Irish tourists who want to squeeze a couple more weeks of sun in before the end of the year have been given a major boost as Portugal is set to lift the majority of their remaining Covid-19 restrictions from Friday.
After struggling with the outbreak of the virus and then having a torrid time with the Delta variant, the Iberian nation has recovered in style, mainly thanks to a strong vaccination programme.
This allowed Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, to give the greenlight for a near-full reopening when addressing the country on Thursday.
Hours before the announcement, Portugal passed a mark of 85% of their adult population being fully vaccinated.
This easing of restrictions will allow full occupancy in restaurants and cultural venues in Portugal from October 1.
There will be no more limits on when bars and restaurants can open, and people will no longer have to stay in set groups of a certain number to enjoy the hospitality sector.
Bars and nightclubs will reopen, but entrance will be subject to presentation of a valid EU Digital Covid Certificate.
However, the cert will not be required to enter restaurants, tourist establishments, local accommodation, gyms with group classes, casinos, spas, and hot springs.
Weddings, christenings, cultural events and festivals will no longer see capped audiences.
However, there are still a couple of rules being kept in place.
Firstly, the EU Digital Covid cert will be required for anyone who wants to travel to Portugal.
Furthermore, masks and face coverings will continue to be mandatory on public transport, in large commercial areas, in nursing homes, hospitals, and at events when a two-metre distance between attendees cannot be maintained.
