Entrance and Registration Requirements for Portugal

Americans entering Portugal must have a valid passport. Visas are required for temporary stays greater than 90 days. Those wishing to extend their stay beyond 90 days may request permission from the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, or from the local Portuguese police station.

Portuguese Immigration Service
(Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras)
Ponta Delgada
Rua Marques Praia Monforte
Tel: 296-302-230

Portugal requires non-EU foreign nationals to register with immigration officials within three days of entering Portugal. The law affects those who transit a Schengen country (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and the Netherlands) by air en route to Portugal and who stay at noncommercial lodging. Because of the "open" borders shared by Schengen countries, passengers on flights into Portugal from member countries do not pass through immigration control upon arrival. The registration requirement is intended to close this immigration "loophole".

Travelers staying at commercial lodging need not register, as the hotel will take this responsibility. However, those staying with friends, etc., must register with immigration authorities or face a fine ranging from the Euro equivalent of $35 to $150. This requirement also applies to third country nationals resident in Schengen countries. Legal permanent residents of Portugal and holders of valid temporary resident visas are exempted from the registration requirement.