Portugal is in Europe and part of the EU and the Schengen Area. It shares a visa policy with the other 25 Schengen countries and permits visa-free access to all members of the Schengen Area and EU.
Currently, a number of non-European citizens are able to travel to Portugal for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period without obtaining a visa or travel authorization in advance. For example, at present US citizens do not need a visa for Portugal for short stays, nor do citizens of Brazil, Canada, Japan, or Australia.
However, from November 2023, it is expected to become mandatory for these same visa-exempt citizens to pre-register for an ETIAS Portugal visa waiver before traveling to the country area for short stays. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization that permits multiple entries to all Schengen countries for a stay of 90 days with each entry.
ETIAS is not a visa. All those who don’t require an ETIAS need a visa for Portugal to travel to the country and are required to apply for a Portugal Schengen visa.
Unlike the ETIAS for Portugal, a Schengen visa is normally granted for travel to one individual Schengen state. To apply, it is necessary to download, print, and complete a Portugal Schengen visa application.
Applicants should then make an appointment at the nearest Portuguese diplomatic mission and bring along the completed Portugal visa application form and a passport valid for at least 3 months from the intended entry date to Portugal.
Portugal visa requirements also state that it is necessary to supply a range of supporting documents depending on the type of Schengen visa the applicant requires.
A Schengen visa for Portugal can be issued as a multiple, double, or single entry visa, and for a variety of purposes including for tourism, to study, or work, or to receive medical treatment. The period of stay permitted depends on the purpose of the traveler and the issuing consulate.