Originally Posted by
DaveReidUK
I don't think that's the reason. The system seems to be able to cope with a restriction on Portugal, but one which exempts arrivals from Madeira and the Azores.
I hadn't realised that Madeira and The Azores were exempt. That blows my theory out of the water.!
I have just checked the gov.uk website, and neither The Azores nor Madeira are excluded, unless I am missing something.