Quarantine for those unvaccinated travelling back to the UK.

Tobi Hughes·
Madeira News

I think I have understood this, as England brings in new rules for entering the country. Scotland, Wales and NI have not changed anything yet.

Please correct me on this as it seems a little confusing.

Travelling to Madeira nothing has changed. 

Vaccinated passengers need no test to travel to Madeira, or if you have had covid and recovered in the last 180 days.

Unvaccinated passengers will need a PCR Test to enter Madeira.

Travel back to the UK for all countries not on the red list.

Fully vaccinated people will not need to be tested before going back to the UK, this is from the 4th October, so no pre departure test is needed, and from the end of October (no date yet) you will only need a lateral flow test on day 2 instead of a PCR Test, making the testing cheaper. This has to be a government approved paid test to get the code to put in the passenger locator form I believe.

People who have not had vaccines, will have to have a pre departure test, will need to pay for a day 2 and day 8 PCR TEST and quarantine for 10 days. The option for a day 5, test to release will still be available if you wish to shorten your quarantine. This is from the end of October no date yet set.

All passengers will still need to fill in a passenger locator form ahead of travel. Passengers should continue to check GOV.UK travel guidance including FCDO travel advice before, during and after travel to keep up to date in entry requirements and ensure compliance with the latest COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 regulations for the country being visited.

There are no green and Amber lists anymore. The red list remains and will have to pay for a government hotel, if returning from a red list country. Prices for this have risen a lot.

How much you’ll need to pay

Rate
1 adult in 1 room for 10 days (11 nights) £2,285
Additional rate for 1 adult (or child over 11) £1,430
Additional rate for a child aged 5 to 11 £325

You do not have to pay for children under 5. Prices are kept under review and may change.

Please email me if you see any corrections to make madeiraislandnews@gmail.com

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Tobi Hughes

72 Responses

  1. You’re right Tobi but we have no date yet from when the day 2 lateral flow test is applicable. Fit to fly is not required from 4 October but the change to the day 2 test will be ‘later in the month’. Still waiting confirmation as I understand day 2 test providers need time to change their processes. Hope that helps.

  2. At the moment this is for England only.
    Scotland, Wales & NI will adopt the revised traffic-light listing but not the revised testing ATM

  3. I think this only applies to England. Scotland is keeping the Day 2 PCR test on return.

  4. Grant Shapps should go. This measure is to force the unvaccinated to get the jab in order to travel. Nothing to do with COVID

    1. Agreed Aeron, it won’t make much difference! the next thing they will be telling us England is riddled with virus another lockdown.

  5. Hi Tobi, the rules as they stand are for entry to England only. The devolved nations have some different rules. Certainly on the tests on day 2 of arrival – for Scotland we still need a PCR. I’ll agree. It’s blinking complicated!

  6. I’m flying to the UK on Monday, I think things are as you state, Tobi. As usual there seems to be very mixed messages, I’ll let you know my experience. Returning in 3 weeks so will keep an eye on things. I have to prove vaccination as of November to do my job but in all honesty it was not a problem and I don’t thing I’ve been invaded by aliens, tho’ some would disagree;) it’s just the price you have to pay if you want freedom! No vaccination = more expensive travel, but you will be reducing carbon emissions. Nobody is forced to have the vaccine, you still have a choice, forcing would be highly questionable and illegal.

    1. Anyone returning to UK on a Monday make sure you get through passport control ASAP. The queuing was horrendous – only 2 staff on duty – our flight to Bristol was delayed by 50 minutes. As we’re many others.
      On board the captain said it was due to more Covid paperwork but actually at passport control it was due to only 2 desks. They just couldn’t cope. Hope this changes when the travel rules change. Or Madeira airport needs to make room for more desks. The
      Queue snaked all over the place. In the end the EU passport control desk opened to clear some of the queue

  7. We have been in and out of Madeira over the last 10 days, no problem provided you get the paperwork in order, and of course ensure you have your double vaccination details available, we are still quite amazed that people even at this late stage in the pandemic have not had the double jab.

  8. Honestly Aaron. No one is forcing anyone to get vaccinated or to travel. It’s a choice. Personally I believe that everyone should be vaccinated, if they are able to, and especially if they are flying out of consideration for their fellow passengers.

    1. No, not yet but surely that time will come.
      Now please tell me, what changed for the government to require two PCR tests and quarantine on arrival from Madeira?

        1. Tobi, certainly moneymaking, possibly pointless but why a scam ? The test proves if you have Covid, you may be positive without symptoms, possibly infecting others. It’s the only accurate method that works. Would free testing change your opinion ?

