The U.K.’s decision to remove Portugal from its so-called green list on Thursday has elicited a strong reaction from the Portuguese foreign ministry.
British travelers visiting countries on the green list aren’t required to quarantine after returning to the U.K. Portugal, which was only one of 12 destinations on the list — and only one of two in continental Europe — has been pushed down to the amber list, which requires quarantining.
Related: Portugal Gets Dropped from UK’s COVID Green List
Portugal’s foreign ministry didn’t mince words about the U.K.’s decision
We take note of the British decision to remove Portugal from the travel “green list”,the logic of which we cannot understand. Portugal continues to carry out its prudent and gradual deconfinement plan, with clear rules for the safety of those who live here and those who visit us.
— N Estrangeiros PT (@nestrangeiro_pt) June 3, 2021
British tourists tell Reuters that they’re pretty angry as well, calling the decision “unfair” and “silly” given how many people already booked — and paid for — holidays with their families.
Many Portuguese businesses relying on tourism have staked their survival on the British travelers. Eliderico Viegas, head of the hotel association in the Algarve, tells Reuters that the U.K.’s decision will be like a”bucket of cold water” on the industry.
