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Welcome to our Visit Portugal Virtual Marketplace

January 25-26, 2022 | 1-5PM ET

Bem-vindos!

We are excited to welcome you to this LIVE virtual event that will enable you to make direct connections with Portugal’s leading partners who are eager to serve your clients.

During this interactive and engaging event, you will hear from Visit Portugal leadership, meet more than 40 Portuguese suppliers and airlines operating between Portugal and the US and grow your business in 2022 and beyond.

Find out more about suppliers attending  HERE , including DMCs, Hotels & Local Accommodation, Airlines and the National and Regional Tourism Boards.   Event format: Both prescheduled meetings and drop-in meetings.  

Marketplace Appointment Scheduling: Is now open and you’ll receive the link to the online scheduling program after you register for the event.

If you had already registered for the December event you do not have to register again and can start booking appointments by logging in with the same email address used to register for the past event.  

Questions: Platform and Appointment Scheduling: Jack Fenning, [email protected] Destination and Suppliers: [email protected]

Register now for free and attend our upcoming Visit Portugal Virtual Marketplace to increase your knowledge and training about the destination and help you drive bookings and increase your business. Not to mention a chance to win great prizes!

After completing your registration, you will receive a link to choose the suppliers you want to meet and complete your one-on-one meetings schedule.

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First Look: Visit Portugal’s New 'Close to US' Marketing Campaign

Photo: Visit Portugal 

On Friday, Visit Portugal unveiled its new North American marketing campaign in New York City, showcasing its “Close to US” brand activation in digital billboards in Times Square.

The campaign, Visit Portugal said, is meant to showcase the diversity of tourism offered in Portugal, a country that is about 88% of the size of Kentucky, but one that is still incredibly diverse, with “nature to history, from waves to heritage, from citizen to villages,” and more.

Visit Portugal said that it expects the campaign to reach 500 million people worldwide, including during this holiday week, which is one of the most popular times for North Americans to book future travel.

To coincide with the campaign, and with the kick-off of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s wax figure will be at Madame Tussauds wax museum from November 21, 2022, in a space dedicated to the Portuguese athlete called:  The CR7 Experience.  The public visiting the Madame Tussauds Museum will also see films about Portugal.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most accomplished football icons of our time and we were thrilled to be team up with Visit Portugal for this special Time Square reveal; it's an incredible opportunity to shine a light on the beautiful country and holiday destination of Portugal," said Madame Tussauds New York Head of Marketing Tiago Mogadouro.

The U.S. had long been a strong inbound market for Portugal. According to Visit Portugal, the U.S. market share in Portugal is growing at a clip of 18.8% for guests, 19.5% for overnight stays, and 45% for tourist revenues, for 2022 compared to 2019. The country hopes the new campaign helps those trends continue in 2022 and 2023. 

Visit Portugal also said that it expects to continue to grow its presence in the U.S. travel market, with a focus on trade shows, road shows, workshops, and more. 

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Everything You Need to Know about Portugal Travel Requirements

You might worry about Portugal travel requirements, whether you’re taking a vacation or relocating to the country. No doubt, Portugal is a fine place to be. It has breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and delicious food. 

What I’m about to share in this article, is a comprehensive guide on Portugal travel requirements for first-timers.

This article will help you familiarize yourself with the country’s travel requirements, especially if you’re coming from outside the European Schengen Area. 

What do you need to travel to Portugal from anywhere?

Your passport is your key to entry. Ensure it has at least 3 months of validity beyond your intended departure date and contains at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Furthermore, your passport must:

• Be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country
• Must have at least 3 months of validity left after the date you plan to leave Portugal.

Always ensure that your passport meets these requirements. You can also contact your embassy if you think your passport does not meet the requirements. Renew your passport if necessary.

For most countries, you will need a visa to travel to Portugal. However, for stays under 90 days within a 180-day period, citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, don’t need a visa. 

Other countries that can travel to Portugal visa-free for short stays includ e Estonia, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Belgium, Austria, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

However, if you’re unsure about your visa status, it’s crucial to check with the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate well in advance.

Other Essentials

To ensure a smooth border crossing, you also need to have proof of the purpose of travel to Portugal. 

This boils down to documents such as hotel reservations, tickets to a show, invitation letters from friends/relatives, booked tours, and your onward travel itinerary (like a plane ticket). You may also need to present your return ticket and proof of accommodation. 

