Portugal scraps Covid tests for vaccinated Brits from TODAY

PORTUGAL has scrapped pre-arrival Covid tests for Brits, in a welcome move ahead of the half term holidays.

Previously, anyone travelling to Portugal from the UK needed to have a Covid test before entering the country even if they were fully vaccinated.

The rules were introduced back in November, with a PCR taken no more than 72 hours before travelling, or an antigen taken no more than 48 hours before travelling.

However, from today, fully vaccinated Brits will no longer need to have any Covid tests to enter.

The Portuguese government said in a statement that: "those who present the EU COVID Digital Certificate in any of its modalities or other proof of vaccination that has been recognised," will no longer need them.

This applies to anyone aged 12 and over, meaning teenagers also need to have both jabs to be able to skip the tests.

Anyone who isn't fully vaccinated will still need to have negative Covid tests to enter the country.

The move, approved in a cabinet meeting, is aligned with European Union rules.

It is great news for Brits wanting to go on holiday during the half term holidays, saving them money as well as any extra stress from the added restrictions.

In early January, Portugal eased some COVID curbs allowing students to return to schools and nightclubs to reopen but face masks must still be worn in closed spaces and on public transport.

The new rules come as Spain tightens their entry restrictions, with anyone over the age of 12 having to be fully vaccinated to enter the country.

Proof of recoveries are not accepted, and anyone who had their second jab more than nine months ago must have had their booster jab.

France has followed suit, with all arrivals having to have their second jab nine months ago or had their booster.