Azores - Covid Travel information
View entry requirements here You can travel to Portugal for any purpose from the EU/EEA or from the UK and some other non-EU/EEA countries. All travellers to mainland Portugal and the Azores are required to complete a passenger locator form before arrival If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter mainland Portugal without needing to test. You can use your UK COVID Pass (paper or digital format) to demonstrate your vaccination record To qualify under the fully vaccinated rules, you must have a vaccination certificate which shows you have had either: a full course, as described below, of a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency, at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before you arrive, or a full course of a vaccine, as described below, plus a booster vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency at least 14 days before you arrive If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) or rapid lateral flow test (taken no more than 24 hours before entry) when you check in for your flight to mainland Portugal. Make sure your test is carried out by a trained healthcare professional. Self-administered tests are not acceptable. You’ll need to take a test on arrival in the Azores unless: you have a valid EU vaccination or recovery certificate, or you have taken a PCR or rapid lateral flow test before you travel Your PCR or rapid lateral flow test must be carried out by a trained healthcare professional. Self-administered tests are not acceptable. The rapid lateral flow test is taken no more than 48 hours before you travel and meets the standards set out in the EU common list of Rapid Antigen Tests. The PCR test is taken no more than 72 hours before you travel From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 13APR 2022
Azores - the location, language, time difference
All the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago are located in the North Atlantic. These volcanic isles are scattered along a 600 km stretch of ocean from Santa Maria to Corvo. The islands of the archipelago are divided in three geographical groups: the Eastern Group, comprising Santa Maria and Sao Miguel, the Central Group, including Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial, and the Western Group, composed by Corvo and Flores. Each island has its own individual atmosphere and distinctive flair. Typically, the best months for divers are May to October, when the marine life is at its most exciting and the water temps climb to 20-24C.
- GMT -1
- Portuguese, most speak English
Azores - weather and climate
The weather in the Azores is changeable! The islands enjoy a mild temperate climate throughout the year and benefit from the Gulf Stream; a current of warm water that heads north east from the Gulf of Mexico. The average air temperature varies between 11 and 26°C depending on the time of year and the surrounding ocean averages between 15 and 23°C. Being so far out in the Atlantic, the islands are prone to rainy days at any time of year, and without these showers of course, you could not enjoy the beautiful flora on the islands.
Azores - Currency and Tax
Euros
A transaction fee is usually levied on all credit or debit card payments
How do I get there?
There are weekly direct flights from the UK via Lisbon from Heathrow and Manchester with TAP. Depending on which island you are staying on, you may find you need a night en route before catching your onward Air Azores flight to Faial or Santa Maria.
If you are flying with TAP, you can also add a night or two in Lisbon, Portugal en route.
Are there any extension options?
It is easy to move between the islands in the Azores. You can combine a trip to Faial, San Miguel and Santa Maria islands in a single trip. Speak to your travel consultant, who will create a bespoke itinerary for you. There are loads of land activities so we heartily recommend adding a few nights on one of the islands to experience all the Azores has to offer on land too. This can include bird watching, horse riding food and wine tours, cycling, hiking and walking through the hills, visiting waterfalls and lakes, local markets and whale watching... to name but a few!
Passports and Visas
Passports - Must be valid for 6 months from return date
If you are a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you visit more than one of these countries within a 180-day period, check that you do not spend more than 90 days in total across all the countries you visit. That is because most of these countries apply the 90-day limit as a group. There are different rules for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania.. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with your airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Preparing to fly
Depending on your airline, you may be able to complete check in online to print your boarding pass. If not, we will email your flight tickets to you in advance. You must print your ticket coupon.
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world click here
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here
Duty allowances between the EU and UK have changed following Brexit. Please refer to government guidance before travel click here Allowances can change without notice - please reconfirm before travel.
What do I need to arrange before I go?
If you are a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you visit more than one of these countries within a 180-day period, check that you do not spend more than 90 days in total across all the countries you visit. That is because most of these countries apply the 90-day limit as a group. There are different rules for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania.. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with your airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation. Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival please make your way through baggage claim and immigration. There will either be a rep to meet you or you will have full details of your where to meet your transfer (with a confirmation voucher) in your travel documentation. If you have any issues on arrival, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers are included in your holiday. You will be advised in your travel documentation of how to find your transfer.
What happens on departure day?
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. EU passport holders do not need to pay a departure tax.
Plugs and Electricity
220V-240V European style 2 pin plugs