Furthermore, you will need proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement) readily available. You’ll need to have a minimum of €45 (or 47.43 USD) per day to visit Portugal

Documents Required for Short-stay Portuguese Visa Application (Portugal Schengen Visa Application)

• Your passport (following the instructions above)
• A completed and signed Portugal visa application form
• Two passport-sized photographs taken in the last three months
• A round-trip reservation or itinerary 
• Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros
• A copy of the photo page of your passport 
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Portugal using your bank account statement or sponsorship letter
• Proof of your accommodation in Portugal such as hotel booking or rental agreement or Letter of invitation from a host in Portugal (where applicable).
• Proof of paid visa fee
• Minors must additionally provide birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent

Additional Considerations

• Traveling with minors: If traveling with minors, specific requirements may apply depending on whether they’re traveling alone, with one parent, or both. Generally, Portuguese law demands that foreign minors under 18 years entering or exiting Portugal must have an authorisation letter of Parental consent to travel. 
• Long-term stays: If you plan to stay in Portugal for more than 3 months, registering your presence with the authorities is mandatory. You can complete this process at any immigration office or police station within 3 business days of arrival.

COVID-19 Updates – Do I need Vaccinations to Travel to Portugal?

As regulations can change quickly, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for Portugal. 

You can find the most recent information on the official Portuguese government website or through travel advisories from your country’s embassy/consulate in Portugal. Nevertheless, here are some common requirements and steps you can expect:

• A valid vaccination EU Digital COVID Certificate (with a complete vaccination schedule or a complete COVID-19 vaccination schedule and vaccine booster)
• Or a valid proof of vaccination certificate or recovery certification issued by a third country under reciprocal conditions from the CDC
• Or a negative COVID-19 or RT-PCR Test at about 72 hours before boarding 
• Or a negative Laboratory Rapid Antigen Test about 24 hours before boarding. 
• Or a valid test or recovery EU Digital COVID Certificate.

There are however, exemptions for children and kids under the age of 12. 

Steps to travel to Portugal

if it’s your first time traveling to another country, especially Portugal, you might be concerned about the full details of the entry process. Here’s what you must know.

• Ensure you have a visa when you need one. Portugal is part of the Schengen area. So there might be circumstances (as explained before) where you might need or not need a visa.
• You can get your visa by visiting the embassy or consulate of Portugal. Make sure you allow at least 15 calendar days before your journey when applying for the short-stay visa. Furthermore, the earliest you can apply is three months before your trip. 
• Get a clear stamp on your passport when you first enter the Schengen area. Airlines might refuse boarding, if you don’t have proof of entry or have overstayed your visa. 
• Always carry your passport. This is important especially when crossing borders in the Schengen area. 
• Stay updated on entry and exit conditions. It can change at any time. So you need to pay attention to the guidelines in the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service , or your embassy/consulate of Portugal . 

Furthermore, once you arrive in Portugal, you’ll need to pass through border protocols before entering the country. On occasion, this means going to the dedicated lane for foreign arrivals. There you must present your passport to be stamped. 

The Portuguese border authorities might also ask for additional confirmation such as the purpose of your trips and whether you have sufficient information. Do note that sometimes they might not ask for additional information. But it’s always best to have your valid documents with you to provide proof where necessary. 

Finally, your passport is stamped and you can enter Portugal freely. Remember if you entered for a short stay, you have only 90 days within 180 days to stay in Portugal.

It is unwise to overstay your visa (or short-stay). Doing so attracts a fine and you might be banned from entering in the future. 

Decoding Portugal’s Customs Regulations

Another important part of learning about Portugal travel requirements is knowing what you can bring into the country. Familiarizing yourself with Portugal’s customs regulations is important to avoid any unnecessary delays or issues upon arrival. 

Fortunately, Portugal has a generous duty-free allowance for travelers entering from non-EU countries. Here’s a quick guide on what you can carry on your person. But also remember that you must be above 17 years old before this applies to you. And if you carry beyond the allowances, you must declare them and pay the duty on the excess amount. 

• Tobacco: 40 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco.
• Alcohol: 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content of over 22% OR 2 liters of spirits with less than 22% alcohol content OR 4 liters of wine OR 16 liters of beer.
• Perfume: 250ml of eau de toilette or 50ml of perfume.
• Other goods: Goods for personal use up to a value of €430.

Portugal’s Currency Exchange

Portugal uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. This simplifies things for travelers who are coming from or will be visiting other European countries. Plus, you can always exchange your country’s currency at a variety of options including banks, airport exchange booths, and currency exchange offices. Also ATMs are a convenient way of accessing cash during your trip. 

But you should also be aware of any potential fees that might apply. It’s always wise to carry a small amount of Euros in cash for immediate needs upon arrival, especially if you arrive outside of regular banking hours. And cash makes it easier to purchase things during your trip. Some travelers, have even said that sometimes, they meet all-cash parking lots, making it difficult to access when they don’t carry cash. 

Wrapping Up

Portugal travel requirements aren’t as complicated as you might imagine. But familiarizing yourself with the different steps, helps you prepare ahead. You should also pay attention to any updates that might appear before you travel to Portugal. 

Frequently asked Questions about Portugal Travel Requirements

What medications are restricted in portugal.

