World Country Guide

Note
Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport and visa regulations in the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use This Guide.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond intended departure required by all except:
1. EU nationals and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland holding valid national ID cards.

Note
(a) Passport validity depends on nationality; for nationals of the UK, the passport must be valid for the duration of the stay in Portugal. (b) 2. A return or onward ticket and funds of ¬75 plus ¬40 per day are obligatory for all except nationals of the EU, Iceland and Norway.

Visas
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals referred to in the chart and under passport exemptions above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. However, nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia and Sri Lanka always require a transit visa, even when not leaving the airport transit area; contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for details.

Types of visa and cost
A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for touristic, private or business visits. There are three types of Schengen visa: Short-stay, Transit and Airport Transit. Visa costs are dependent on the tariff charges of the issuing country and prices may vary with exchange rates. Check with your local Embassy for the most up-to-date prices.

Note
A Schengen visa will be issued free of charge to the spouse and children of an EU national, upon presentation of the original marriage or birth certificate and a valid EU passport. For children, original full birth certificates are required.

Validity
Transit visas are valid for single or two entries of maximum five days, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended; a new application must be made each time.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) responsible for your place of residence; see Contact Addresses section. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Application requirements
Tourism: (a) Passport or official travel documents accepted by Schengen countries, valid for at least three months longer than the validity of the visa, with blank page for attachment of visa sticker. (b) Application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Proof of purpose of visit in the form of an official letter of invitation from host or business partner, provisional ticket booking and hotel booking where appropriate. (e) Proof of sufficient funds and medical insurance may also be required. (f) Fee (payable in cash or by postal order). (g) For postal applications, a large self-addressed envelope, stamped for registered or recorded delivery. (h) For applicants driving to Portugal, registration document, proof of legal ownership of the vehicle, driving licence and insurance papers. Applicants entering Portugal by land must register with the Police within three days of arrival. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Letter from employer or, if self-employed, from solicitor, accountant, bank manager or local Chamber of Commerce stating purpose and duration of the visit. This should be faxed to the relevant Consulate at least 48 hours before submitting an application. References may also be required.

Working days required
From a few days to a few weeks. Apply in plenty of time.

Temporary residence
Contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for further details; see Contact Addresses section.