The move comes in response to local authority restrictions on travel to the islands; arrivals will be asked to complete a questionnaire during their flight and will be screened upon arrival.

Both island authorities have advised against any inbound and outbound travel. Arrivals will likely be required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

The Azores has confirmed its first positive case of coronavirus, and cruise ships and yachts are currently not permitted to dock at any port in the Azores, Madeira or Porto Santo.

The FCO issued new guidance advising against all but essential travel to both sets of islands on Saturday night (14 March) owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Travellers arriving by air in the Azores and Madeira will be asked to complete a questionnaire during their flight and will be screened on arrival,” said the FCO.

Of the two archipelagos’ respective travel restrictions, the FCO added:

• The regional government of the Azores recommends against travel to and from the region, except in an emergency, until 31 March. The authorities have announced that travellers from areas of community transmission of the coronavirus, including the UK and the Portuguese mainland, will be required to enter mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
• The regional government of Madeira recommends against travel to and from the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, except in an emergency, until further notice. The authorities have announced that all travellers arriving in the islands from midnight on 15 March will be required to enter mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days.