Madeira will be moved to the green watchlist from 30th June 2021 and is welcoming all UK travellers without quarantine, whether vaccinated or not, in line with government regulations to ensure the safety of all.
Although an autonomous region of Portugal, quarantine for UK arrivals does not apply to Madeira, which is 1077km from the mainland. These rules apply to all nationalities.
The Covid-19 situation in Madeira is under excellent control. There are no cases of the Delta variant currently. In the past month here has been a 73% decrease in active cases and there are only 61 active cases – there are 18 new cases per 100K inhabitants in the last seven days as of 27th June, which remains one of the lowest rates in Europe. Furthermore, more than one third of the population has been fully vaccinated and the tourism sector is soon going to complete its vaccination programme. In Porto Santo, Madeira’s sister island, 70% of the population older than 16 are fully vaccinated, which means that the island has reached group immunisation.
Only a 3.5 hour flight from the UK, Madeira has direct flights from 13 different airports in the UK, served by Jet2, Easyjet and BA. 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 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.
