With travel planned for Portugal in only three days , I've become a news junky, and I can't get the answers I want soon enough. Is anyone else scheduled on a flight in the next few days to Portugal from the US? From what I read, by Monday morning, we will all be reading whether the USA taken off of the list of safe countries. We are biting our nails over here wondering if by Monday we will be hearing that our flight for Tuesday is cancelled. It isn't clear to me what the travel ban really means, either. Various writings say each country within the EU will make its own rules. And if it's a matter of stricter implementations upon our visit, and the airline doesn't cancel, we only have 24 hours prior to our flight time to place our tix on hold for a future date. That's assuming we know something more than 24 hours prior to our flight. Would be interested to hear other travelers thoughts and plans.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6596 posts
Hi! There is a discussion already going on this that you may find helpful.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/eu-travel-ban-coming
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
Freedonia
16413 posts
The planned change of restrictions is on the Unvaccinated. Not a full ban.
And anyway, the EU can only make recommendations. Each country gets to make their own decision.
Posted by
Los Angeles
220 posts
Each country will make their individual decision to follow the EU guidelines or not, and yes they were talking about a FULL ban- (including vaccinated people). Italy seems to have their own personal workaround, but they are a tourist-economy..so I'm not sure what other member states intend on doing.
Posted by
15 posts
My wife, daughter and I are scheduled to fly to Portugal via Amsterdam this coming Saturday Sept 04. We are all fully vaccinated. Since the US did come off the unrestricted travel list, and there is no mention in the EU Guidance about vaccinated vs non we are very concerned. We have cancellation insurance etc but have already been screwed by one airline canceling flights with no alternative. Fingers crossed. We are moving forward unless Portugal and perhaps Netherlands disallow us from entry.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Just off the phone with Lufthansa. Nice agent said the flight we are checked in for tomorrow might be cancelled. If your tickets are non refundable it’s suggested to wait for the airline to make a change or cancellation so that you get refunded. CALL for the refund. Don’t try to hit the refund button in the notice. As of now we are just in wait mode. Maybe we will be heading to Portugal. Maybe we won’t.