Portugal remains one of the UK’s top travel destinations, with historic cities and spectacular beaches. If you’re planning a trip here, you may be wondering if you’re required to obtain a visa to enter the country.
Since 1 January 2021, the entry requirements for Portugal have changed. However, the good news is, if you’re visiting from the UK with a full British passport, it is still the case that you don’t need a visa to enter the country. This applies for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Although you may not necessarily need a visa to enter Portugal, there are other important requirements to take into consideration before you start planning your trip.
Read on for everything you need to know about Portugal’s entry requirements for UK citizens.
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Portugal Visa for Travellers From the UK
If you’re wondering if you need a Portugal visit visa from the UK, then you may be pleased to know that, if you hold a full British passport, you don’t need a visa to enter the country.
If you are travelling as a tourist, to visit family or friends, for business, to attend cultural or sports events or for short-term studies or training, you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
If you would like to stay for longer, you will need to meet the Portuguese government’s requirements. If you’re travelling for a different purpose than those listed above, then you will also need to refer to the Portuguese government’s requirements.
If you’re travelling for work, then you will probably require a work visa or work permit. You will find more information on this and be able to check the best visa or permit options to suit your needs with the Portuguese Embassy.
The address of the Embassy of Portugal in the UK is: 11, Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PP. Its opening hours are 9 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Portugal Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
As previously stated, you do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries in the Schengen area, including Portugal, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, there are a few entry requirements that you’ll want to consider when planning on travelling here.
The main requirement is regarding your passport. Check your passport is valid for travel and in good condition before you book your trip. You may need to renew it or replace it if it’s in bad condition or if it doesn’t meet the requirements outlined below.
To travel to this country, make sure your passport is:
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to depart Portugal.
- Less than 10 years old.
At Portuguese border control, you may be asked to do the following:
- Show your return or onward ticket.
- Use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing.
Do UK Visitors Need to Pay to Enter Portugal?
UK travellers who hold a full British passport do not need to pay to enter Portugal. There are no direct costs associated with entry into the country because, if you meet the requirements, you are not required to obtain a visa prior to travel.
Travelling to Portugal From the UK
Flights between the 2 countries are regular, fast and economical. Flying is the cheapest way of travelling and so proves to be a popular method. Flying to Faro, Lisbon or Porto takes between 2 to 3 hours from most airports and cities within the UK. Airlines providing flights between the 2 countries include EasyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Monarch Airlines, Thomsonfly or Flybe.
There are other ways of reaching the country if the idea of taking the slow route is appealing. These are more costly options of travel, although if you decide to take a slower route, you will be rewarded with excellent scenery along the way.
For example, one alternative is to drive the 2,000 km distance or so between the 2 countries and use the standard cross-Channel services or Eurotunnel.
Another popular option with travellers is to take a train from London to Lisbon, which takes approximately 24 hours. The route will take you from London St Pancras to Paris, then Paris to Irun on the Spanish border. From there it’s an overnight train to Lisbon, which reaches its destination in the morning.
All About the British Embassy in Portugal
The British Embassy in Lisbon maintains and develops relations between the 2 countries. It is easily located within central Lisbon in the Príncipe Real region of the city. It’s open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
The embassy’s full address is: R. de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisboa, Portugal.
Portugal Visa From the UK FAQs
Below you will find helpful responses to some common questions.
Can All UK Nationals Travel to Portugal?
Yes, all UK nationals who hold a full British passport can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. So long as your trip is for tourism, business, study, sporting or cultural events, or visiting relatives or friends, travelling here is usually a straightforward process.
Is It Safe for UK Citizens to Travel to Portugal?
Yes, many UK travellers visit every year, and most visits are free of problems. The country is a popular summer holiday destination for Brits, with around 2.5 million visiting during an average year.
Although you should remain vigilant, as you would when travelling anywhere, and be mindful of any changes to government guidelines, visiting the country is a straightforward and trouble-free experience for most travellers.
What Else Do I Need to Know Before Travelling From the UK?
Portugal uses the euro as its currency, which you can easily obtain at currency exchange centres. You’ll find these in most areas of Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve coast.
If you do plan on withdrawing money while you’re abroad, Portuguese cities are well-serviced by ATMs and banks. Plus, card payments are very common here and debit cards in particular are accepted widely.
However, it’s wise to carry some cash in case you are in an area that’s not well-serviced or an establishment that does not accept card payments.
More Information for Visitors to Portugal
We hope that the visa regulations for Brits to visit Portugal are now clear for you! For more information, read about the upcoming EU’s ETIAS visa waiver for Portugal, and check our Visit Portugal page.
