proof must be in English, French or Spanish.
3. Print Boarding Pass and bring your Passport (and Visa if applicable) to show at Airport and when required
4. Print proof of your Negative Covid Test to show at Airport and when required. (Passengers arriving from the UK to Portugal should note that NHS PCR test results will not be accepted and should not be used.)
5. In advance pre-book 2 Covid Test Kits for post-flight arrival for day 2 and day 8 at your Country of entry before you complete the Passenger Locator Form as booking reference numbers for any COVID-19 tests you must take after arriving in the UK is required. (Print these off as you may be asked to show proof of purchase at Airport and as required) You may be able to organise an early release from the quarantine in the UK with a Day 5 Test.
6. Prior to departure complete an online Passenger Locator Form for your Country of entry and print it to show at the Airport and when required (https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk). You may receive a telephone call or personal visit to your front door to check that you are quarantining as required by the Track and Tracing Team. Failure to do so can result in a fine or more. These are the links to complete the forms for travelling into Portugal  https://travel.sef.pt/Forms/Form.aspx  and https://portugalcleanandsafe.pt/en/passenger-locator-card
7. We suggest you bring proof of residency in Portugal/UK (or Visa requirements) if you don't want any hold-ups (check what UK/Portugal border requirements are post-Brexit)
8. Present your EU COVID Digital Certificate if you have one (check what this means for you at your arriving Country) in Portugal upon presentation of this you don't need to quarantine within EU borders. The UK's equivalent is the NHS Covid Pass (you will need to find out how this works outside the UK). You must have received your vaccine more than 14 days before travelling.
9. Be prepared for a quarantine (10 days in UK or 14 days in Portugal) in the place you are staying/arriving Country. Passengers on flights arriving in Portugal whose origin is United Kingdom must comply with a mandatory 14 day isolation period, at residence or in a place designated by health authorities and complete the Portugal Government border control form to register your details  (https://travel.sef.pt/Forms/Default.aspx))
10. Take 2 Covid Tests in receiving Country on day 2 and day 8 and follow instructions for reporting/quarantining (or as per Country requirements). You will need to repeat steps 1-10 or as required by departing and arriving Country for your return flights. It is possible to request an early release Test on Day 5 which must be prepaid, prebooked and entered on the Passenger Locator Form in advance of departure.

 

What you have to pay for and what's free

• Passenger Locator Forms are Free on the links at the bottom of this guide
• Covid Tests for flying you have to pay for through private providers, prices range from 35 euros to 150 euros, check for prices and availability, get a papercopy of your result to bring to the Airport (links below or you can Google your own)
• Covid Tests for day 2, day 5 and day 8 you have to pay for and pre-order before flying for quarantining (not to be used for flying). For example, this is how much Loule private hospital charge PCT Testing 100 euros, Rapid Antigen Test 45 euros.
• For the Portugal mandatory 14 day isolation period (unless your exempt) you have to pay for the place designated by health authorities (if not your residence)
• Covid Tests if you have genuine symptoms are free at public hospitals
• Vaccines are Free provided by the Government
• EU Covid Digital Certificates are Free issued by your Government or NHS Covid Pass for UK (see link at bottom)
• From an Amber Country you choose/pay for where you quarantine for the 10 (or 14) days (unless you are vaccinated more than 14 days before travelling and have the required proof).
• If you travel from a Country on the Red list to the UK you have to book and pay for the hotel quarantine package stipulated by the Country you're arriving in. You may be restricted which UK airports you may arrive in/fly to. How much you’ll need to pay at time of writing this blog is (please check current prices on links at the bottom) -

 

Rate
Rate for 1 adult in 1 room for 10 days (11 nights)	£1,750
Additional rate for 1 adult (or child over 11)	£650
Additional rate for a child aged 5 to 11	£325

  

Traffic Light System

We thought it might be helpful to share our understanding of how the Country restriction Traffic Light system works, but it's important you do your own research specific to your journey. The only difference between each Traffic Light Status is how long/whether you need to quarantine. Each receiving Country assigns a Red, Amber or Green rating to arriving passengers from different Countries based on their opinion on the risk from that Country they have departed and travelled through within the last 10 days. (Portugal uses different terms/rules).

Day 2 Test

Whether you are arriving from a Red, Amber or Green status Country, if you receive a positive result from your day 2 test, you must continue your quarantine period restarting the 10 days beginning the day after the test was taken. If you’re in quarantine with people you’ve travelled with, they will also need to quarantine for 10 further days beginning the day after the test. If you receive a positive result from your day 2 test, you will not be required to take any further tests because you have been confirmed with infection and will isolate through the period when you may be infectious to others.

Day 5 Test

You may be able to end UK quarantine early through the ‘Test to Release’ scheme if you pay for a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test.

You must still take 2 COVID-19 tests when you arrive in England:

• on or before day 2 (the day you arrive is day 0)
• on or after day 8

You must take your day 8 test even if you had a negative test result through Test to Release, unless you’re exempt. Find out more about the tests you must book before you travel.’

https://www.dam-health.com/day-5-test-to-release/

Day 8 test

If you are required to take a COVID-19 test on or after day 8 (not applicable if you received a positive result from your day 2 test) and you receive a positive test result from your day 8 test, you will be required to continue your quarantine period restarting the 10-day count beginning the day after the test.

If you have quarantined for 10 full days and received a negative result to both your day 2 and day 8 tests and are well, you may leave the managed quarantine site. Your day of arrival in England counts as day 0 of your quarantine period.

