Trips to Portugal in chaos after ‘state of calamity’ extended and emergency Govt talks

Brits could reportedly be banned from travelling to Portugal until May 30 – throwing holiday plans into disarray.

The country was added to the Government’s travel green list last week, with the relaxations set to come into force on Monday, May 17.

As it stands, Brits are barred from entering EU countries except for essential reasons.

Portuguese officials believed this guidance would be lifted by May 16, but the European Commission is now set to discuss it next week, The Times reports.

Government officials held an emergency cabinet meeting but no progress was made on the border.

The country has also extended its “state of calamity”, the second-highest level of coronavirus alert.

It will remain in place until at least May 30, casting doubt over the Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea on May 29.

Portuguese cabinet office minister Mariana Vieira da Silva earlier said: “Work is going on and as soon as there is a decision it will be announced, but no decision was taken in this cabinet meeting.”

She said football fans would need to fly on charge play, arriving and leaving on the same day.

Travel firm TUI earlier warned that it may be forced to cancel flights to Portugal unless “borders are open”.

The company said in a statement: “We therefore await an update from Portuguese officials.

“Should both of the above not be in place on the 17th May we will cancel flights and offer customers a full refund, or let them change to another holiday for free.”

Before the Government’s decision to maintain the high Covid alert level, Easyjet had added an extra 25,000 seats for flights to Portugal.

Online travel firm On The Beach has already stopped selling holidays this summer due to the potential for ongoing Covid restrictions.

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Flight comparison website Skyscanner said that ticket sales had increased by 663%, with most reservations made for flights this month.

Department of Transport guidance warns that many green list countries will still place restrictions on UK travellers.

It advises passengers to check all entry and testing requirements and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office [FCDO] travel advice for Portugal before booking travel.