Madeira Islands remain on the UK travel corridor

The destination has been able to keep all its festivities, adjusting the schedule and security measures. Madeira is currently celebrating the Flower and Wine Festivals until the end of this month.

Madeira Islands will remain on the FCO UK travel corridor, effective from 12th September. Since the start of the pandemic, the archipelago has been considered one of the safest destinations in Europe.

With Madeira Islands on the travel corridor, British tourists can continue to enjoy the destination that has just been recognised as one of the Best Winter Sun Destinations in Europe (European Best Destinations). In addition Madeira was awarded one of the safest destinations in Europe and Porto Santo beach has also been referred to as one of the safest in the continent.

The destination has been able to keep all its festivities, adjusting the schedule and security measures. Madeira is currently celebrating the Flower and Wine Festivals until the end of this month.

Nuno Vale, Executive Director of Madeira Promotion Bureau said of the UK announcement: ‘Since the UK is one Madeira’s key source markets, keeping Madeira on the travel corridor is an important recognition by the British government of all the efforts done by the destination to be one of the safest places in Europe. We are also proud of the achieved accolade as one of Europe’s safest destinations and now one of the top winter sun destinations. 

"Madeira has long enjoyed an excellent relationship with the UK, with the first British settlement dating back to 16th century, and it is a key market for the destination. Given that our response to Covid-19 and handle on the pandemic has been widely reported as being one of the best in Europe, we are very relieved to be able to continue to welcome British tourists."

Response to Covid 19: 
Madeira and Porto Santo have been widely referred to as one of the safest places to travel to post-pandemic. To ensure security for both tourists and residents, all people travelling to the islands 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 are paid for by the Madeira Government.

Madeira Islands are focused on positioning 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 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.

As of 10th September, Madeira has 178 registered cases of Covid-19 and no deaths. All 42 active cases are confined in designated hotels or at private homes.