Speaking to the Portuguese press, Augusto Santos Silva said there would be no compulsory quarantine for arrivals, but that unspecified health checks would take place. Portugal’s Covid-19 death total is fewer than 1,500 and its UK representative confirmed this would be how its airports will operate.

The country is expected to re-open to some flights in mid-June, when the border with Spain will also open. Hotels are expected to resume operations from the start of the month, with beaches open from 6 June.

Portugal’s islands will have separate arrangements. Madeira and nearby Porto Santo plan to reopen to international tourists on 1 July and will pay for Covid-19 tests for anyone not certified as virus-free 72 hours prior to arrival.

Porto Santo beach was the first in Europe to re-open and there are no restrictions on travel between the two islands. Visit Madeira said there had been 90 cases of Covid-19 on the island but no deaths.

It added: “Madeira was a pioneer in the whole of Portugal in developing a good practices document to deal with Covid-19. These measures will provide comfort to those who travel and it is ultimately for the wellbeing of all.”

The Azores is operating a similar testing requirement, but for those who opt for a test on arrival, it is not offering to pay and will require isolation in a designated hotel until the all-clear is given.