Red Status

You must quarantine in a UK hotel and take 2 COVID-19 tests. Travelling from a Country under Red status to the UK means you have to book and pay for a quarantine hotel package chosen by the Government and remain in your room throughout your 10 day quarantine (days depends on the quarantine rules of the Country you arrive in, in Portugal it's 14 days) taking meals in your room. You will need the invoice number for your pre-booked quarantine hotel package, if you need one, to add to your Passenger Locator Form. Once you depart the airplane, follow signs and instructions at the arriving Airport for the Managed Quarantine Service.

Amber Status

You must quarantine in the place you’re staying and take 2 COVID-19 tests. If travelling from a Country under Amber status to the UK you will be required to travel straight to the place you are staying and remain there in quarantine for your 10 day quarantine (days depends on the quarantine rules of the Country you arrive in, in Portugal it's 14 days). You must pre-book a Covid Test on Day 2 and Day 8, and continue to self-isolate in quarantine for the full 10/14 days. If your test is Positive for Covid you must follow the instructions of the Country you are in. For quarantining from an Amber Country to the UK you self isolate in one place of your choice at your expense (whether family, friends or hotel).

Portugal has (as we write this blog) stipulated that if you arrive from the UK you have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, if you cannot produce evidence of a Covid Vaccine/EU COVID Digital Certificate (vaccine must be over 14 days before travelling).

The Rules of each Country can change in relation to other Countries you are visiting or returning from. Changes are frequent depending on the statistics of Covid, always check online for Government guidelines relating to the Country you are leaving from and arriving at, links below.

Green Status

Before you travel to England you must: take a COVID-19 test, book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test – to be taken after arrival in England and complete a Passenger Locator Form. You do not need to quarantine (see exception below) but you must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 after you arrive. Children aged 4 and under do not need to take this test.

You do not need to quarantine unless the test result is positive. You must quarantine if NHS Test & Trace informs you that you travelled to England with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

 

Covid Symptoms

Here are some of the Covid 19 symptoms to be self aware of -

Rashes on Skin  Muscle Aches  Nausea  New Continuous Cough

Sneezing  Sore Throat  Headache  Loss of Appetite              

Feeling Tired   Diarrhea   Runny Nose  High Temperature

Feeling Confused  Lack of Smell/Taste  Red Irritated Eyes  Shortness of Breath

Telephone Numbers 

For health advice if you think you experience symptoms - 

In Portugal - you should contact the Portuguese National Health Service via telephone number Tel 00 351 808 24 24 24 (SNS24).  https://covid19.min-saude.pt/infoadrpcc/

In the UK - Call 111 if you cannot get help online (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/)

Preventative Measures

If you travel you must take precautionary measures to prevent the risk of virus transmission. These include:

• keeping your distance and observing social contact rules
• washing or sanitising your hands regularly
• wearing a face covering that covers your nose and mouth (this is required by law unless you’re exempt)
• planning ahead and avoiding the busiest routes, as well as busy times like the rush hour
• download the NHS COVID-19 app before you travel, if possible, and check in on the app where you see official NHS COVID-19 QR code posters along your route (such as if you stop to buy food) and if you have to take a break – otherwise minimise all stops on your journey

How to get a Covid Test for flying from/arriving in Portugal

https://www.ana.pt/en/fao/services-shopping/essential-services/health-services

https://hospitaldeloule.com/en/services/services/7/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImfXomezs8QIVLQIGAB0hwwg4EAAYASAAEgJJDfD_BwE

https://www.hospitaldeloule.com/en/news/drive-thru-covid-19-test-algarve/

https://synlabcovid.pt/covid-19.html

https://www.unilabs.pt/covid-19-testes-para-viagens

https://unilabs.com/

https://www.travelcheck-in.app/

https://www.germanodesousa.com/en/collection-points/?servico=covid-19#pesquisa

 

How to get a Covid Test for flying from/arriving/quarantining in UK

https://www.gov.uk/find-travel-test-provider

https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/ending-self-isolation-early-through-test-to-release

https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/regular-rapid-coronavirus-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/get-tested-for-coronavirus/

https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

https://www.boots.com/day-2-day-8-covid-19-testing

https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions

Where to find a Passenger Locator Form

For arriving in the UK

https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

https://provide-journey-contact-details.homeoffice.gov.uk/passengerLocatorFormUserAccountHolderQuestion

For arriving in Portugal

https://portugalcleanandsafe.pt/en/passenger-locator-card

https://travel.sef.pt/Forms/Default.aspx

Where to find updated information

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/quarantine-free-travel-to-resume-on-19-july-for-fully-vaccinated-passengers-returning-from-amber-list-countries

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/priorities/eu-response-to-coronavirus/20210520STO04404/travel-safely-with-the-eu-digital-covid-certificate

https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_pt

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-status#nhs-covid-pass-what-it-is

https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england

https://www.gov.uk/find-travel-test-provider

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/booking-and-staying-in-a-quarantine-hotel-when-you-arrive-in-england

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/main-symptoms/

https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions

https://www.aeroportofaro.pt/en/fao/passenger-guide/what-you-need-to-know/covid-19

https://travel.sef.pt/Forms/Default.aspx

https://travel.sef.pt/Forms/Form.aspx

https://covid.joinzoe.com/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england

https://www.ryanair.com/ie/en/plan-trip/travel-documentation

It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of all mandatory Covid-19 travel requirements,including test requirements, and rules before you travel. Travel restrictions update regularly, so we recommend that you also check with the relevant Government authorities before you fly.

Thank you very much for visiting our website today, if you found this helpful please feel free to share with family and friends. Please let us know if it helped you or if we left anything out.

Last updated 8th July 2021

                                                    www.DiamondPropertiesAlgarve.com

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