Portugal has launched a new specialised travel insurance product, and renewed its health passport scheme to guarantee visitors access to Covid testing.
Turismo de Portugal has partnered with RNA Assistance Insurance to create policies adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic and the specific challenges it poses.
Coverage extends to mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores, and covers medical, surgical, pharmaceutical and hospital expenses arising from a Covid infection.
The insurance also covers expenses relating to any cancellation, interruption, or extension of travel due to the pandemic.
"The goal is to ensure all visitors to Portugal can travel around the country safely and with confidence," said the country’s national tourism authority.
Other initiatives designed to highlight Portugal’s readiness to welcome tourists include its Clean & Safe seal, and renewal of its Portugal Health Passport – which now covers Covid testing.
More than 21,000 businesses are now certified Clean & Safe, which recognises compliance with health measures set out by Portugal’s national health authorities.
Meanwhile, tourists planning visits to Portugal can register for free on the Portugal Health Passport website to guarantee them access to Covid testing. It also enables access to urgent healthcare or check-ups across five hospital and clinic networks.
"Through initiatives and projects of this nature, Portugal consolidates its position as a safe destination that guarantees all the essential sanitary conditions for the enjoyment of its unique tourist experiences," said Turismo de Portugal.
"In order to encourage the resumption of tourism activity, the Portugal tourism teams in 25 strategic markets have also intensified their work with airlines, tour operators, the press and consumers."
The UK government is yet to announce a quarantine-free travel corridor with Portugal, despite the rate of infection in the country falling significantly over the past fortnight, below levels in some countries currently on the so-called "safe list".
The Foreign Office is also currently advising against all but essential travel to mainland Portugal, although this advice does not apply to Madeira or the Azores.