Any medications that require prescriptions are restricted under Portuguese law. This ranges from heart condition rugs, antibiotics, diabetes, injectable medicines, codeine, plain cortisone creams, asthma medications, and more. So you can only carry prescription medications for personal use into Portugal. 

Is Portugal’s visa easy to get? 

A Portuguese visa only takes about 15 calendar days and is pretty straightforward. But then the time of the year, such as summer, and having incomplete documentation can delay your application. That said, you should get a replay in no later than a month or two. 

Is healthcare free in Portugal for tourists?

Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to tourists, outside the EU citizens. However, you can purchase travel medical insurance that would cover your private health care, emergency, hospitalization, and even repatriation. Nevertheless, the cost of healthcare in Portugal is very affordable. You can easily purchase that insurance and cover any out-of-pocket fees with ease. 

Do I need injections for Madeira?

You don’t require any vaccinations officially to visit Portugal. But, the WHO and CDC recommend getting all your applicable vaccinations whether you are moving to Madeira or any other parts of Portugal (or any country in particular). These vaccines include hepatitis B, hepatitis A, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Tdap, chickenpox, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines. 

Can you travel to Portugal unvaccinated?

No, you cannot travel to Portugal unvaccinated. It is super vital to have all applicable vaccinations required before traveling to Portugal.

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Sending our kids to summer camp was more expensive than a family trip to Europe. We enjoyed it so much we ended up moving to Portugal.

• Patrice Poltzer realized it was cheaper to go to Europe than pay for a summer camp for 10 weeks. 
• On their return, the mom and her husband realized more than ever that they were in the NYC rat race.
• They moved their family to Portugal in 2023, and Potzer said their new lifestyle was way better.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Patrice Poltzer. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I got sticker shock in 2017 when researching summer camps for my two oldest boys.

We rented in Brooklyn; even the most basic day camps cost more than $1,000 for the two of them. My husband, Olly, and I calculated that we'd spend at least $12,000 sending them for 10 weeks. It wasn't as if they would be at camp all day — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. instead.

When we did the math, we figured it would be cheaper to travel to Olly's native England instead. We stayed with his family most of the time, but we used London as a hub to visit other parts of Europe, like Croatia.

Our trips to Europe felt like an adventure

It wasn't as if we were paying for fancy hotels. We stayed in a couple of AirBnBs and then spent three weeks with friends in Zagreb, followed by an island where their relatives owned a home. Olly and I worked remotely.

Many parents are scared to travel with little kids , but they're adaptable. There were some challenges with a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old at the time. But it was an experiment — a cool adventure.

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We did the same thing several years in a row because it made financial sense. We spent time in France and Spain before venturing into Portugal .

Portugal had a stunning, rugged landscape with seemingly untouched beaches. We felt like explorers of a different planet. "I could live here," I told Olly in the summer of 2019.

Each time we returned to the US, I was conscious that we were doing what everyone else did in New York — working harder to make money so we could live a certain way.

The price of living was crazy. I once spent $50 on bagels. I'd g o to Target for one thing and come out with $1,000 of stuff. "How did that happen?" I'd ask myself.

Meanwhile, we always wanted the next upgrade: a better apartment — one with a washer/dryer. Then, when I got pregnant with our youngest son, my landlady said, "You're going to need a larger place."

Our kids integrated into the Portuguese culture

Then, in 2022, Olly's boss moved with his family to Spain full-time. We thought, "If the boss can do it, we can do it too." We were on vacation in Mexico City over the New Year of 2023. Olly and I sat in a bar, and he said, "Are we going to do this?"

Portugal made the most sense. Within eight months, we moved to Lisbon. We chose an ornate, high-ceiling apartment straight out of Architectural Digest . The cost in Euros was a fraction of our rent in Brooklyn.

We chose an international school for our kids, where many Portuguese children want to learn English. I liked that our boys were integrated into the culture.

The adjustment wasn't quite so easy for me. After all my years in the city, I'd attached my identity to living in New York. I didn't speak the language, and there was red tape. I started crying in a coffee shop because my American credit cards were denied again . We'd applied for Portuguese credit cards, but they took forever to come through.

Slowly, I found my groove. My video production business is doing well. Olly set out on his own in tech. I'm seeing Lisbon in color. Things are magical. There's no Amazon. There's no Target. I don't waste money on things we don't need.

I don't want to return to New York City

I don't worry about healthcare bills any longer. My mom has embraced the laid-back European lifestyle and often flies from Chicago to watch the boys. It's a kid-friendly environment.

This is how I want to live my life; I'm at that point where, if you had to tell me we had to go back to New York tomorrow, I wouldn't want to contemplate it.

Do you have an interesting story about living away from your native country that you'd like to share with Business Insider? Please send details to [email protected] .

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