The ETIAS Portugal visa for U.S. citizens
The United States will be part of the countries whose citizens have to present an approved ETIAS permit when travelling to Portugal. ETIAS permit can be obtained online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your ETIAS via e-mail when the application is approved. This ETIAS permit will allow U.S. citizens to enter Portugal for tourism, work, transit, or for medical reasons, provided that the duration of the trip is no more than 90 days, and it will be valid for multiple entries made by air, sea, or land. Also, minors and people over 70 years of age will be able to apply for ETIAS free of charge.
What is ETIAS Portugal?
ETIAS permit will come into force in November 2023, as part of a European Commission program aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people travelling to the European Schengen Area. This program was already approved in 2016, after the terrorist attacks that affected some European countries. During the last years, the creation of the ETIAS visa system was possible thanks to the expansion and implementation of data sharing between European Union countries, allowing to connect the ETIAS applications with already existing databases from European authorities.
How does ETIAS Portugal visa work for U.S. citizens
Starting from November 2023 U.S. citizens must present an ETIAS visa before embarking on a trip to Portugal. However, if the trip has other reasons than those provided for the ETIAS visa, or a duration longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a Schengen visa, at the embassy or consulate of Portugal, respecting timing and requirements for the visa they are applying for.
ETIAS Portugal: The Facts
As ETIAS Portugal takes effect at the start of 2022, travelers should have an ETIAS ready for use to enter Portugal by that time.
- The cost of ETIAS visa in Portugal is only €7. It will also be free for travelers under 18 years of age.
- The validity of ETIAS Portugal has a span of 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
- ETIAS visa waiver in Portugal must be applied 96 hours before the desired date of travel to a Schengen area.
- With an ETIAS visa, travel to and within the country will be allowed for 90-days within a 180-day period.
- Personal information must be provided and basic security questions must be answered when completing the ETIAS application form
- Forms for ETIAS Portugal will undergo screening before approval.
- The approved ETIAS Portugal visa waiver will be sent to the email address of the applicant.
ETIAS destinations for Americans
Starting from 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for Americans in order to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the moment, American citizens are not required to obtain ETIAS permit to enter Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these countries are currently not Schengen Area members. However, this may change in the future, so please keep updated with the requirements.
ETIAS Portugal permit requirements for U.S. citizens and how to apply
In order to apply for the ETIAS visa, you have to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you are not entitled to an U.S. passport, you will have to apply for a full visitor Schengen visa. The ETIAS visa application can be completed online, entering all required information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly.
How much does ETIAS cost for American citizens
The ETIAS application for Americans has a cost of 7 euros for all citizens with an age between 18 and 70 years, which must be paid after completing the application form using a credit or debit card. Citizens under 18 and over 70 years of age can apply for ETIAS visa free of charge.
About Portugal
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic is a sovereign state in western Europe.
It is the westernmost country in mainland Europe. Portugal shares a maritime border with Morocco is bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the north and east by Spain.
Its territories include the small archipelago of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. They are autonomous regions with their own regional governments.
Portugal covers an area of 92,090 sq. km and has a population of almost 10.3 million people.
The capital and largest city is Lisbon. The official language is Portuguese.
The major religion is Christianity, and the official currency is the euro.
Portugal has left a major influence on the world thanks to its early explorers; there are over 300 million Portuguese speakers in the world.
It is a developed country with a high living standard for its citizens.
It is ranked as the fourth most peaceful country in the world.
The capital city of Lisbon and the smaller northern city of Porto are popular visitor cities. With all of the culture expected from major cities, stimulating nightlife, wonderful shopping opportunities and a wide variety of restaurants, there is growing popularity in city breaks here.
The southern region, called The Algarve, is famed as a holiday destination. With beautiful cliffs, secluded beaches, lots of tourist attractions, hot summers, and mild winters, the area is popular year round.
Portugal at a glance
Capital: Lisbon
Timezone: UTC/GMT +0 hours
Languages: Portuguese, Mirandese
Area: 92,391 KM2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 10,676,000
Calling Code: +351
Travel in Portugal
Fado is Portugal’s best known traditional musical form, found in clubs and bars all across Portugal. This form of singing, whilst melancholy, is very popular with Portuguese nationals.
Traditional festivals are found all across Portugal. The festivals are frequently celebrated with drinking, feasting, and dancing. Modern music festivals are also being held across Portugal with some very popular events happening in Lisbon.
Portugal is home to only one National Park, Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês but it does boast 70,000 hectares. It has dramatic scenery, towering mountains, old stone villages and outdoor adventures for young and old.
For a more sedate outdoor adventure, Portugal is home to many golf courses, some of the best-known being around Estoril or on the Algarve, Quinta do Lago is perhaps the most popular.
The UNESCO World Heritage site, Ribeira, is located in Porto. It is a strikingly beautiful historic site well known for its varied architecture, from the romanesque-gothic Cathedral to the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace.
The capital, Lisbon, has become a very popular tourist destination in recent years. From the rowdy and colorful Bairro Alto, where there is something to see on every street, to live Fado in the Alfama all the way to the wonderful cafes of the elegant Chiado, there are many distinct areas in Lisbon to enjoy.
The US and Portugal
One of Portugal’s Foreign Policy priorities is maintaining a close and productive relationship with the United States. Both countries enjoy a good relationship, and they both cooperate in the United Nations on many important issues. Portugal is a strong Partner in combating terrorism. Its cooperation in combating drug trafficking is outstanding.
The U.S. and Portugal both belong to the following organizations
- The United Nations
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
Portugal is an observer to the Organization of American States. Non-stop flights from the U.S. can take eight and a half hours.
Overland travel from Spain to Portugal is very easy for the more adventurous traveler. Visitors will find immigration controls strict but fair on arrival to Portugal.
English is widely spoken in Portugal, but if visiting somewhere specific, you are advised to check in advance that this is the case. Many restaurants have an English version of their menu available. Even in fast food eateries communication is generally good.
Be aware that businesses are frequently closed over the long lunch period, between 1 pm and 3 pm. Banking hours may also not be what you expect. Tourism is important to the economy of Portugal and travelers are welcomed in a friendly and courteous manner. Passports, or copies, are an important Identification document.
If driving in Spain, you must have your driving license and insurance documents available at all times.
FAQ about ETIAS Portugal visa
List of US diplomatic offices in Portugal
The Embassy of USA in Lisbon, Portugal
Address: Avenida das Forças Armadas 1600-081 Lisbon
Phone: 351-21-727-3300
Fax: 351-21-726-9109
Facts: George E. Glass – Ambassador
Consulate of USA in Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Address: Avenida Príncipe do Mónaco, 6-2 F 9500-237 Ponta Delgada
Phone: 351 296 308 330
Fax: 351 296 287 216
Email: ConsPontaDelgada@state.gov
The Embassy of Portugal in Washington, USA
Address: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036
Phone: +1 202 35 054 00
Fax: +1 202 462 3726
Email: info@embassyportugal-us.org
Consulate of Portugal in New York, USA
Address: 866 Second Avenue, 8th Floor, New York – NY 10017
Phone: 646 845 0042
Email: consulado.newyork@mne.pt
Consulate of Portugal in San Francisco, USA
Address: 3298 Washington Street San Francisco, California 94115
Phone: 415 346 3400
Fax: 415 346 1400
Email: consulado.sfrancisco@mne.pt
Consulate of Portugal in Bedford, USA
Address: 628 Pleasant Street, Room 204 New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Phone: 508 993 5741
Email: newbedford@mne.pt