Just read that camper vans are not allowed to x the border to Spain. So what if the MOT etc. runs out?

The border is still open to goods trucks and to people crossing for work purposes but closed for leisure trips.

Presumably, if you're temporarily out of your normal country of residence, you'd be allowed to cross the border to get back home

SWMBO just told me all international flights in Portugal are stopped as of tonight.

Had to guess that was coming...

Except to countries with a significant expat Portuguese population. He has quoted Canada, Brazil, USA and a couple of others. Quite a good number of Portuguese in Britain now but we don't appear to be on the list. Due to return to UK on 30inst but heard nothing from Easy Jet of their intentions (if they have any!!!)

https://algarvedailynews.com/news/17...rian-peninsula

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Closing borders and banning travel is having the exact opposite of the intended effect.
People are stuck in crowded airports and hotels for long periods of time with hundreds of others from all over the map. They have to eat in public places too.
After time and desperation builds up, along with high but unseen infection rates, these people are finally allowed to travel home.

It's the same syndrome as the cruise ship quarantines, it makes a big noise to the population that authorities are serious, but as an actual measure to prevent the spread of disease it's counter productive.

I have several friends anxiously trying to get home, stuck in Asian airports. It's nuts. We're told to self isolate at home, then people aren't allowed to get there.

And some will die because of it.

That's because what was being talked about by PM António Costa in that instance was decisions of the European Council, taking into account recommendations of the European Commission, on flights between EU and non-EU countries, and Portuguese exceptions to the rules.

The Council's decisions on intra EU movements is to reaffirm the principle of freedom of movement between the member states, except in special circumstances, for example where there is significant infection in one region or country (hence the situations with Italy and Spain) and that decisions on restrictions to movement will not be taken unilaterally (and he cited Spain as an example where a bilateral agreement with Portugal had been arrived at which is in line with the scope of the recommendations given the circumstances).

Costa confirma suspensão de voos de e para a UE. Portugal tem duas exceções

Red Eric...

As you seem to have watched in person rather than just hearing via others, what is your understanding of travel from uk to Portugal after midnight tonight?

No restrictions as far as government / EU interventions are concerned at present.

Some rules about self-quarantining for arrivals in Madeira and Azores only.

Ok thanks.

Every department seems confused at the moment, including airline, airport info, and even Lisbon airport manager.
lots of panic travel, TAP flights gone from 140-460 overnight!
BA 250-400
Easyjet not increased.
I'd say the demographic is Portuguese residents/citizens panicking to get home due to confusing information.

I don't know whether it has any bearing on the current confusion you're referring to but there's a Council of State meeting tonight after which the President will decide on whether or not to call a state of emergency.

He has previously indicated that he is minded to whereas the PM would prefer not at this stage. The initiative rests with the President but it would require endorsement from the PM and Parliament. I'm not sure what the protocol is under these circs but the PM has already said he would abide by the President's decision.

That might well alter the flights situation if it were to go ahead.

Stuck in Asian airports? Airports are near empty. Many countries evacuate nationals, it is an organised departure. Register with your embassy.
Austria told tourists to leave. They were not herded out but dep. was organised. Now all borders are closed incl. airport but for arriving evacuated nationals.
Closing borders does help. Our first case came from Italy, next one was from a Brit. tour group. If we had stopped foreign tourists earlier we may not have a country in lockdown where I'm not supposed to go out because I'm over 65 and at risk.

Not much point in trying now as Brittany ferries have canx all Spain /UKcrossings till 12 April. Dfds and P and O are still taking pax France/UK but is it worth the stress of that journey.By the time you reach the French coast,they may have had to canx the crossing and where on earth does that leave you.