Travel warning issued for holidays to Portugal, here's how it will impact your trip

As the wave of industrial strikes demanding better work conditions and fair pay is sweeping across Europe, Portugal is no exception.

The British government issued an urgent warning about severe disruption to all those planning to spend their Easter break in this popular tourist destination.

Here is what to keep in mind when planning your trip.

Prepare for severe delays

British tourists have been warned of ‘disruption’ at airports in Portugal over the Easter weekend. Holidaymakers should ‘allow additional time’ to clear border control as immigration officers are taking part in strikes.

In a statement, the UK government says:

Between 6-10 April there may be travel disruption due to Industrial action by Portuguese immigration officers. If you are travelling over this period, allow additional time to clear border control when entering and exiting Portugal.

Holidaymakers are asked to check for announcements and follow the guidance provided by their airlines or tour operators.

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Immigration officers in Portugal are going on strike over a restructuring of the country’s border service.

Portuguese officials have also recently warned about the hike in prices on short-term accommodation in the country that could potentially make the country unaffordable for tourists traveling on budget.

Other strikes that can impact your holidays this Easter

British tourists could also be impacted by strikes by air traffic control staff in France over the Easter break as they are taking part in industrial action over the country’s pension reforms.

The action may result in planes flying over the country getting delayed.

Tourists should check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport although airlines should contact passengers directly if their journey is impacted.

In the UK, British Airways passengers could be affected by security staff strikes at Heathrow’s Terminal 5. The airline has cancelled flights each day of the action and passengers should have been informed.

British tourists could also face delays in passport applications as some staff take part in five weeks of action. The Government is still advising a 10-week window to wait for a new passport and has warned tourists not to book a holiday before receiving theirs.

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Sources used:

- The Portugal News: 'UK government issues Portugal travel warning'

- Express: 'Portugal travel alert as British tourists could face 'disruption' over Easter weekend'