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Insurance policy is requiredRules of entry and stay
Transit rules
Entry with pets
Customs regulations
Emergency numbers in Portugal
Information for motorists
Embassy contacts
Is a visa required for Canadians to visit Portugal?
Good news for Canadian citizens! No visa is needed if you’re heading to Portugal for a short stay, whether it’s for business, sightseeing, or another short-term reason.
Which documents are required for Canadian citizens to enter Portugal?
For visa-free travel to Portugal, Canadians will need:
- A valid passport (at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date).
- Round-trip tickets or proof of onward travel plans.
- Financial proof, like a bank statement.
- Accommodation details, such as a hotel booking or private invitation.
- Health insurance covering €30,000 or more.
What’s the maximum stay in Portugal without a visa for Canadians?
Canadian citizens can visit Portugal and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day window. Remember, your visits to other Schengen destinations are included in this timeframe.
Do Canadians need health insurance for Portugal?
While not mandatory, health insurance is highly recommended for your safety and peace of mind. You can purchase Schengen-approved coverage on Visit World.
Best time for Canadian tourists to explore Portugal
- Spring for nature and tranquility. April and May bring blooming landscapes, ideal temperatures for walks, and fewer tourists, making it a great time for authentic experiences.
- Summer for thrills and fun. From surfing in the north to dancing at Algarve parties or Porto’s buzzing nightlife, summer is full of energy, even if it’s busier.
- Winter for a relaxed vibe. Explore Lisbon at a slow pace or savor Douro wines, all while enjoying mild weather and seasonal discounts.
Top tips for Canadian citizens visiting Portugal
- Discover hidden villages. Leave the usual paths behind and visit charming spots like Monsanto or Piodão, where tradition and tranquility thrive.
- Feel the local vibe in Lisbon. Spend the day at a café terrace, sipping strong bica coffee and enjoying the laid-back pace of life.
- Affordable indulgence. Book boutique stays at vineyards or farms in regions like Douro for a luxurious yet budget-friendly getaway.
- Uncover wild beaches. Skip the Algarve and head to Costa Vicentina for stunning, quiet beaches surrounded by nature.
Where should travelers from Canada go in Portugal?
1. Fiale Island (Azores). Hike through volcanic craters, soak in hot springs, and snap photos of vibrant hydrangeas everywhere you look.
2. Benagil beach and sea caves. Grab a kayak or SUP and explore the magical caves and hidden spots of the Algarve coastline.
3. Cycling along the Douro River. Start in Porto and bike through picturesque vineyards and charming small towns.
4. Monserrate Palace in Sintra. With its breathtaking gardens and unique architecture, this palace is a quieter, less touristy gem.
5. LX Factory in Lisbon. A vibrant art and shopping district filled with quirky cafes and creative spaces.
If you are from one of the following countries, you will need to apply for an airport transit visa if you will be changing flights at a Portuguese airport, even if you are not leaving the international transit area:
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Democratic Republic of Congo
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
Guinea
Iran
Iraq
Nigeria
Pakistan
Senegal
Somalia
Sri Lanka
You must apply for an airport transit visa by submitting the following documents:
Your valid passport.
Schengen visa application form A.
Two identical photos that meet Schengen requirements.
Confirmation of payment of Schengen visa fees. Issuance of a Schengen transit visa costs 80 euros.
Biometric data. Children, disabled persons and civil servants are exempt from this requirement.
Copies of previous visas, if any.
A personal cover letter addressed to the embassy. You should explain the details of your travel plan regarding when you plan to visit the country, where you will stay and what you will do.
Flight booking.
Visa for the final destination (if a visa is required).
In order to import a dog (or cat or ferret), you will need the following documents:
Animal passport issued by a veterinarian with an up-to-date rabies vaccine.
ISO compliant microchip.
Health certificate completed before the flight.
To find out the full list of requirements for entering Portugal with a pet from your country, follow the link.
Compared to other European countries, Portuguese customs are not considered the strictest. There are no restrictions on the import of currency into the country. The only thing is that the amount over EUR 10,000 must be declared.
If you are interested in what you can import into Portugal by plane, this list includes:
Personal medicines.
Coffee – 500g, tea – 100g.
Perfume 50 ml, toilet water – 250 ml.
Personal belongings, the amount of which does not exceed EUR 430.
Cigarettes 200 pcs. or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.
Some tourists are concerned about how much alcohol can be brought into Portugal. For travelers over 20, this figure is 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer. The country's customs does not set a certain amount of how much alcohol can be exported from Portugal.
The list of what is prohibited to import into and export from the territory of Portugal can be viewed below:
Antiques, historical values, jewels.
Weapons and ammunition.
Drugs.
Meat and dairy products.
Chocolate.
Potatoes, if you came from EU countries.
Urgent assistance (round the clock) – 115
Ambulance, police, fire service – 112
Reference – 118
To make traveling around Portugal easier, more comfortable and more flexible, you can rent a car to explore the cities and beauty of the country. Just make sure you have a valid driver's license and international driver's license.
To rent a car, you must provide the following documents:
Passport.
A valid native driver's license.
Identification card with name, date of birth and address.
Credit card.
The minimum age for driving a car is 18 years.
The minimum age for renting a car is 23 years.
For more detailed information on driving in Portugal, follow the link.
Started on August 1, 2022 persons who hold a driving licence issued by the Member States of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are now able to drive in Portugal without having to change their driving licence for a Portuguese one.
The measure covers the following countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Sao Tome e Principe, Guinea Bissau, and Mozambique, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the US, Switzerland, and Iceland.
Citizens of all the countries mentioned above can drive in Portugal with their original driving licence even if they hold a Portuguese residence permit.
Embassies of Portugal in different countries of the world by the link
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