Madeira offers free PCR test to visitors

Since the start of the pandemic, the lovely archipelago of Madeira has been considered one of the safest destinations in Europe and has been widely praised for its handling of the Covid-19 crisis.

The region (Madeira is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, the other being the Azores) has recently been named one of the safest destinations for 2021 by European Best Destinations. The stylish holiday destination wants to make it easy for visitors.

Holidaymakers heading to Madeira will be offered one free PCR Covid-19 test to be taken on arrival or departure with results received within 24 hours. If a further test is needed this will be offered at discounted rates.

Visitors who have received both vaccinations will no longer need to show a negative PCR. This coincides with their new branding ‘Madeira. Belongs To All’.

So far 27.1% of Madeira’s population has received the first dose of the vaccination and overall Covid-19 cases in Madeira have been decreasing since the end of January and are now one of the lowest in Europe.  
 
The green corridor already existed at Madeira airport for those who arrive with a negative PCR test done within 72 hours. Alternatively, visitors can take a free test at the airport on arrival. One free PCR test per visitor is offered, to be taken on arrival or departure, with results in 24 hours.  There are also discounts on offer for any further tests required, with PCR tests from €90 and antigen tests from €18.  

Now Madeira is also receiving tourists vaccinated and recovered from Covid-19 (with proof up to 90 days of validity) who want to enjoy the region, with testing for these cohorts no longer required.  

Covid-19 cases in Madeira have decreased significantly in recent months, with an average of 32 new cases in the last 7 days. 27.1% of the population has received their first dose of the vaccine and 8.8% have received both doses. Tourism professionals will be vaccinated by the end of May.  

Curfew hours in Madeira have now been reduced and are from 11pm until 5am. Restaurants will be open for dinner until 10pm.  

Nuno Vale, Director of Madeira Promotion Bureau said of the UK announcement:  

“In a year of great challenges for the Tourism sector, Madeira knew how to tread a path of exception, and we are now receiving excellent opportunities ranging from structural work to ongoing promotions. This has been a massive vote of confidence from visitors and tour operators, which Madeira aims to uphold and continue into the future. Madeira drew up a pandemic response strategy with concrete measures which were both timely and appropriate.

“This performance kept the pandemic under control, providing the inhabitants of the region and tourists with security in their activities, whether in work or entertainment. This confidence was the basis for a national and international promotion which was recognised by both tourists and operators”.

After centuries of being the key mid-Atlantic stopover during the New World explorations, Madeira has long welcomed people from across the world with open arms.

This deeply ingrained warm hospitality and melting pot of cultures, combined with a mild climate, stunning scenery, and the chance for tourists to live like locals, means that people feel good when they are in the destination and long to come back.