Portugal

Portuguese citizens hold one of the world’s most travel-friendly passports, which ranks 3ª globally. For this, Portuguese travelers can explore the world with minimal restrictions and visa-free access to more than a hundred countries.

For destinations that require prior authorization, citizens of Portugal can apply for travel permits such as an eVisa, eTA, ou Visa on Arrival (VoA), depending on the destination country’s immigration policy.

At present, Portuguese citizens can get an eVisa ou eTA approval for around 54 countries. Both processes are entirely online. With these, applicants can avoid embassy visits and lengthy paperwork. However, a few destinations still require a traditional visa, which must be applied for at an embassy or consulate.

Whether it’s a traditional visa or a digital one, Portuguese travelers must hold a valid passport with at least six (6) months’ validity beyond their intended stay for any kind of international travel.

As entry rules differ across countries, travelers should always check the most recent visa requirements before making travel plans.

Um eVisa is an online visa that travelers can apply for without going to the embassy or consulate. Once it’s approved, you can keep a copy on your phone or print it out to show at the airport.

Um Autorização eletrónica de viagem (eTA) is a travel permit that lets you enter a country without applying for a regular visa before your trip. In most cases, you can get the visa directly from immigration officers when you arrive.

You can also apply for an eTA online, just like an eVisa, and it will be sent to your email. The main difference is that while you can use your eVisa at any time within its validity, an eTA is only valid for a limited period.

You must enter the destination country within that time period to complete your visa process. If the time limit passes, your eTA becomes invalid, and you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Below is a list of countries that offer eVisa or eTA options for Portuguese citizens:

A Visto à chegada (VoA) enables Portuguese citizens to obtain a visa after arriving at the destination’s airport or land border. There are 10 países that allow Portuguese passport holders to enjoy the VoA service.

While generally quick, the process and fees can differ between countries and may change unexpectedly. For this reason, travelers are advised to verify the latest VoA rules of the destination country before travel.

Here’s the list of countries that offer the VoA option to Portuguese nationals:

With the passport ranking 3rd globally, the Portuguese passport grants visa-free access to 117 destinations worldwide. These agreements allow Portuguese travellers to stay there for 10 to 90 days, depending on the local immigration law.

Here are the countries that you can travel to without a visa as a Portuguese citizen:

While Portugal’s passport offers extensive global access, there remain 17 destinations where Portuguese citizens must need a traditional sticker or stamp visa before departure.

In these cases, travelers must apply through the nearest embassy or consulate, submit a complete visa form, recent photographs, and supporting documents such as proof of funds, itinerary, and accommodation details.

Some embassies also allow a hybrid submission process, where you fill out the visa form online and later submit your passport in person.

Processing times can vary significantly. It can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the country. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended that Portuguese travelers apply in advance (at least a few weeks) before their planned travel dates.

Below are the destinations that require a traditional visa for Portuguese citizens:

Como membro da União Europeia (UE) e o Espaço Schengen, Portugal enjoys seamless travel within the Schengen Zone. Portuguese citizens can stay, work, or study in any Schengen country without a visa.

Here are the Schengen and Associated countries that allow visa-free access to Portuguese citizens:

Most countries have some basic visa rules that are quite similar. Portuguese citizens who want to travel abroad usually need to meet the following conditions:

• Passaporte válido: Your passport should be valid for at least six (6) months after the date you plan to enter the country.
• Formulário de pedido de visto: You’ll need to fill out a visa application form. This can often be done online or directly at the embassy. The form usually asks for your personal info, travel details, purpose of visit, and some supporting documents.
• Fotografia: You’ll have to submit one or more passport-sized photos taken in the last three months. The photos should have a white background and clearly show your face.
• Bilhetes de avião: Some countries may ask you to show confirmed flight bookings for both your arrival and return.
• Comprovativo de alojamento/estadia: You might need to show proof of where you’ll be staying. It can be a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or an invitation letter from family or friends hosting you.

You can visit 198 countries with your Portuguese passport. This includes visa-free, visa-on-arrival, eVisa, and eTA countries. You can learn more in detail about the number of each option above in the article.

Since the Portuguese passport is ranked 3rd in the world, you can enter 117 countries without a visa. This includes the Schengen-associated countries and others. You can check the full list of visa-free countries above in the “Visa-Free Destinations” section.

The most reliable way to prove Portuguese citizenship is by showing a valid Portuguese passport or a Citizen Card. Other official documents, like a Portuguese birth certificate or a certificate of nationality issued by the Civil Registry, can also be used as proof in certain cases.

Sim, Portugal allows dual citizenship. Portuguese citizens can hold more than one nationality without having to give up their Portuguese one. This makes it easier for people with family or connections in other countries to keep both nationalities.

A Portuguese passport is usually valid for 10 years for adults (aged 18 and older) and 5 years for minors (under 18). Travelers should make sure their passport is valid for at least six months after their trip starts, as many countries require this for entry.