Villas Portugal

15/04/2026

The following is from the U.K. government regarding the changes at the border. The impact this April has been that queues have formed at the passport checks of one or more hours. No doubt this will get quicker as the process becomes more streamlined.

“The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.

On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.

EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.

EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.”

09/09/2024

There are new Schengen entry requirements planned for November 2024 onwards.
There will be a new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) which will start for all non-EU nationals, including British 🇬🇧nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area. The Schengen area is made up of 29 European countries (25 EU 🇪🇺member states) and Portugal 🇵🇹is one of them.

The EES is a digital border system which registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen area instead of stamping their passports. 🛂 The border officials will be spared potential RSI.

The new border system involves having your fingerprints 🐾and your photo 📸taken when entering the Schengen area ie on arrival in Portugal 🇵🇹. On exit, you will also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo.

There may be longer queues at borders 🛂when the new system starts.

10/06/2023

What we’ve already known. Portugal is the best European destination for holidays.

25/05/2021

For those travelling, this is the latest information regarding obtaining covid tests.

Where to get a Covid 19 test in Algarve. How much does a private Covid test cost. List of laboratories doing Covid 19 tests in Algarve. How to book a Covid test if you need to travel.

17/05/2021

As of today, If you want to fly to Portugal you will need to have with you:

A certificate proving you have tested negative within 72 hours of flying;
Proof you have booked a virtual appointment to take a test in Portugal;
A copy of your passenger locator form;
Proof you have booked a day-two test when you return;
An antigen test to use three days before you come back;
And, of course, your passport (which must be valid for at least another six months as a result of Brexit).

The Telegraph's Gordon Rayner joined the lucky few leaving behind rainy London for lovely Lisbon as Covid travel restrictions eased

07/05/2021

At last! Finally within the last hour holidays are on the cards. Portugal is on the UK green list and Portimao has been promoted to phase 4 of the PO roadmap.
Phew. Time to chill in the hammock and/or on the lounger beside the pool and HAVE A HOLIDAY.

02/12/2020

Vindication, particularly over this last year, where we've had clients and guests almost in tears with relief that we are here at the end of the phone and/or email and can be flexible to accommodate all sorts of changes as the crisis developed.

At the end of the day, holidays are supposed to be stress free.

Holidaymakers can often get better deals booking directly with travel providers rather than using booking sites, according to Which? The consumer site found customers had encountered a slew of problems while using booking sites, including struggling to secure cancellations and refunds or encounterin...

17/07/2020

Because they’re happy....

06/07/2020

During lockdown, we've been very self sufficient courtesy of Henrietta and Claudia. Come and meet them on your next holiday.

19/05/2020

Happy days to come now that the beaches, bars and restaurants are starting to reopen in the Algarve and yes the sun is still shining. With very low casualties in Portugal compared to other southern Mediterranean countries and our meticulous preparation of your villa, a holiday with us looks like the best option. Message or email us without delay to ensure your optimum holiday dates.