When the new travel rules were announced, in a dispatch published Sunday night, Portugal had decided to now include the UK had been included in the list of countries whose citizens would be subject to 14-day isolation upon entry into mainland Portugal. The order also imposes on passengers from South Africa, Brazil, India and Nepal a period of prophylactic isolation of 14 days, at home or in a place indicated by the health authorities.

Mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Portugal from the countries on the list would not be required however for those who "have proof of a complete vaccination", for at least 14 days, with a vaccine against covid-19 authorised in the European Union. Tourists and emigrants surprised by the decision sought clarification from airlines and consular posts through social networks as children under the age of 12 were exempt from the rule but those between the ages of 13 and 18 appeared to need to have a full vaccination, which is impossible as under 18s in the UK are currently not being vaccinated.

Today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed to Lusa agency that "underage passengers arriving in Portugal on flights originating in the UK are exempt from the mandatory isolation if accompanied by adults with a UK vaccination certificate". The Ministry refers to Decree-Law 54-A/2021, enacted on Thursday, which regulates the Covid Digital Certificate of the European Union.

This diploma, in addition to admitting certificates issued by third countries such as the United Kingdom, stipulates that minors arriving from the United Kingdom are exempt from isolation if a parent or other responsible caregiver presents a valid vaccination certificate.

However, only children up to 12 years of age are exempt from submitting a test to screen for SARS-CoV-2 infection before boarding, either PCR or antigen rapid, with a negative result, so children between 12 and 18 years old still have to present this document. The exceptions to isolation are those related to passengers traveling on essential journeys and whose period of stay in Portuguese territory, attested by a return ticket, does not exceed 48 hours.

Participants in 23 international professional sports competitions to be held in Portugal between 28 June and 11 July are also exempt from the 14-day isolation period.

This resolution is valid until at least 23:59 on 11 July.