  9. it depends on airlines, Easy jet still want proof of lateral flow from Uk and on leaving Maderia, had email just now, even with double jabbed people

    1. Hi Rosemarie,
      I’m flying Easy jet on Monday. What’s this about a proof of a lateral flow test? Have I missed something?. Any clarification would be very welcome.

    2. Rosemarie, EasyJet can ask, but you do/did not need a test, of any form, to fly to Madeira. Your answer, if asked if you had a negative test was, I have not been tested, it is my intention to take the test on arrival at Funchal Airport.

  10. Hello Toby, yes all appears as you have written.
    As you know we arrived back from Madeira on Monday, did the day 2 pcr, then on Friday morning we had a track and trace telling us both that we had been in contact with somebody that has tested positive ! Either at the Airport or on the plane.
    It states that we need to book a pcr and or quarantine for 10 days.

    We received our negative results last night, but apparently they are null and void.
    I am quite perplexed by the whole situation.
    Stay safe all

  11. Hi Rebecca, having just posted our day2 tests ( BioGrad @£50 each!) now hoping we didn’t sit next to or near a positive…..Thursday flight out but plane pretty full. All the form filling went OK but pretty tedious. Departure from Madeira and arrival at Bristol all well organised and no delays.
    Back again in December. Might be a bit easier just updating forms or is that just wishful thinking!

  12. Of course they labs doing 2 day pcr tests need to alter their processes – what processes?!!!!! What with the unreliable track and trace and unreliable PCR testing it is a disgrace. Looking at the replies on here there are so many different interpretations still! We fly 27th Sept I am double vaccinated I am filling Madeira app in and am waiting for my vaccination certificate to be validated which I understand will be around our arrival date end of. Do they not understand ‘bullet points’

  14. Hi Sandra, fingers crossed that you dont get a track and trace from the NHS.
    All went well with us , there weren’t any hiccups, the.plane back to Gatwick was delayed leaving as apparently there were
    Hold ups at departure, we were on the plane for a good half an hour.
    This track and trace business does not make any sense, so contradictory, a total farce to be told by track and trace that pcrs that we purchased are null and void, after coughing up £118 for two.

    Wonderful Holiday though xx

  15. What I find odd is how people from the UK can fly here supposedly untested if double vaccinated but have to be tested to return to the UK whereupon they are found to be positive. Check out the numbers over the past few days and Brits seem to make up a substantial percentage of the total new cases! I doubt they caught covid19 here unless they were very unlucky which obviously means they flew here already infected?? I sometimes think reintroduction of mandatory testing upon arrival plus further test two to five days later might reduce the risk of the virus being imported again and new clusters cropping up around the island depending upon where these visitors went, who they came into contact with and what if any precautions they took or followed. The number of tourists wandering around Funchal who if they wear a mask it doesn’t cover their nose is amazing. Obviously they will not all be from the UK but quite often it’s obvious that they are!

    1. It might be worth saying yet again that people testing positive from a flight originating from the UK doesn’t mean those tested were Brits .

      1. Jane, why the insistence that people, on a flight originating from England, who test positive, may not be English. If I catch Covid, the last thing on my mind will be, I do hope it was an English contact.

    2. Michael, arrivals are all supposed to be screened at the airport, for high temperature, an indication of possible covid infection.

  16. Thanks for pointing out the detail. Radio 4 didn’t bother mentioning that the unvaccinated have become second class citizens! What about people with legitimate medical reasons not to have the vaccine or children? It is effectively a coercive control measure. Vaccinated people can still spread the delta variant – even a House of Commons committee said so!

    1. Second class citizens maybe? Those citizens don’t have trial vaccines in there system! House of commons committee can confirm.

  17. Thanks Tobi, excellent start at bringing some clarity, to a confusing situation. These changes were announced late Friday PM, I am in WALES, my understanding is the Welsh Gov agrees with the the traffic light system, but is to consider any changes to the testing

  18. Hi Toby, thanks for the advice re occasionally giving Madeira Safe a nudge! I will check the “I feel fine” box now and again. Lovely meeting you on our visit and have a great holiday.

  19. It would be useful to know how many people actually returned to UK and tested positive on Day2
    over the last 18 months. We live in virtual isolation in S.W. Scotland, have everything delivered, are extremely careful with covid hygiene, yet we are the people having to pay for unnecessary PCR tests while people in the Central Belt go to football matches, concerts etc. have close contact in night clubs and pubs, hug each other at every opportunity resulting in covid numbers 1 in 45! What is the Scottish Government doing about this? Returning from Madeira with PCR tests will resolve nothing. It is a sham!

