The European Commission has revealed its plan to digitalize the Schengen visa. This will replace the mostly paper-based application system to obtain a visa for EU and Schengen countries currently in place. This means the Schengen visa will soon be available through a simplified online application process, similar to the European Travel Information and Authorization
Visa Requirements for Portuguese Citizens
Visa requirements for Portuguese citizens are administrative entry restrictions established by the authorities of different countries around the world.
Currently, Portugal is part of the European Union and is a member of the Schengen Area, which helps to place the Portuguese passport 6th place in the rank of travel freedom, according to the Henley Passport Index.
The visa requirements for Portuguese passport holders depend on the country of destination, the purpose of the visit, and the period of stay.
As a general rule, Portuguese citizens will need a passport valid for 3 to 6 months before traveling to most destinations, although they are able to travel to any of the Schengen Area countries by simply presenting a valid National ID card.
Currently, more than 115 visa-exempt countries permit Portuguese travelers to cross their borders without a visa, for different periods of stay.
Portuguese citizens are permitted an unlimited stay in any Schengen country, as Portugal has signed the Schengen Agreement for passport-free travel.
Visa-free access to other countries is usually granted for short stays for tourist, business, or transit purposes, for periods of between 14 days and 1 year depending on the country of destination.
However, if Portuguese travelers wish to visit these destinations for another purpose or for longer permitted stays they must apply for a visa from a relevant embassy or consulate of the chosen country.
To visit all other countries, Portuguese citizens must obtain a visa or travel authorization regardless of the period of intended stay, whether an embassy visa, a visa on arrival, or an electronic visa waiver or eVisa through an online application.
Find out more information about the visa requirements for Portuguese citizens below.