ETIAS FOR PORTUGAL

Passport holders from visa-free countries will soon be needed to register with ETIAS before visiting Portugal.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, which will be introduced in November 2023, aims to improve security across all Schengen Area nations, including Portugal.

ETIAS will supplement the EU’s visa liberalisation programme by allowing individuals of various nations visa-free entry to Portugal while also making Europe safer for residents and other tourists.

Eligible travellers must fill out a brief online application form with basic personal information and passport information in order to receive an ETIAS for Portugal.

PORTUGAL: BASIC INFORMATION

Portugal, formally the Republic of Portugal, is located in southern Europe and is the continent’s westernmost territory. It is also one of Europe’s oldest states.

The Azores and Madeira, both autonomous territories of Portugal, are included in its boundaries. Portugal has a total land area of 92,090 km2 (35,560 sq mi).

Portugal is bordered by one other ETIAS country: Spain. This land boundary is 1,214 kilometres long (754 mi).

Travellers holding an authorised ETIAS for Portugal can use the same authorization to cross the border into Spain. This is due to the Schengen Agreement, which resulted in border-free movement throughout the European countries where the Schengen visa policy is in effect.

Portugal is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which includes the islands of Madeira and the Azores. Portugal has a total coastline length of 1,794 kilometres (1,115 mi).

Portugal has a moderate climate, with lower temperatures in the north and warmer temperatures in the south. The Algarve in southern Portugal is dry and sunny, with typical July temperatures of 84.2 oF (29 oC).

PORTUGAL AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

Portugal has been an EU member since January 1986, when it joined the union alongside neighbouring Spain. In terms of GDP, Portugal is placed 46th in the world.

Portugal exports 76% of its goods to other EU nations, namely Spain, France, and Germany. The wholesale and retail trades are the most important economic sectors.

Portugal currently has 21 members in the European Parliament. José Manuel Barroso, a Portuguese politician, served as President of the European Commission for nearly ten years, from 2004 to 2014.

Portugal is also a member of the Schengen Zone. It signed the pact on June 25, 1991, with the goal of removing borders by 1995.

As a result, the country has been participating in the development of ETIAS in recent years. Europe’s visa waiver has been in the works since 2016, and it will go into effect in November 2023.

PORTUGAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

According to National Statistics Institute figures, a record 27 million visitors visited Portugal in 2019, up 7.3% over the previous year.

Tourists visit Portugal to enjoy the country’s beaches, attractive towns, and historical and religious sites. The capital, Lisbon, is the most popular location for international travellers, followed by the Algarve on the south coast.

Another factor contributing to Portugal’s appeal among visitors from outside the European Union is the country’s visa-free policy, which enables third-country nationals to remain for up to 90 days without a visa.

To lawfully enter Portugal or any of the other European Schengen Area countries without a visa, eligible passport holders will soon be needed to apply for ETIAS, the European visa waiver. ETIAS will also be required to travel Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania, who are all in the process of becoming members of the Schengen Area.

ETIAS is also applicable to business travellers. This is advantageous considering that Portugal is a popular destination for congresses, conferences, and meetings, ranking 13th in the globe in the International Congress and Convention Association’s 2018 report (ICCA).

IS MEDICAL INSURANCE NEEDED FOR PORTUGAL?

When visiting Portugal, citizens of other EU member states should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The holder of this card has access to Portuguese healthcare.

The nationality and kind of authorization requested determine whether a non-EU citizen needs health insurance to visit Portugal.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS PORTUGAL

ETIAS will soon be required for visitors visiting Portugal from EU member countries that do not require a visa for Europe.

While it is not required by ETIAS, international visitors to Portugal are advised to obtain health insurance for peace of mind.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR PORTUGAL

Those who do not qualify for ETIAS should apply for a Schengen visa instead.

Travellers must be able to show documentation that they have purchased health insurance that is valid across the Schengen Area and has a minimum coverage of €30,000.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT PORTUGAL BORDER CONTROL

Passport holders from other EU nations will not undergo border checks while entering the Republic of Portugal due to free movement in the Schengen travel zone. When entering Portuguese territory, they should only bring their ID with them.

Foreigners from a variety of non-EU countries can remain in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. Currently, just a valid passport is required to benefit from the visa liberalisation programme; but, with the implementation of ETIAS in November 2023, a visa waiver for Europe will become needed.

Those from outside Europe who are not citizens of an ETIAS-eligible nation must seek a visa for Portugal instead. To obtain a Schengen visa, the following documents must be presented:

• Passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the stay in the Schengen Area
• Proof of sufficient funds for the entire duration of the stay
• Evidence of onward travel arrangements in the form of a flight booking

When arriving in Portugal from abroad, visitors should be prepared to answer inquiries concerning the purpose of their trip.

ARRIVING IN PORTUGAL BY PLANE, CAR AND TRAIN

The majority of foreign travellers fly to Portugal. Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT), often known as Lisbon Airport, is the city’s primary international airport, serving over 20 million people every year.

Lisbon Airport is conveniently located roughly 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from the city centre and is accessible by taxi or public transportation.

High-speed trains connect Spain and Portugal. Before crossing the border, the service travels from Madrid and makes stops in Spanish cities such as Salamanca and Fuentes de Oro.

The train makes many stops in Portuguese cities before arriving at its final destination, Lisbon Santa Apoloia. The rail ride from Spain to Portugal takes 9 hours and 5 minutes.

Driving across the land border shared by Portugal and Spain is another alternative, and it is simple because there are no checks.

VISITING PORTUGAL

Portugal draws tourists from all walks of life due to its diverse selection of tourist attractions, which includes classic beach vacations, city breaks, vineyard vacations, and more specialty excursions such as health, nature, and rural tourism.

Portugal’s primary tourist attractions are the capital city of Lisbon, the second biggest city, Porto, as well as beach resorts in the Algarve, Madeira, and the Azores islands. Although other locations, such as the Douro Valley and the Alentejo island, are gaining appeal.

Portugal has a rich history, having played an important role in the European Age of Discovery and Exploration. Visitors may learn about the various explorers who departed Portuguese coastlines centuries ago in pursuit of trade routes and new places.

Visitors to Portugal will also encounter breathtaking scenery and picturesque countryside in and around places of note such as Coimbra and Sintra.

The cuisine of Portugal includes fine seafood and pastéis de Belém, a delicious egg custard pastry. Port, a fortified wine made in Portugal’s Douro Valley, is the preferred beverage throughout the country.

ETIAS PORTUGAL FAQS