Quarantine: Portugal mainland now no-go, but islands escape
Arrivals from Hungary, French Polynesia and the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion must also self-isolate for two weeks
Tens of thousands of British holidaymakers in Portugal face 14 days of self-isolation unless they can reach the UK by 4am on Saturday morning.
In the now-traditional Thursday change to the quarantine rules, mainland Portugal – but not the islands of Madeira and the Azores – has been placed on the no-go list.
It is joined by Hungary, French Polynesia and the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
But Sweden has gained quarantine exemption.
The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, tweeted: “Data shows we need to remove Portugal (minus the Azores and Madeira), Hungary, French Polynesia and Reunion from the Travel Corridor list to keep everyone safe.
"If you arrive in England from these destinations after 4am Saturday, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
“All travellers returning to the UK must complete a Passenger Locator Form by law. This is vital in protecting public health & ensuring those who need to are complying with self-isolation rules.
"It is a criminal offence not to complete the form and spot checks will be taking place."
Portugal has seen a surge in coronavirus infection numbers in the Lisbon and Porto regions since the British quarantine requirement was lifted on 22 August.
Wales already imposes self-isolation on mainland Portugal, while Scotland also includes the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores in its quarantine rule, introduced a week ago.
Portugal joins the key Mediterranean destinations of Spain, France and Croatia on the no-go list, and reduces still further the options for holidaymakers – and the travel industry.
A spokesperson for Abta, the travel association, said: "Every country, mainland or island that is taken off the government’s travel lists lessens the ability of travel businesses to operate.
“There are travel agents and tour operators based in every region of the UK that are viable businesses, which are unable to trade because of the measures to control the pandemic, and tens of thousands of livelihoods are at risk until we are able to move beyond widespread travel restrictions."
Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: “The weekly review system is not helping to revive confidence in travel. I urge the government to adopt a traffic lights system, along with testing, so that consumers are more clearly informed about countries at risk.
"This would reassure and enable people to book trips with more certainty.”
Even before the announcement, the cheapest seat on any of British Airways’ five departures on Friday from Faro to London was €416 (£371). Three of the flights quickly sold out.
BA laid on an extra departure on Friday morning, with a lead-in fare of €428 (£382).