  20. Not been back to the UK for nearly 2 years
    I go to the mainland Porto and Lisbon
    And the Canaries for a change of scene
    But with all the tests and airport delays
    Cannot be bothered going back to London too much grief

  21. In July, I came to Madeira, on the 30th I arrive again. The difference ? On arriving, I still have to show my proof of vaccination, I still have to register with Madeira Safe. On leaving,I don’t have to have to test but as my test was free, I don’t save anything. I still have to complete a PLF and I still need to have booked and purchased a day two test, at this moment, type uncertain. To quote the romantic lyrics “What a difference a day makes.”

  22. Scotland … Currently has 1,2,3,4,5 areas that have the highest covid rates in Europe, thanks Nicola what hypocrisy.. Scotland to be different again require a pre travel test and the return day 2 PCR even if you have two vaccines all of which you have to buy from the Scottish approved site only, which is more expensive than English counter parts .. oh and full mask mandate in Scotland made a huge difference… achieving the highest rates for 5 areas in Europe just to make the point again

  23. I personally think all passenger should have pre departure and day 2 test.
    Vaccinated or not you can still be a carrier of the virus.
    While people don’t follow the use of masks and hand sanitation it will continue to survive.
    Only today over lunch I observed hand sanitation on entry to Pingo doce, 2/3 of people used no sanitation on entry.
    And only 1/10 used sanitation on exit.
    The location was Lido, with a high % of tourists.
    I rest my case.

    1. Jane, if people can travel on a plane without a covid test and enter Madeira why would we need masks sanitation for supermarkets resturants cafes etc etc !!

  24. Johnny, I think the word is preventative measures. Its too late afterwards.
    Like I said just because you may have 2 vaccines doesn’t mean you can’t still spread it to others.

  25. I am a fully vaccinated tourist. Do I need to fill in a passenger locator form before I set off to come to Madeira on 1st October. I know I have to do one for return to UK

  26. Thank you for all the helpful information you have provided on this Tobi. Can I ask you a question, I am a resident of Madeira and double vaccinated and am currently on holiday in the UK. As a resident, when I fly back, do I need proof of a negative test, do I have to register with Madeira Safe and do I need to take a Covid test on day 2 and day 5? Sorry that’s actually 3 questions!

    Thanks

  28. Need some advice! flying from Bristol to Funchal on 30th September. completed the madeira safe info and unloaded certificate for vaccines , twice i have been emailed to say it is invalid! what on earth do I do?

  29. Hi
    Flying in on 30th scanned and uploaded vaccine certificate but have had email to say not accepted and speak to technician!
    Any advice?

    1. Hi Sarah, on arrival in Madeira show your NHS vaccine digital certificate or paper version and explain to them you uploaded your details at madeira safe and it did not work you sould be fine.

  30. what a load of drivel is uploaded to this website
    the rules are perfectly clear if you have a command of the english language and i have travelled regulary to madeira throughout the pandemic with no problems
    For those anti vaxers stay at home then. the rules for entry into other countries are made by there own governments not the uk

    1. I agree about the drivel here, and the mass hysterics by those who are jabbed and still have to jump through hoops. But your comment that anti vaxxers stay home is unwarranted. I am not jabbed (I can’t medically, BUT I wouldn’t anyway, because according to most here I am considered a tin foil hat wearer)..had all my childhood jabs, but nearly died when I got jabbed to go to Africa and Russia. However, I have flown 17 times in the last 18 months…spent shit loads of money with the tests and rules and complied with every form needed to be filled in order to do what I needed to do for the places I needed to be in. I have not caught Covid along the way on all those journeys nor worn a nappy over my face. I have just got back from another trip to the UK…when I went there last month I paid 75 quid for the day 2 test…that test is now sitting in my parents loft as I never did it (I had a test in Madeira to fly there)…..nobody has contacted me about it…must have got lost in the crap system! I also got booked in by Madeira Safe to queue at the hospital for a day 5 test, as I am a resident. A tourist bypasses this inconvenience for some reason. I decided not to go, photoed myself doing an NHS free kit at home and emailed them with the proof…..to date they have not even bothered to reply or call me out on it. So, really are we in this deadly pandemic where in Portugal we have 10 million folks, where 17 thousand died with Covid (and a Portuguese court ruled that that figure was vastly over rated and the true figure was a couple of hundred)…that out of the reported 1,066.945 total cases….1,017,456 recovered! And Madeira has inconsequential numbers that just astound the fact that we are still masked and curfewed. When will all you pro vaxer lot wake up and see the ineptitude of our governments that have coerced and deceived millions of people? When they mandate the passport where you live, and I can’t participate in society along with many other people like me….is that right? I spoke to my doctor when I was in the UK and she refused to give me a medical exemption, because she had been directed by the British Government not to give them out…oh yes I can download the one from the .gov website…which is useless in Madeira and already has a bad rap over the mask exemption, which also means diddly squat in Madeira. There is a part of society that is absolutely terrified of what is to come. Think about that!

