Madeira Islands that wanted to stay on the UK Government’s green list, now selected to be added to the UK’s Green List, as announced today, with leisure travel permitted again from 30th June 2021.
The Covid-19 situation in Madeira is under excellent control. In the past month, there has been a 73% decrease in active cases and there are only 72 active cases (20 new cases per 100K inhabitants in the last seven days, versus 97.5 cases per 100K in the UK as of 23rd June), which remains one of the lowest rates in Europe. Porto Santo, Madeira’s sister island, does not have any active cases at the moment. There are no registered cases of the Delta variant in the destination. Furthermore, more than one-third of the population has been fully vaccinated.
Only a 3.5-hour direct flight from the UK, Madeira is served by a number of airlines. There are numerous policies in place to make travel as straight forward for visitors as possible, whilst focusing on the safety for all, this subtropical and lush Atlantic island with some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery and year-round warmth, is bound to be a top destination for the rest of 2021 and beyond.
Madeira was referred to as the most enviable island on earth by author H.N. Coleridge in the 19th Century – ‘it ensures every European comfort with almost every tropical luxury’ – and with the destination winning numerous awards, such as Europe’s Leading Island Destination (World Travel Awards) seven times, it is clear that this view continues to this day.
Covid-19 Protocols
The green corridor already existed at Madeira airport for those who arrive with a negative PCR test done within 72 hours. Alternatively, visitors can take a free test at the airport on arrival. One free PCR test per visitor is offered, to be taken on arrival or departure, with results in 6 to 12 hours. There are also discounts on offer for any further tests required, with PCR tests from €90 and antigen tests from €18.
Now Madeira is also receiving tourists vaccinated (EMA approved brands) and recovered from Covid-19 (with proof up to 180 days of validity) who want to enjoy the region, with testing for these cohorts no longer required.
Curfew hours in Madeira have now been reduced and are from 1am until 5am. Restaurants can be open for dinner until midnight.
Madeira has worked closely with SGS, the world’s leading certification company to ensure safe practice across the destination and minimise risk in regard to Covid-19. The certification process is available to all companies in the tourism sector.
Eduardo Jesus, Regional Secretary for Tourism and Culture said of the UK announcement: “The UK government’s decision is aligned with Madeira’s reality, we really deserve to be added to the green list. It’s the recognition for all the efforts made to become a safe destination. The Madeira Government is committed to keep up the level of security, whilst guarantee the best experience for those who visit us”.
