Are you intending to visit the Algarve on holiday in the foreseeable future? If so, and you’re visiting from abroad, it might be helpful for you to know the visa requirements to enter Portugal.
This way, you can plan in advance and obtain any travel authorisations you might need, so you can spend more time relaxing and dreaming about what you’d like to do in Southern Portugal! With this in mind, please find an overview of Portugal’s visa rules below.
Portugal is a member state of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Zone, meaning that if you’re visiting from a country that’s also part of the EU or the Schengen bloc, you don’t require authorisation to enter this Western Mediterranean nation or the Algarve.
This includes nearby Spain to the East, France, Germany or any other of the 26 member states. Instead, you can come and go as you please, which makes things easier for your holiday!
Brits Can Visit Algarve Visa-Free Until End of Brexit Transition
In the case of the United Kingdom, although the UK has now officially left the EU due to Brexit, the UK retains the rights and obligations of an EU state until the finish of the transition period, currently slated for the end of 2020.
Fortunately, this means that, for the moment, if you’re British and travelling to the Algarve, you don’t require any sort of visa.
However, after the transition period, the rules may change for Brits. In particular, it’s thought that holidaymakers from the UK to Portugal will have to obtain what’s called an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), the EU’s upcoming visa waiver, from late 2022 onwards.
This is because, once the UK/EU future arrangement negotiations conclude, the UK will constitute a third-party nation outside the EU.
EU to Introduce ETIAS Visa Waiver for Americans, Brits from Late 2022
Under the EU’s upcoming system, you’ll also have to apply for an ETIAS if you’re visiting Portugal from a country that’s currently exempt from needing authorisation to enter. This includes Americans, Australians, Canadians, Japanese, and the citizens of around 60 other nations.
The EU is introducing its visa waiver, to limit the risk of terrorism in Europe and better track the comings and goings of visitors. Notably, the system was due to come into force in late 2021, but has since been pushed back a year.
Fortunately, although the ETIAS will add a layer of bureaucracy for Brits, Americans and other international visitors to Portugal, the EU is simplifying the process as much as possible. You’ll be able to apply online from any internet-connected device via Electronic Visa (eVisa) services such as Byevisa.
To be eligible, you’ll just need a passport that’s valid for 6 months from when you’ll enter the EU, and to enter some personal/passport information. The ETIAS will cost €7, and applying will take around 10 minutes.
It’s worth noting that everyone will be required to pay the ETIAS fee, except minors (those under the age of 18) or people over 70. So if you’re intending to visit Portugal with your children, or you’re travelling to the Algarve in your retirement, you’re in luck! The EU will go easier on your wallet.
A further feature of the upcoming ETIAS is that you’ll be able to renew it even from the Algarve, or any other part of the EU, while you’re already there. You apply online at least 120 days or fewer to extend your authorisation.
So if you’re visiting Portugal with a visa waiver near the end of its lifespan and you need to extend it, you can relax. You can do so from your beach deckchair right from your smartphone!
ETIAS to Allow 90-Day Visits, Visa Waiver Valid for 3 Years
Another advantage of the ETIAS is that you’ll be able to use the same one to visit the Algarve repeatedly. All-in-all, the visa waiver will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue, and allow you to visit Portugal for up to 90 days each within each 180 day period.
In addition, you’ll be able to visit other EU member states with your waiver. So if you feel like hopping the border to Spain’s nearest important city of Huelva, you can do that.
Also, unlike a traditional visa, you won’t receive a paper copy of your ETIAS. Instead, it will be electronically linked to the passport that you applied with.
So when you go to board your flight, you won’t need to take any extra documentation. You just show your passport, which the airline check-in staff scan to see you’re authorised. Easy!
Indians, Russians to Continue to Need Schengen Visa to Visit Algarve
If you intend to visit the Algarve from a country that’s neither in the EU or Schengen Zone, and is ineligible to obtain an ETIAS, you’re required to obtain what’s called a Schengen visa. This applies to the citizens of over 100 countries, including South Africans, Indians, Chinese and Russians.
Like the upcoming ETIAS, the Schengen visa allows you to visit the Algarve for up to 90 days each. To apply for the Schengen visa, you must visit your nearest Portuguese embassy.
You need to provide supporting documentation including a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival with 2 blank pages, plus proof of health insurance for the duration of your visit.
It’s believed that, once the ETIAS system goes online, the requirements and method to obtain a Schengen visa will remain the same as at present.
So there you have it! That’s everything you need to know about visa authorisations to visit the Algarve, both under the current arrangements and looking ahead to the ETIAS. Get your paperwork in order before your holiday, so you can relax when you go.
By Peter Lavelle at the Electronic Visa (eVisa) service Byevisa. Peter has lived in the Mediterranean since late 2011, and frequently visits Portugal on holiday.
Article written 2/6/2020. Please note visa requirements and regulations can change so we recommend checking the lastest information before making any travel arrangements.
