Portugal Visa, Passport & Money Advice

Visas

If you are a British Passport holder you do not need a visa to visit Portugal but there are some specifics you need to be aware of which we have outlined below. If you hold another passport please check with your Portuguese embassy for the entry requirements.

Passport Validity

In order to travel to the Schengen area, your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
  

  EES ( Europe Entry/Exit System)

  From the 12th of October 2025, the EU will start a phased roll-out of the EES Scheme. So what does this actually mean? If you’re a non-EU citizen travelling to any of the 29 EU Schengen countries, we ask you to account for extra time going through border control in case you need to go through the registration process (fingerprints and facial recognition). If you’re transiting through an EU country, please ask on arrival if you need to account for more time as we’re not yet certain of which airports are rolling out the system when. We will be updating this page as we learn more, but for further information and updates please visit the EES website.

  What you need to know

  • The new system applies to all non-EU citizens travelling to 29 EU Schengen countries
  • Travellers of all ages (including babies) will need digital records
  • You need to account for extra time to go through the digital record process
  • There will be no payment necessary
  • Digital record will be valid for a rolling 3-year period or until your passport expires

Duration of Stay

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies to any kind of travel; holidays, visiting friends and family or work meetings. 

Visits to Schengen countries, of which Portugal is a member, within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 day allocation so any trips you took to the Schengen zone will have been deducted. 

Passport Stamping

Check your passport is stamped by the border officer when you enter and exit Portugal so it is clear you haven’t overstayed your visa. You will need to use the ‘other passport’ queues at Portuguese immigration and not the one intended for EU passports.

ETIAS

From 2025, you will need to apply for an ETIAS in order to travel to Portugal, and any other country in the Schengen zone. The application is all online and quick to apply for. More information can be found here.

Money in Portugal

Portugal is part of the European Union (EU) so uses the euro. You can often use a credit or debit card in tourist hotspots, larger towns and cities. Every now and then, especially in smaller shops and cafes and in remote areas, you will need to pay in cash so it is always best to have some on you. It is best to contact your bank to check on any restrictions and advice for using your cards abroad. 

ATMs can be found in most large and smaller towns in Portugal and on Madeira Island. Make sure you have some cash in your pocket in Madeira, as it is the most common payment method on the island.

Credit Card for Car Rental

A credit card is essential for renting a car, the deposit is reserved when you collect the car with your credit card. The name of the main driver must match the name on the credit card.

Tipping

It is customary to tip in hotels, restaurants, bars and taxi drivers. Portuguese people generally tip 5%, rounded up. So between 5 and 10% as a rule of thumb.