The restriction, which has come into effect today (21 December), was enacted following the epidemiological evolution in the United Kingdom, where a more contagious variant of the new coronavirus has been identified.

Upon arrival in Portugal, passengers who meet the entry requirements, must also submit a negative Covid-19 test.

According to communiqués released by MAI and the Ministry of Health, if those arriving do not have proof of a negative test, citizens will be “referred by the competent authorities” to “carry out the test within the airport, through qualified health professionals for that purpose ”, while remaining in isolation.

In Portugal the circulation of the new variant of the virus as found in the UK, has not been confirmed, according to data obtained by the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, who “already included analysis of samples from the month of November and the second wave”.

The measure to restrict the entry of passengers from the United Kingdom "will be updated in line with the evolution of the situation", the communications from the ministries said.