Millions of people visit Portugal from the UK each year
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance for anyone travelling to Portugal from the UK. The government department regularly updates its advice for travel to any of 226 nations and territories in a bid to help people make informed decisions and stay safe.
On Tuesday afternoon, September 17, it amended its travel guidance for Portugal. A new gov.uk alert reads: “Forest fires. There are currently a significant number of forest fires burning in several parts of Portugal.
“The Portuguese government has declared a state of alert until 11:59pm on Thursday 19 September. Access to forests and activities in rural areas may be restricted. Roads may be closed due to smoke and ash.
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“The situation is fast-moving and could change rapidly. Keep up-to-date with developments and follow the advice of the Civil Protection Authority.”
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Government bosses added that the travel advice “also covers Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores.” Millions of people travel from the UK to Portugal each year.
Elsewhere FCDO advice reminds people travelling on a British passport that Portugal follows Schengen area rules. This means your passport must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive (if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago) and have an ‘expiry date’ at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.