Traveling to Portugal

While this article aims to provide the most up-to-date information on visiting Portugal, it is strongly advised that you check with your local Portuguese embassy or consulate for the most recent information about entry requirements.

Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?

Whether you do or don't need a visa to enter Portugal depends on your passport.

Portugal is a member state of the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries. There are no border controls in the area, and residents of Schengen countries can travel within the Schengen Zone with just a form of ID.

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member state, you can travel, live and work in Portugal without a visa or a work permit. However, if you plan to stay in the country for over six months, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

You can apply for this certificate at your local city council. Typically, the following documents are needed:

• A valid form of ID (passport, travel ID, etc.);
• Confirmed written offer of employment from a company in Portugal OR proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family throughout your stay;
• Health insurance to cover you throughout your intended stay;
• Citizens of non-EU/EFTA countries will need a visa to enter Portugal (even for a period of less than three months) — unless they come from one of the 61 countries that have an agreement with Portugal that allows their citizens to visit Portugal visa-free. Among others, these countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.

Check with your local Portuguese consulate or embassy whether you need a visa to visit Portugal.

Note that even if you don't need a visa for a short stay in Portugal, you will still need to apply for a long-term visa or residence permit if you plan to stay in the country for over three months. Unlike EU/EFTA nationals, you will need to apply for such a visa/residence permit BEFORE arriving in Portugal.

Read also Work visas in Portugal

Short-stay visas to Portugal

A short-stay visa to Portugal allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You can travel to the country for tourism, business, family visits, temporary employment, transit, etc. On this visa, you will also be able to visit other countries in the Schengen Area.

To apply for a short-stay visa to Portugal, you should visit your local Portuguese embassy or consulate. Together with the required documentation, you will need to pay a fee of 80€. In some counties, you will also be charged additional service fees. However, these should not be more than half of the standard fee.

Short-stay visas in Portugal

There are several types of short-term visas in Portugal:

Standard short-stay visa

This visa allows you to stay in Portugal for 90 days in a 180-day period and is granted for the purpose of tourism, business, short-term work, family visits, etc. To apply for a standard short-term visa to Portugal, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Valid ID;
• Passport-sized photos;
• Medical insurance coverage;
• Proof that you can support yourself financially throughout your stay;
• Return tickets;
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal;
• Documents explaining the purpose of your visit (business conference invitation, proof of family ties in Portugal, etc.);

Seasonal work visa

A visa for applicants who are staying in the country for less than 90 days for seasonal work. It is very popular in fields such as agriculture and tourism.

Job search visa

This visa allows individuals to enter and stay in the country while searching for employment opportunities. Holders can work until the visa expires or until they receive a residence permit. Initially granted for 120 days, it can be extended for an additional 60 days and only allows single entry.

Highly qualified activity visa

It is a temporary residency visa for individuals engaged in scientific research at research centers, teaching positions in higher education institutions, or highly skilled work for durations of less than one year.

Study visa

This type of visa is granted to those who plan to study in Portugal for a period of over 90 days but under a year. To apply for a temporary study visa, you will need to provide proof that you are officially enrolled in a course at an accredited educational establishment in Portugal.

Read also Studying in Lisbon

Internship/training/volunteering visa

You can apply for this type of visa if you are involved in professional training, volunteer program or internships in Portugal. To apply for the visa, you will need to provide proof that you will be involved in these activities for a period that exceeds 90 days and is no longer than a year.

Medical treatment visa

As the name suggests, this type of visa is granted to those who need to undergo medical treatment in Portugal — or those accompanying those undergoing medical treatment. You will need to submit medical forms detailing the applicant's condition, proof of a treatment program available in a medical institution in Portugal, and proof of relationship to the patient (for accompanying applicants).

Youth mobility visa

This is a special type of visa available to young people (generally aged 18 to 30) from nine countries. The purpose of travel, in this case, can be studying, training, cultural exchange, volunteer work, etc. Citizens of the following countries can participate in the program: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru and South Korea.

Self-support visa

This visa is granted under exceptional circumstances to those who want to reside in Portugal for a period that is over 90 days but under a year. You will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your stay — and offer valid reasoning for why you need to stay in Portugal during this time.

Religious stay visa

This visa is granted to those who are traveling to Portugal to undertake religious studies at an accredited religious institution. To apply, you will need to provide proof that you are enrolled in a religious training program.

Entering Portugal

Portugal is a safe and modern country and easy to access from within Europe, or from outside the EU,via international airports or the train and bus systems. You will find the water safe to drink, and all food and produce are of a high standard, as per EU regulations.

Generally, no vaccinations are required to enter Portugal. However, if you will be spending time in rural parts of the country and in the outdoors, it is advisable to be up-to-date on your Hepatitis A and to have a valid tetanus shot.

Useful links:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Short Stay Visa

European Comission - Schengen Visa