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What are the travel requirements to visit Portugal?

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The travel requirements to visit Portugal have changed significantly over recent years.

While they remain pretty simple, don’t get caught out.

Planning your Portuguese adventure? Here’s exactly what you need to know before packing your bags.

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Quick summary: Portugal entry requirements in 2025

  • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Only need a valid ID card or passport
  • UK citizens: Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond stay
  • US, Canadian, Australian citizens: Passport valid for 3 months beyond stay, no visa for stays under 90 days
  • Other nationalities: Check specific visa requirements with Portuguese Immigration Service
  • Health requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination proof needed as of March 2025

Now let’s break down the travel requirements for Portugal, so you can focus on planning the fun stuff!

Passport and visa requirements for Portugal

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens

If you’re from the EU, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, traveling to Portugal is straightforward:

  • Valid national ID card or passport is sufficient
  • No visa required
  • No restrictions on length of stay
  • No passport validity requirements beyond your stay dates

UK citizens (Post-Brexit)

Since Brexit, UK citizens face slightly different Portugal travel requirements:

  • Valid passport required
  • Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay
  • Passport must be less than 10 years old
  • No visa required for tourist stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period
  • Must have return/onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds (however I’m not aware of anyone who has been checked)

US, Canadian and Australian citizens

As a US, Canadian, or Australian citizen, your requirements for visiting Portugal include:

  • Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond planned departure date
  • No visa required for tourist stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period
  • Must have return/onward travel ticket
  • May need to show proof of sufficient funds (roughly €75 per day of stay)
  • May need to show proof of accommodation

Other nationalities

Portugal follows the standard Schengen Area visa policy. If you’re from a non-visa exempt country, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa before your trip.

For the most current information about visa requirements for your specific nationality, check the Portuguese Immigration Service or contact your nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate.

Health and COVID-19 requirements for Portugal

As of March 2025, Portugal has eliminated all COVID-related entry requirements. This means there is no longer a need for vaccination certificates, negative test results, passenger locator forms or any form of quarantine.

However, public health policies can change quickly. I recommend checking the Visit Portugal official website for the most current information before traveling.

Travel insurance requirements

While not strictly mandatory for all visitors, travel insurance is highly recommended for your trip to Portugal. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, travel insurance with medical coverage of at least €30,000 is required.

Even if you don’t need a visa, having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage can save you significant stress and money if something goes wrong.

For my last trip, I used EKTA, which offers good coverage specifically designed for travellers. There are many reputable options available including SafetyWing.

Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) offers access to state-provided healthcare on the same terms as locals in the country visited. It’s a vital document for UK residents travelling within the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA).

It’s the replacement to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the even older E111 form.

You can apply online, and the card is typically valid for up to five years. While the GHIC provides a helpful safety net, it’s always recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance.

Customs and import regulations

Here’s what you can bring in:

  • 200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco
  • 1 litre of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 litres of fortified wine or sparkling wine
  • 4 litres of still wine
  • 16 litres of beer
  • Other goods up to a value of €430 for air and sea travellers (€300 for other travellers)
A cobblestone street with tram tracks runs through a quaint neighborhood featuring pastel-colored buildings. The overcast sky adds a moody atmosphere, while parked cars line the side of the street. Make sure you're away of the travel requirements to visit Portugal!

Digital entry requirements: Portugal’s e-Gates

Portugal has implemented automated e-gates at major airports including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. These can significantly speed up your entry process.

You can use the e-gates if:

  • You are 18+ years old
  • You hold an EU/EEA/Swiss/UK/US/Canadian/Australian/New Zealand/Japanese/South Korean/Singapore passport
  • You have a biometric passport (with the chip symbol on the cover)

When I used the e-gate at Lisbon Airport last October, it took less than 30 seconds to process my entry – much faster than the traditional immigration lines!

Special entry requirements

Traveling with pets

If you’re bringing a pet to Portugal, you’ll need:

  • EU Pet Passport or veterinary certificate
  • Microchip identification
  • Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old if it’s the first vaccination)
  • For dogs entering from certain countries: tapeworm treatment

Traveling with children

When traveling with children to Portugal, especially if you’re not their parent or if you’re a single parent, you may need additional documentation:

  • Child’s birth certificate
  • Consent letter from the absent parent(s), ideally notarized
  • Court custody documents if applicable

Local laws and entry regulations

While Portugal is generally relaxed, there are some regulations to be aware of:

  • A tourist visa does not permit employment
  • Drone flying requires registration and adherence to specific rules
  • Religious sites may require modest dress
  • Always carry some form of ID (a photocopy of your passport is usually sufficient)

Preparation checklist: travel requirements to visit Portugal

To make sure you’ve covered all the Portugal entry requirements, use this handy checklist:

✔️ Valid passport or ID (depending on nationality)

✔️ Visa (if required for your nationality)

✔️ Travel insurance documents

✔️ Return or onward tickets

✔️ Accommodation details

✔️ Proof of sufficient funds

✔️ Special documentation for children (if applicable)

✔️ Pet documentation (if applicable)

Orange rooftops of Lisbon

Entry points to Portugal

Major International Airports

Some airlines enforce stricter passport validity requirements than the country itself

Land borders

  • Various crossing points from Spain (there are no border checks due to Schengen rules)

Seaports

  • Lisbon Cruise Terminal
  • Porto Leixões Cruise Terminal
  • Portimão Harbor

Once you’ve entered Portugal, there are no special requirements for traveling between different regions of the country. If you plan to visit other Schengen countries from Portugal, remember that your 90-day Schengen visa limit (if applicable) applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Portugal.

How to stay updated on Portugal travel requirements

Entry requirements can change, so before traveling, check these official sources:

Frequently Asked Questions: Portugal travel requirements

Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?

If you’re from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or South Korea (among others), you don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check with the Portuguese consulate or embassy in their country.

How long can I stay in Portugal as a tourist?

EU citizens can stay indefinitely. Non-EU visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the entire Schengen Area, not just Portugal.

Do I need travel insurance to enter Portugal?

While not mandatory for all visitors, travel insurance is strongly recommended and required if you’re applying for a Schengen visa. I always travel with insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation.

Final thoughts on Portugal travel requirements

Understanding the travel requirements for Portugal is the first step toward an amazing Portuguese adventure.

From the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve to the historic streets of Porto, this incredible country is well worth the small effort of ensuring your documentation is in order.

Have you travelled to Portugal recently? Share your experience with entry requirements in the comments below! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it for your upcoming trip planning.

This article was last updated on March 16, 2025. While we strive to provide the most current information, travel requirements may change. Always verify the latest requirements with official sources before traveling.

Tim has been hooked on travel since his first backpacking trip at 19 and has visited over 50 countries since. Along the way, he's called Vietnam, Syria, and Chile home (plus the UK, where he's originally from!).

He loves getting off the beaten path and experiencing the real culture of a place beyond the tourist hotspots. He squeezes in as much travel as he can around his 9-to-5 job.

He started Travels off the Cuff to make trip planning less of a headache (he hates planning holidays!) and to share the tips he's picked up along the way.

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