Brits currently on holiday abroad in Portugal are facing a last dash to return to the UK with less than 24 hours until the country move's to the amber list of travel regulations.

Since international travel for leisure was reintroduced last month, Portugal was the only major holiday destination allowing British tourists to enter the country that also featured on the government's 'green list', with holidaymakers able to avoid quarantine on return.

There are estimated to be around 112,000 British tourists currently in the Iberian country as of May 31, according to mobility research business Huq Industries.

Now, they face a last minute dash to grab a flight back to Blighty, with Portugal moving to the amber list as of 4am tomorrow (Tuesday).

The government said the decision "follows increased concern in the spread of variants of coronavirus, including a mutation of the Delta variant".

Airlines have put on extra travel this weekend to help holidaymakers get home, but scores will not be able to return before the deadline.

After 4am on Tuesday, travellers returning to the UK will have to quarantine at home for ten days on return, and book and pay for two Covid tests.

On the green list, tourists only need to book and pay for one Covid test. Each test can cost anywhere from £20 to £200, and it is not permitted to use NHS tests ahead of travel.

There has also been criticism for the government for not giving holidaymakers more notice ahead of Portugal's move to the amber list.

Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, had previously said countries could be moved to a 'watch list' ahead of it being removed from the green list, but this did not happen in the case of Portugal.

After Portugal is removed from the green list, the following countries will remain:

  • Australia
  • Brunei
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Gibraltar
  • Iceland
  • Israel and Jerusalem
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  • St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

But countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore have stringent travelling restrictions meaning Brits cannot enter for leisure.

Are you currently in Portugal and affected by the country's move to the amber list? Email ryan.evans@basingstokegazette.co.uk.