Documents to travel to Portugal
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe,which has allowed it to be a nation that, for approximately 3000 years, has been development witness from various towns. Many civilizations, such as the Phoenicians, Celts, Tartessians, Greeks and Romans, are part of the societies that have left their mark on the Portuguese territory. And thanks to that, this is the headquarters of multiple historical treasures.
However, perhaps what is most irresistible about Portugal are its beaches; especially those located in the Azores islands. But, there is so much to see in this country, that your vacation will not be limited to rest in front of the sea. Lisbon, its capital, is full of parks, towers and monuments so beautiful that, without a doubt, they are worthy of being framed in a postcard.
Additionally, in Lisbon there is the famous establishment “Belem cakes” that, since 1873, sweetens the palates of its customers with the most exquisite desserts of the locality. And speaking of good food, we warn you that the stews and sea dishestypical of the region, will make you lose your diet.
Portugal is also one of the most important venues of the religious tourism in the world. The devotion to Virgin of Fatimamoves thousands of national and foreign faithful to pilgrimage each year to Cova da Iria, locality where his sanctuary is located. So, if you are wondering which is the ideal place to live your next vacations, this is the answer. In short, it is a country with:
- High levels of security
- Many day and night options to enjoy
- Perfect weather
- Hospitable people who will feel very happy for your visit.
Portugal entry requirements
To the prepare your tripyou cannot ignore the organization of the immigration documents required of tourists. In the case of Portugal, the Portuguese authorities will authorize your entry into the country if you present the following requirements:
People who do not have Economy ways sufficient to cover the expenses of their stay, they must present a statement of responsibility issued by a citizen with permanent residence in the country. Said document implies that the person assumes, before the Portuguese authorities, the following commitments:
- Cover costs of the visitor’s accommodation, if it is impossible for the visitor to do so.
- If the stay is extended for a time greater than that allowed, it will assume the derived expenses of illegal stay.
Schengen visa application process
Portugal is one of the members of the Schengen Area. Consequently, the rules for the approval of short stay visas, are conditioned by the agreements concluded by the countries that are part of said area. Hence, tourists must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the application form and sign it. In case of traveling with minors or disabled people, this responsibility will correspond to their legal representative. You can download it by going to: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/schengen/formularios/formula_pt_092021.pdf
- recent photograph passport size.
- Valid travel document, whose minimum validity is three months after the date of departure. A copy of previous passports and visas must be attached (only if applicable).
- Reservation of transport tickets input and output.
- Hotel reservation or declaration of responsibility issued by a Portuguese citizen or foreigner who has permanent residence. You can download it here: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/termoderesponsabilidade.pdf Those staying with family members must attach proof of relationship.
- Accredit the economic conditions and labor through suitable documentation.
- travel medical insurance that is valid throughout the Schengen Area and whose coverage is a minimum of 30,000 EUR. It must cover expenses for hospital care, emergency health care and repatriation.
- Those who travel in order to participate in religious, sporting or cultural eventsthey must provide proof that proves their registration or invitation to them.
- Proof of legal statusif you apply from a country other than your nationality.
The request can be formalized from six months and up to 15 calendar days prior to the trip. In cases of justified urgency and once analyzed by the consular authoritiespetitions submitted with a shorter lead time.
The average time to respond to the request will be 15 calendar days. However, the authorities could take up to 45 days, if the case needed a detailed evaluation that implies the request of information to other government entities.
ETIAS travel permit
One aspect that you should keep in mind when plan your tripis the possibility of needing a ETIAS permit. Although until now the members of the Schengen Area have not reported the specific date, they have anticipated that it will enter in force in the year 2022so you will have to be careful.
Said permit has been designed with the aim of regulate income to the Schengen Area, of those people who currently enjoy the visa waiver. Until now, it has been announced on the official website that the authorization obliges the nationals from 60 countries. You can check the list here: https://www.etiasvisa.com/en/faq/european-countries-with-etias-visa
For the purposes of formalize the requestthe interested party must fill out a form with the data requested by the system. will require a Email addresswho will be notified of the decision, a debit or credit card to pay the fee and a valid passport.
The license validitywill be for three years and if approved, the foreigner will be able to travel through the Schengen Zone until 90 days per stay. It is advisable to enter the official portal and expand the information about it: https://www.etiasvisa.com/en/request-etias
Biosecurity measures related to COVID-19
As you know, the COVID-19 regulations vary in each country. In the case of Portugal, the government has decreed the state of calamity until March 2022. Therefore, a biosafety protocolby virtue of which the following requirements will be required at airports:
- Negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
- In case of not having a PCR test, a antigen test practiced within 48 hours prior to the flight.
- Fill the passenger locator formavailable in: https://portugalcleanandsafe.pt/en/passenger-locator-card
Presenting a negative test is a mandatory requirement for all travelers, regardless of their nationality or the size of a vaccination card. They are only exempt from it, the under 12 years old and people who have EU COVID digital certificate in recovery mode. Learn more about this document by going to: https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_es
Once in Portuguese territory, it will be mandatory to comply with the measures decreed by the governmentwhich we indicate below:
- Use of a mask in closed spaces.
- Capacity limitation in commercial establishments (one person for every 5 mtwo)
- Submit a EU COVID certificatevaccination card or negative test to enter hospitality establishments, gyms, academies and public events.
- file a negative test if you want to enter health care centers, residences for the elderly, nightclubs, bars and events that gather more than 5,000 attendees in an open space or 1,000 if the space is closed.
Failure to comply with these rules could lead to imposition of sanctions. Likewise, it is the power of the health authorities to order the compulsory confinement of those citizens who have been infected with COVID-19.
The measures decreed regarding the pandemic can harden or flexaccording to contagion levels registered in the country. For this reason, we recommend that you keep up to date with the news that arises about them and update information with airlines or travel agencies.
