Portugal has revealed measures to help UK tourists visit the country in the case of a no deal Brexit. The plans include making Britons exempt from visas. There will also be dedicated passport control areas and queues for British tourists. Brits will be able to use the Portuguese National Health Service.
Ana Paula Almeida for Turismo de Portugal revealed the Portuguese government has prepared a plan to help UK travellers in the country in the case of a no deal Brexit.
She said: “Following the uncertainty and the threat of a no-deal Brexit, the Portuguese Government has prepared a contingency plan to avoid, as far as possible, disruption for British travellers to our country.”
She added: “Portugal will continue to welcome British tourists!”
The news will be warmly received by Britons who enjoy travelling the country, or have family there.
What is the full list of measures set to be put in place for British tourists?
The Portuguese Government contingency plan for no deal Brexit includes:
Visa exemption (trips up to 90 days)
Dedicated passport control areas/lanes for UK flights
Possibility of mutual recognition of driving licenses
Use of the Portuguese National Health Service
Validity of UK travel insurance policies
Provide simplified requirements for UK nationals´ pets
Similar passenger security taxes
Ana Paula added: “We take the opportunity to inform you that in addition to the measures mentioned above, Turismo de Portugal is planning a major marketing campaign in the UK to show the British public that they are welcome in Portugal.”
How could Brexit affect holidays?
The Government has stated nothing will change during the Brexit transition period which runs to December 2020.
In the no-deal scenario, the European Commission has advised that UK airlines will still continue to operate flights between the UK and EU.
Brexit has boosted bookings of holiday cottages in England and Wales.
Original Cottages revealed that their year on year data from January 2018 to 2019 shows that Long lead bookings, or early-bird bookings, are up by almost two thirds.
