Understanding Visa Requirements for Visiting Portugal
Golden beaches, cobblestone lanes, and the scent of chargrilled seafood await in Portugal. However, before you embark on your journey to Europe’s sunniest coastline, it is fundamental to be familiar with the latest entry requirements.
Citizens from numerous countries need a visa to visit Portugal. Moreover, those exempt from this requirement, such as citizens from the US, the UK, and Australia, will face new mandates beginning in mid-2024. Below is an overview of Portugal’s visa criteria, including duration of stay and information on extending your visit if you find it hard to leave.
Travel is Easy for Schengen Area Citizens
Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area, a group of 26 European countries facilitating seamless travel among them. Consequently, citizens from these nations do not require a visa for a visit to Portugal. However, if their stay exceeds three months, a registration certificate must be requested.
Non-EU Citizens with Visa-Free Access for Now
Individuals from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Israel, Japan, and Singapore can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days within a six-month timeframe without needing a visa. Furthermore, a number of Latin American nations share similar privileges.
After spending 90 days, travelers must exit the Schengen Area for at least 90 days before re-entering. Stays exceeding 90 days necessitate a visa. However, changes are expected in 2024 when Portugal will introduce a new visa-waiver program.
Visa Requirements for Certain Nationalities
Citizens from countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, Turkey, and South Africa are required to obtain a visa to visit Portugal. The most common type for tourists is the Schengen visa, which permits travel across any Schengen country, including Portugal, for up to 90 days. A comprehensive list of nations needing a visa to enter Portugal is available via the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Applications for the Schengen visa should be directed to the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, the application should be submitted to the embassy of the country where the longest stay is planned. The fee for Schengen visas is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 12, while there is no charge for children under 6.
To extend your visa while in Portugal (or during a 90-day period of visa-free stay), it is advisable to contact the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Foreigners and Borders Service). This organization has offices in major cities, allowing you to schedule an appointment and download the requisite visa extension forms from their website.
Youth Mobility Visa for Working Holidays
Citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, and the USA are eligible to apply for Youth Mobility Visas, which essentially function as working holiday visas. This allows them to visit Portugal for tourism for up to a year and work for up to six months during their stay. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, with different age limits for some countries. They must also present a return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. Notably, this visa is non-extendable and can only be granted once per individual.
Covid Travel Requirements Lifted
All Covid-related travel requirements were eliminated as of July 1, 2022. Consequently, travelers are no longer required to provide vaccination proof or a recovery certificate for entry into Portugal. However, it’s essential to stay informed and check any latest requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Introducing the New ETIAS Scheme in 2024
The EU plans to implement a significant change impacting certain travelers heading to Portugal and other EU countries. In mid-2024, a new visa-waiver program known as ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will come into effect. This program’s initial launch scheduled for May 2023 has been postponed to an unspecified date in 2024.
Essentially, ETIAS will replace the existing visa-free travel arrangements for non-Schengen Area tourists. Thus, citizens from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and over 50 additional countries will need to complete an ETIAS travel authorization before their arrival. This involves filling out an online form, supplying passport information, and paying a small fee (approximately €7 per individual).
Authorized applications will be sent via email, typically granting approval within an hour for most applicants. Standard regulations apply, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period.
It’s important to note that this change does not impact citizens from countries previously requiring a visa — their processes will remain unchanged. Likewise, citizens and residents of the Schengen Area will continue to be exempt from ETIAS requirements.
