A travel plan to Portugal is exciting. But before that, it is best to know the rules on how to travel in this beautiful country.
The bulk of Portugal’s visitors came from fellow European nations. Portugal issues a so-called Schengen Visa for visitors coming from 24 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. The Schengen Visa allows Europeans to travel freely or within these countries. Updates of new European countries that are accorded Schengen Visa privileges are available on the Internet.
Meantime, American visitors do not need to secure a visa, but they need a valid passport, a return airline ticket and proof of funds. Their period of stay is limited to 6 months.
Visitors from other countries not mentioned in the Schengen Visa list and non-Americans will have to produce a valid Portuguese visa and a passport before they can travel to Portugal.
For business travelers, the Portugal immigration requires a letter from employer or for self-employed businessmen, a letter from a solicitor or a local Chamber of Commerce that confirms the purpose of the trip and the length of stay.
In general, a combination of these types of documents should be prepared when one plans to travel to Portugal:
1. Passport valid for 3 months after the intended date of return
2. Completed Portugal Visa Application form
3. One color passport size photo
4. A copy of visit itinerary
5. Confirmed reservation documents or acceptance in international trade fairs or conferences hosted by Portugal
6. Proof of the following: departure arrangements, travel funds and health insurance coverage.
The best source of tourist information and guidelines can be found in the website of the Turismo de Portugal or the Portugal Tourism Board (www.visitportugal.com). You may also contact its office at telephone number +351-21-1205050; fax number at +351-21-8505789 or e-mail at info@visitportugal.com