Scots flying to Portugal, despite its amber status, will no longer have to take a PCR test to enter the holiday hotspot now that Portugal have eased its entry requirements.
However they will still be asked to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result but this can be a PCR test or an antigen test-which are cheaper.
PCR tests can set holidaymakers back £99 and they have to be taken 72 hours prior to travel while antigen test should be taken 24 hours before and results are shown in just 30 minutes.
Flyers traveling from Edinburgh Airport can book an antigen test, costing a cheaper £50 or a PCR test (PCR tests costs £99 per person for the general public, £80 per person for airline passengers).
Scots traveling abroad must not use NHS provided tests.
Although Portugal is on the UK's amber list and travel advice from the Scottish Government is not to travel abroad unless it's essential- the sunny hotspot has opened its borders to Brits who are still seeking sun.
The Foreign Office has changed its advice for Portugal now stating:"With the exception of children up to the age of 2, you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to or through Portugal, Chronicle reports.
The test can be:
- a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), including RT-PCR, taken within 72 hours of travel, or
- an Antigen test that meets the performance standards set out in the EU common list of Rapid Antigen Tests, taken within 24 hours of travel.
"You must show your test certificate before you board your flight to Portugal. Your airline is likely to deny boarding if you cannot show this at check-in. Check with your airline before you travel."
However, now that Portugal is on the amber list, Scots flying back will have take two private PCR test, one on the second day and one on the eighth and isolate for 10 days as soon as they are back on Scottish soil.
Regardless of the Government advice, some airlines have continued to run flights from Edinburgh to Porto, as the Foreign Office still does not advise against non-essential travel to Portugal.
This means that expectant holidaymakers will be unlikely to get their money back. However airlines such as Ryanair and Tui are offering flexible flights.
TUI has said it will continue to destinations "where borders are open and FCDO advice allows travel", which includes Portugal, but the company also allows amendments to be made to bookings without a fee.
Foreign travel restrictions are to be reviewed every three weeks.
Always check the Foreign Office's Portugal travel advice before planning, booking or going on a trip.
