Do I Need ETIAS for Portugal? Everything You Need to Know

From its world-famous beaches with decadent seafood to its celebrated cities like Lisbon and Porto, Portugal sees millions of travelers every year. 

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, it can be confusing to understand which travel requirements apply to you, which don’t, and how to make sure you’re authorized and ready for departure. We’re here to help. 

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming trip to Lisbon, Faro, or wherever it is your Portuguese adventure takes you!

Do I need ETIAS to visit Portugal?

Yes, from 2025 on, if you do not have a valid visa, you will need ETIAS to visit Portugal (citizens of Schengen countries do not need ETIAS). 

This applies to citizens from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. For context, the Schengen area has visa-waiver agreements with these countries, as well as others. This agreement allows passport holders from these countries to enter the Schengen area without having to obtain a visa to do so. Portugal is a part of the Schengen area.

Instead of a visa, citizens from visa-waiver countries will need to get pre-travel authorization to travel to Portugal. This authorization is called ETIAS. It’s important to understand that ETIAS isn’t a visa – it’s approval to enter the area. If you’re hoping to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days, you will still need to apply for the appropriate Portuguese visa.

On the other hand, if you're not from a visa-exempt country (this applies to citizens of India, China, and more), you do not need ETIAS to travel to Portugal. Instead, you need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Citizens of Schengen countries do not need ETIAS to travel to Portugal.

Do I need ETIAS if I have a Portugal visa?

No. If you hold a valid visa for Portugal (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. You can think of it as a “one or the other” situation. 

How to apply for ETIAS for Portugal

Applying for an ETIAS for your trip to Portugal should only take 10-20 minutes and can be done entirely online. You’ll need your travel plans (such as destinations and dates), your passport, and a credit or debit card.

How to get ETIAS for Portugal: step-by-step

Step one: fill out the form on the official ETIAS site

You’ll need to fill in details such as your name, passport number, and nationality. You’ll also need to provide your travel details.

Step two: answer a few questions about your background.

According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.

Step three: pay the ETIAS fee

There is a small application fee when applying for ETIAS authorization. You can expect to pay 7 euros. This fee is waived for travelers under the age of 18 or over the age of 70. 

Step four: wait for approval

In most cases, ETIAS approval is granted in just a few minutes. However, it can take up to 30 business days for approval, so it’s best to plan accordingly and secure your ETIAS well ahead of time. 

Step five: travel to Portugal! 

Once your ETIAS is approved, you are now authorized to enter the Schengen area! Congratulations. ETIAS authorization is automatically linked to your passport once you’re approved. This means that authorities can see your approval when they scan your passport at the borders. It never hurts to save a digital copy or even print out your approval though, just in case. 

How long does Portugal ETIAS last? 

Your ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. To reapply, simply follow the steps above again. 

What if my ETIAS for Portugal is denied?

If your ETIAS is denied, you’ll receive an email outlining the reason(s) for refusal, as well as steps you can take to appeal the decision. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to travel to Portugal without ETIAS approval.

If I get an ETIAS for Portugal, can I travel to other Schengen countries with it?

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for Portugal: Key Takeaways 

• ETIAS is required for visitors to Portugal who do not have a Schengen visa/passport from 2025 on. 
• The ETIAS application is online and only takes a few minutes. 
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• US citizens need ETIAS to travel to Portugal from 2025 on.
• UK citizens need ETIAS to travel to Portugal from 2025 on.
• Portuguese/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Portugal visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application costs 7 euros (but is free for those under the age of 18 or over 70).
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization that permits you to enter a Schengen country. 
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea. 
• ETIAS permits you to enter any Schengen country and Cyprus, but entry isn’t guaranteed and will be decided by local border guards. 
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application. 
• Approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.