ETIAS for Portugal

Travel to Portugal from US with ETIAS visa waiver

Portugal is a popular European destination for American tourists. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, you should know about ETIAS.

ETIAS will soon be an entry requirement for U.S. passport holders visiting Portugal. Find out about the ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Portugal, and how to apply online.

Travel to Portugal for tourism, business, or study

Americans can visit Portugal without a visa on vacation, to attend business meetings and events or for short-term study.

You cannot work in Portugal without a visa, or study for longer than 90 days.

Stay in Europe for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Your entire stay in the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.

This allowance can be spent in one European country, such as Portugal, or be divided between different member states.

Apply for ETIAS for Portugal

Starting 2026, U.S. citizens need ETIAS to travel to Portugal without a visa.

Applying for the online travel authorization will be essential for short trips to Portugal and other Schengen Area destinations.

Check the ETIAS application guidelines for information on how to apply.

ETIAS Portugal screening process and required information

ETIAS screens for security and high epidemic risks. Here’s how it works:

Visa-exempt non-EU citizens provide information

  • Personal details
  • Passport data
  • First country of entry
  • Occupation and education
  • Criminal records
  • Travel to conflict areas

etias-portugal

Information is automatically screened against security databases The information you provide on your ETIAS application form, for Portugal or any other Schengen Country, is automatically cross-checked against international security databases. These include:

  • Schengen Information System (SIS)
  • Visa Information System (VIS)
  • ETIAS Watchlist

In the unlikely event that there is an alert in any of the systems, the application will be manually reviewed by the ETIAS National Unit of Portugal.

Decision reached on the ETIAS for Portugal application Provided no risk is detected, ETIAS is granted. In most cases, this will be right after automatic processing. In other cases, this will be following manual review.

On approval, ETIAS for Portugal is linked to the U.S. passport.

If the ETIAS application is rejected, the applicant is notified by email and provided with instructions on how to appeal the decision.

What do I need to apply for ETIAS Portugal from the United States?

The ETIAS application is online from start to finish. You do not need to make an appointment at a Portuguese embassy or consulate.

All you need is your valid U.S. passport and a credit or debit card to pay the fees. You must also have an email address to submit a request.

Documents required to travel Portugal

To travel from the United States to Portugal without a visa you must carry the U.S. passport you used to apply for ETIAS. The passport must:

  • Be valid for at least 3 months after you’ll exit the Schengen Area at the end of your stay
  • Have an approved ETIAS linked to the passport number

Portuguese border officials will verify your ETIAS at the border. ETIAS does not guarantee entry. You must meet all entry conditions.

If you do not meet the ETIAS requirements for visa-free entry, you’ll need your U.S. passport and:

  • Relevant national visa
  • Supporting documents

You should contact your nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate if you need a visa for your stay.

Tourist Travel Information about Portugal

Portugal (República Portuguesa) is located in the Iberian peninsula in southwestern Europe.

It is the westernmost country of mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and the north and east by Spain.

The Portugal–Spain border is 1,214 kilometers (754 miles) long, making it the longest uninterrupted border within the European Union.

The republic also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, both autonomous regions with their own regional governments. ETIAS is required to travel to the Azores and Madeira.

Portugal has a unique culture, lively cities, and beautiful countryside. It is an increasingly popular destination among American tourists. Highlights include mountainous areas in the north-center area of the country and the beaches of the Algave.

About Portugal

Capital: Lisbon

Language: Portuguese

Area: 92.212 km²

Population: over 10 million

Timezone: UTC/GTM 1

Currency: euro (€)

Code: +351

U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal

If you need consular assistance during your stay in Portugal, you can contact the embassy in Lisbon.

Address: Avenida das Forças Armadas 1600-081 Lisboa, Portugal

There is also a U.S. consulate in Ponta Delgada.

Medical Information Health Advice for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Portugal

As always when traveling internationally, you should be up-to-date with routine vaccines for Portugal. Check with a medical professional in the weeks leading up to your trip.

Additional precautions may be recommended depending on your planned activities.

Do I need travel health insurance for Portugal?

Health insurance is not mandatory when traveling to Portugal with ETIAS. You do not need to provide proof of health coverage.

Nevertheless, comprehensive insurance is highly recommended. Travel health insurance can help protect you financially in case of unexpected medical expenses, accidents, or other emergencies that may occur during your trip.

Proof of insurance may be required when applying for some visas for Portugal. Check the requirements before you apply.

FAQs About Traveling From the U.S. to Portugal

How long is the ETIAS for Portugal valid? Toggle faqs

ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. ETIAS is also a multiple-entry permit. This means that you do not need to apply for a new visa waiver each time you travel to Europe.

Do Americans need ETIAS to transit in Portugal? Toggle faqs

You only need a visa to transit through Portugal if you will leave the international transit area of the airport. If you will stay in the airport, you do not need to apply for an ETIAS for Portugal.

Do I need ETIAS to travel to Madeira? Toggle faqs

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal and part of the Schengen Area. As a U.S. citizen, you’ll need ETIAS to travel to Madeira without a visa starting 2026.

Which other European countries can I visit with ETIAS? Toggle faqs

You can make the most of your trip to Portugal by visiting other countries where Schengen visa policy applies.

ETIAS is required to cross the external Schengen border, you can then travel between different member countries without further border checks.

Your ETIAS for Portugal is also valid for Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and several other popular European destinations.