Madeira's remote and paradisiac archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal situated in the North Atlantic Ocean that combines safety and leisure as an all-year travel destination.
- Safest European destination
- Entering the island
- Curfew
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Vaccination
- Useful contacts
In terms of crime, Madeira has a very low rate of both minor and violent crimes. Being one of the last few places in the world where walking around when it is dark is safe, violence against tourists is rare.
Nonetheless, when we talk about safety in our present day, our attention lies in Covid-19. And at this point, Madeira is a pioneering destination in the fight against the virus.
Safest European destination
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Madeira has been the safest European destination. Such recognition is justified by the low number of active cases and effective health measures such as:
- mandatory test to enter the Island
- compulsory use of masks
- curfews.
To make visitors feel safe and comfortable, the Island launched a campaign titled Madeira Safe To Discover. This campaign was designed alongside the world leader in certification - SGS - to ensure good practices and minimise risks.
Whenever you come across a stamp with the "Madeira Safe to Discover" whilst travelling around the Island, you can be assured that the company or business is under certified safety standards.
Most local companies are also adopting the "Clean & Safe" stamp, created by VisitPortugal.
These are some of the current rules one should get familiar with when planning a trip to Madeira.
Entering the Island
Before travelling to the Island, it is necessary to register at madeirasafe.com and submit an epidemiological survey. The use of masks is mandatory in all passenger areas, as well as maintaining social distance.
Passenger's health screening is guaranteed by temperature control. Local authorities require all passengers to proceed with a PCR covid-19 test. Visitors can do the test on arrival at Madeira's airport for free or 72 hours before arrival.
From the 1st of July onwards, rapid antigen tests done 48 hours before landing will also be valid. However, no auto-tests will be accepted. Passengers who have recovered from (in the last 180 days) or are vaccinated against Covid-19 will have a green corridor including children up to 12 years old.
You must bring a vaccination passport or certificate validated by your country of origin in English.
Curfew
The mandatory curfew is now from 01 a.m. until 5 a.m., including weekends. Restaurants and bars are open until 11 p.m. Exceptions include the essential activities.
Visiting Restaurants
Restaurants under the "Madeira Safe to Discover" stamp is due to follow a series of health measures such as:
- minimum social distances
- limited reservations up to 6 people per table indoor
- ten people per table outdoor (except families) pre-booking is advised
Customers and staff should use masks during circulation, and the restaurants should keep permanent cleaning and disinfection of all areas.
Hotels
An isolation room for every nine rooms, compulsory use of masks, dormitory occupancy up to 50% and a Covid-19 kit available in each room are some of the measures adopted by hotels around the Island.
Vaccination
With an average of 5 cases a day in the last 14 days (07/06 to 20/06), 43% of the population got at least one dose of the vaccination against Covid-19 at the moment.
Madeira Island is indeed one of the safest places in Europe to travel to at the moment. With all the efforts and contributions both from the government and Madeirans, no wonder the Island is also the Best Travel Destination in the world for five consecutive years.
When planning your trip to Madeira, check the official travel advisor from your country of origin. If you are coming from the UK, you can find out more here. If you are flying from the US, here's a good source of official information.
Useful contacts
- POLICE SERVICES PSP: (+351 ) 291 208 400
- COVID -19 HELPLINES For clarification on issues related to COVID-19, namely, test results and or travellers waiting for double testing, please contact SESARAM:
- Landline: (+351) 291 208 738 | 291 208 700 | 291 149 490
- Mobile: (+351) 969 320 327 I 969 320 235
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