Portugal visa requirements and travel medical insurance guide
January 03, 2019
With 600 miles of glorious beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a mesmerizing and diverse country that offers something for everyone. Portugal is brimming with historic cities like Porto, the earth-given beauty of the Algarve coasts and dynamic cultural hubs like Lisbon. There’s a lot to get excited about when organizing your visit. To fully enjoy your trip, make sure you give yourself peace of mind and organize your travel protection plan, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that you have got all your bases covered.
Aside from finding the right cover for you, here are some other important travel tips to be aware of before you set off on your adventure:
Visa Information for Portugal
Do I Need to Get a Visa to Visit Portugal?
Whether or not you need a visa to enter Portugal depends on your home country. For example, if you're a U.S. citizen with a valid passport, you can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. However, it's important to note that not all countries have the same visa agreements as the United States does with Portugal. To avoid any issues, it's always a good idea for travelers to check the entry requirements for their destination country based on their home country.
Portugal is also a signatory to the Schengen Agreement, which provides for the free movement of travelers between the signatory countries within Europe under a common visa policy. The Schengen visa is a single-entry visa that allows visitors to travel between member states for up to 90 days without needing a separate visa for each country.
Don't forget to add your SafeTrip travel medical insurance and trip protection plan for your Portugal trip. Our protection plans can be used for your Schengen visa application or simply provide you with confidence knowing that you are covered in emergencies.
Travel Documents You Will Need:
A valid passport and potentially an approved visa depending on your home country. For more visa information, you can visit the Visa Ministry of Foreign Affairs page.
All passports must have a minimum of 3 months before expiration. That is 3 months from that date of your travel departure, and your passport should also have at least two blank pages for stamping.
Health and Medical Advice
Before jetting off on your travels, you should check for any health risks, required vaccinations and any epidemic breakouts occurring in Portugal. It’s also a good idea to find out where the nearest hospital is in case of an emergency.
Do I Need to be Vaccinated When Travelling to Portugal?
There generally are no vaccinations required to enter Portugal from any other country. However, vaccinations may be required for travelers to the Azores and Madeira if arriving in these destinations within six days of transiting through an infected area.
For the most up to date vaccination information, visit the CDC travel vaccination website.
Travel Health Updates in Portugal
Currently, there are no reported epidemics occurring in Portugal.
To keep up to date on any breakouts, visit the CDC website.
Emergency Contact Information in Portugal
No one ever wants to have to call the emergency services while they’re on vacation, but unfortunately accidents happen and it’s important to be prepared for when they do.
• The Pan-European emergency number for all emergency services is: 112
Portuguese Local Laws and Customs
- Possessing, selling or trafficking drugs is a serious criminal offence in Portugal and will result in severe penalties.
- Gambling is only legal in licensed premises like casinos
- You should carry a form of ID with you at all times in case you’re stopped by the authorities
Safety and Security
Petty Theft
Popular tourist destinations and cities like Lisbon are subject to being hot pickpocketing zones where thieves will use a variety of methods to try and divert your attention. Be alert and keep your belongings with you at all times, especially in crowded areas, on public transport and popular tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to keep valuable belongings or extra spending money in a hotel safe, if you have one.
Useful Tips for Portugal
Official Language: Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language in Portugal and English is the second most common language, especially in major tourist destinations and big cities.
Currency: Euros
Before your trip to Portugal, make sure to exchange enough euros for your spending requirements and to get the best exchange rates.
Portuguese Plug Sockets: Type F
The standard voltage and frequency is 230 V and 50 Hz. Depending on where you are traveling from, you may need a plug adapter and a voltage converter for your appliances as the standard Portuguese voltage can be higher than in other countries such as the U.S.
Top places to go and things to do in Portugal
Portugal is a captivating country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Whether you're a history buff, a beach lover, or a food enthusiast, Portugal has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the top places to go and things to do in Portugal:
- Lisbon: Start your journey in the vibrant capital city of Lisbon. Explore the narrow streets of the historic Alfama district, visit the iconic Belém Tower, and take in panoramic views from the São Jorge Castle. For the dessert lovers, don't miss the chance to try the famous pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart.
- Sintra: Just a short drive from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale-like town nestled in the mountains. Visit the enchanting Pena Palace, explore the beautiful gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, and take a stroll through the historic center.
- Cascais: Just a short drive from Lisbon, Cascais is a picturesque coastal town with beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere. Relax on the sandy shores, visit the Boca do Inferno cliff formation, and indulge in fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants.
- Porto: Known for its port wine production, Porto is a charming city located along the Douro River. Wander through the colorful streets of the Ribeira district, visit the Livraria Lello bookstore, and take a boat cruise along the river to admire the picturesque vineyards.
- Douro Valley: Wine enthusiasts will love a visit to the Douro Valley, known for its vineyards and wine production. Take a scenic boat cruise along the Douro River, visit local wineries for tastings, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards.
- Algarve: Head south to the Algarve region, famous for its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs. Relax on the golden sands of Praia da Marinha, explore the caves of Benagil, and try your hand at water sports like surfing or paddleboarding (and remember to get a SafeTrip extreme sports add-on).
- Évora: Step back in time in the historic city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Roman Temple of Évora, visit the eerie Chapel of Bones, and wander through the narrow streets of the old town.
- Coimbra: Home to one of the oldest universities in the world, Coimbra is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage. Visit the University of Coimbra, explore the medieval streets of the old town, and listen to traditional fado music in a local tavern.
- Madeira: For nature lovers, a trip to the island of Madeira is a must. Hike along the levadas, irrigation channels that crisscross the island, visit the stunning botanical gardens in Funchal, and take a cable car ride to the top of Monte for breathtaking views.
- Azores: For a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Azores archipelago. Explore the volcanic landscapes, hike to stunning viewpoints, and relax in natural hot springs.
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