Madeira Islands to reopen to tourists in July and gov’t will pay for your COVID test

Starting 1 July, Madeira and Porto Santo will be fully open to international travellers. To ensure security for both tourists and residents, all people travelling to the islands will have to either present a negative test done within 72 hours prior to departure or be tested upon arrival, without any costs – COVID-19 tests on arrival will be paid for by the Madeira Government.

Madeira Islands are focused on positioning itself as a COVID-safe destination and are working with SGS, the world leader in certification, to ensure good practice across the destination to minimise risk in the wake of Covid-19. The certification process is available to all companies in the tourism sector.

Furthermore, Madeira was a pioneer in the whole of Portugal in developing a good practices document to deal with COVID-19. These measures will provide comfort to those who travel and it is ultimately for the wellbeing of all.

These three initiatives, to cover testing costs, partner with SGS in certification and develop a good practices document, underpin the destination’s determination to ensure a safe tourism location for all visitors.

The Portuguese outpost of Madeira has had very few cases of Covid-19 and acted quickly to control the virus on the archipelago (Portugal has been widely praised for its rapid response). At present, Madeira has registered ninety (90) positive cases of COVID-19, sixty-seven (67) recovered cases and no deaths.

Madeira is an island in the Atlantic, with relatively low visitor and transit numbers, makes Madeira an exceptionally safe holiday option.

A short-haul destination with a long-haul feels due to a sub-tropical climate and year-round warmth (3.5-hour direct flight from the UK). Even when the summer holiday season is over, the sun continues to shine in Madeira.

Madeira is sparsely populated outside the capital, with some of the continent’s most striking landscapes and lush landscape, classified as UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in December 1999.

A gentle, safe, and relaxing destination, with excellent healthcare facilities. Madeira has been popular for centuries with UK travellers, who have visited these average climes to optimise health and wellbeing. Referred to as the most enviable island on earth – ‘it ensures every European comfort with almost every tropical luxury’.

Recently referred to as Europe’s adventure capital with numerous world-class outdoor pursuits, from canyoning to trail running – perfect for those who have increased their fitness levels during the lockdown.

Porto Santo, the stunning beach island off Madeira, only two and half hour away by ferry, was the first beach in Europe to officially reopen after Covid-19 and has the added benefit of therapeutic sands – with scientifically proven properties to ease all manner of ailments. There are currently no restrictions to travel between the two islands.