A negative Covid test is no longer required for air passengers arriving into Portugal with a digital EU certificate or proof of vaccination, the government has announced.

The decision, in line with European Union regulations, was approved in a cabinet meeting. The government said in a statement that negative tests will no longer be mandatory for "those who present the EU COVID Digital Certificate in any of its modalities or other proof of vaccination that has been recognised".

It has not been announced when the move would come into effect, yet the regulations in force at the moment are scheduled to run until 9th February.

Portugal’s Interior Ministry did not provide additional details such as whether UK or U.S. proof of vaccination would be deemed valid, Reuters reports.

As it stands, unvaccinated Britons are allowed to enter Portugal providing they show a negative COVID-19 test, reports the Daily Express. According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO): "You may have a RT-PCR or an antigen test. Make sure the test you choose meets the following criteria: All tests must be carried out by trained healthcare professionals. Self-administered tests are not acceptable. Antigen tests must be completed within 48 hours of departure. They must meet the standards set out in the EU common list of Rapid Antigen Tests. RT-PCR tests must be completed within 72 hours of departure."

At the beginning of January, Portugal lifted certain Covid restrictions, such as students being allowed to return to schools and nightclubs reopening. However, the negative test requirement for all passengers entering Portugal remained in force.

Portugal is one of the most vaccinated countries in the world, with close to 90% of the population fully vaccinated. Despite Covid case numbers remaining near all-time highs, hospitalisations and fatalities are well-below last year’s highs.