Do I require a visa to visit Portugal?

With golden beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and the aroma of grilled seafood, Portugal beckons. Before you finalize your travel plans to Europe’s sunniest coastline, ensure you’re informed about the latest entry regulations.

While citizens from various countries need a visa to enter Portugal, those from the US, UK, and Australia will face new requirements beginning in mid-2024. Here’s a summary of Portugal’s visa guidelines, detailing how long you can stay and how to extend your trip if you find it hard to leave.

Traveling is simple if you’re a citizen of the Schengen Area

Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area, a group of 26 European nations that permit free movement among them. Consequently, citizens of these countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal, but those staying longer than three months must apply for a registration certificate.

Some non-EU nations currently benefit from easy travel

Citizens from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Israel, Japan, and Singapore can visit Portugal for up to 90 days within a six-month timeframe without needing a visa. Several non-Schengen European countries and numerous Latin American nations enjoy the same privilege as well.

After a 90-day stay, travelers must exit the Schengen Area for at least 90 days before returning. For stays exceeding 90 days, a visa is required. Changes are coming in 2024 with the introduction of a new visa-waiver program in Portugal. Check the final section below for further details.

Countries like India, Nepal, and Turkey need a visa

Citizens from several nations, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Turkey, and South Africa, are required to obtain a visa to visit Portugal. The most common visa for tourists is the Schengen visa, which permits travel across any Schengen country, including Portugal, for the duration of its validity (typically 90 days). A full list of countries needing a visa to enter Portugal can be found on the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

To apply for your Schengen visa, visit the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country. If you intend to explore multiple Schengen countries, including Portugal, submit your application at the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to stay the longest. Schengen visa fees are €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 12 (free for children under 6).

If you wish to extend your visa while in Portugal (or a 90-day visa-free stay), reach out to the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (Foreigners and Borders Service), which operates in most major cities. You can schedule an appointment and download the necessary visa extension forms from the organization’s website.

Obtain a Youth Mobility Visa for a working holiday

Citizens from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, and the USA can apply for Youth Mobility Visas, which function as working holiday visas. These visas permit travelers to stay in Portugal for tourist activities for up to a year and work for up to six months during that time. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (31 for Peru and Australia; 35 for Canada) and provide a return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. This visa cannot be extended and is granted only once per individual.

Portugal has eliminated all Covid travel restrictions

As of July 1, 2022, all Covid-related travel requirements have been removed, meaning travelers no longer need to present proof of vaccination or recovery certificates to enter Portugal. This policy could change, so it’s advisable to verify the latest entry requirements in advance on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Introducing the new ETIAS program in 2024

The EU has made a significant commitment that will impact certain travelers heading to Portugal and other EU countries. In mid-2024, a new visa-waiver initiative known as ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be implemented; this program was initially set for May 2023 but has been postponed to an unspecified date in 2024.

Essentially, ETIAS will take the place of the current visa-free travel system for visitors from outside the Schengen Area. Citizens from the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and over 50 other nations will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization before arriving. This involves completing an online form, providing passport information, and paying a small fee (approximately €7 per person).

The official authorization will be sent via email, with most applicants receiving approval in under an hour. The standard rules still apply: you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

It’s important to note that this change does not affect citizens from countries that previously required visas; their process remains unchanged. Additionally, there are no modifications for citizens and residents of the Schengen Area, who are exempt from ETIAS requirements. A complete list of nationalities needing to apply for an ETIAS visa can be found here.