      1. “and a Portuguese court ruled that that figure was vastly over rated and the true figure was a couple of hundred)…that out of the reported 1,066.945 total cases….1,017,456 recovered”

        God, do you even read any news or just internet crap?

      2. I seriously suggest you read this article Aromasammy.

        I am aware that the current going rate is £250 in bitcoin. A friend has already done it and it works.

        This gets you a genuine government movement licence (NHS Covid passport) recognised throughout Europe.

        https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10052931/Exposed-NHS-vaccine-passports-sold-jab-refuseniks-750-criminals-use-Telegram.html

        When the government declares war on the people, the people are absolved of any further obedience.

        John Locke.

  31. Hello Tobi, I have a question for you and some of your friendly bloggers. Do I need a Visa when I visit Madeira in December for a month? I had the fortune/misfortune depending on how you look at it, of being stuck in Funchal for Jan,Feb and Mar this year, eventually flying back to the UK on the 3rd April. If I remember it right, the Portuguese Government waived all necessary Visas for people unable to return to the UK, obviously I have already stayed 90 days in Madeira this year.

    1. You should be all ok as you went to the island pre-Brexit so you were under pre-Brexit rules. You only need a visa if you intend staying longer than 90days in 180days.

      1. Maurice, you seem to be quite knowledgeable on visa requirements. What visa does one apply for if you wish to stay longer than the 90 in 180 days. Some clarification would be appreciated.

    2. It’s 90 days out of 180, so you will be OK, but if you have been out of the UK to other places this counts to your days out, so you need to know who many days.

  32. i have complete sympathy for people that medically cant be vaccinated and yes its going to cost you more and more inconvenience but if it was me and i could afford it i would do exactly what i do now life is not a trial run you only get one go at it but for the rest the rules are clear you just need to read them on Gov .Uk.
    Yes i know they change you just need to keep up to date .With reference to Madeira Safe Website it does work but sometimes they are a bit slow in validating your certificate. Also it didnt like me setting up ,a new account so i used my original password and it worked straight away
    To those who can have the vaccine but dont the best of luck i got it and even though im double vaccinated i was really ill and still recovering 4 weeks later and it will kill you as many people in our country and abroad found out
    Those who survived now have a very different opinion
    And dont forget it protects your loved ones and the lovely residents of Madeira if your lucky enough like us to go there

  33. Hi Tobi

    My beloved and I will be arriving in our wonderful Madeira from the UK on Sunday 03 Oct and I was wondering if you could please clarify a few queries that we both have…and my apologies if these are already covered in your previous articles/comments but I’m not finding it easy to find them:

    1. As we are both double-jabbed, is it possible for both of our vaccination certificates and details to be entered onto one Madeira Safe registration or do I need to register Anna with a seperate account so that our vaccination records can be swiftly verified prior to our arrival?

    2. Under the current UK rules, and unless anything changes before our return flight on Thursday 21 October, we will have to undergo a Day 2 PCR test in the UK. However, will we still be entitled to the free pre-departure PCR test in Madeira before we return as we are already double-jabbed and, if not, is this pre-departure PCR test mandatory?

    3. Anna suffers from Severe Fibromyalgia which causes her regular hot flushes and affects her breathing if she has to wear a face covering for any length of time, especially when it’s warm. Whilst there is a face covering exemption available to download on the UK’s GOV.UK website, we understand that this is not recognised by the Madeirean authorities. Can you please confirm whether this is indeed the case and, if so, what she should carry with her to avoid causing any problems. Would the now widely-recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Exemption card be accepted?

    With many thanks and best wishes in advance as we look forward very much to what will be Anna’s very first visit to Madeira.

    Andy and Anna

    1. Hi, yes you have to both have separate Madeira safe accounts to upload your vaccines. You do not need a pre-departure test after October 4th. I think if you can get a letter from your doctor about the mask wearing, but to be honest I can’t see that she will have to wear it for long periods of time.

  34. Absolutely ridiculous, its about time they started ‘following the science’ and accepting antibody tests.

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