If you’re not an European citizen there are some rules and documentation to take into account before getting to Portugal. In the following article, we discuss the documentation you’ll need as someone from the US or UK. We will also talk about some of the flight options to get to Portugal and other modes of transportation.
Table of Contents
Getting to Portugal: Documentation for US citizens and UK citizens
US Citizens documents 🇺🇲
US citizens traveling for a short-period of time (less than 90 days) do not need a VISA. But, you will need:
→ Passport
This and the travel ticket may be the only thing that actually gets checked when a US citizen enters a Schengen country. But make sure you have all the other documents.
→ Travel ticket or other document
The plane/train ticket is the obvious paper you will need to get to Portugal. When you enter your first Schengen country, such as Portugal, you may be asked to show proof of return. In the US they may also ask for that proof before you leave. It can be a return airplane ticket to the US, with a return or departure within 90 days, or ticket to another country. Usually, open-ended tickets or tickets without departure are not accepted.
→ Travel insurance
Travel Health insurance is necessary when visiting Portugal and other Schengen countries. See the US government’s recommendations here.
→ Accommodation details
Have a confirmed reservation of where you will be staying at (Airbnb, hostel, hotel…) on hand.
Entry requirements can change. Before getting to Portugal, confirm whether you need additional documents based on your specific situation, please check the official Portuguese government and U.S. State Department websites.
If applicable:
→ Travel authorization for minors
Necessary if the child is travelling alone or with only one parent or another adult.
More info here: Embassy – Child and Family matters.
→ International Driving Permit (IDP) and your U.S license
The US government provides a guide about IDP.
IMPORTANT INFO FOR US TOURISTS:
- The EU is replacing physical passport stamps with digital border control. Therefore, make sure your passport permits biometric reading.
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be implemented in late 2026. Basically, it is a travel authorization to travel to Portugal and other countries from the Schengen Area. You will need to pay a small fee and fill out some personal information online.
For any updates check Travel.state.gov and ETIAS website before getting to Portugal.
UK Citizens documents 🇬🇧
→ Passport
→ Travel ticket or other document
Return Flight tickets or tickets to another country.
→ Travel insurance
For medical emergencies, lost luggage and trip cancellation, travel insurance is strongly advised. For more information on this and healthcare cards, check Health – Portugal Travel Advice – Gov.Uk.
Entry requirements can change. To confirm whether you need additional documents based on your specific situation, please check the official Portuguese government and UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice before travelling.
If applicable:
→ Travel authorization for minors
Children under 18 travelling alone or without a legal guardian need a notarised travel consent letter. If the child is travelling with one parent it is recommended to avoid problems, especially when there are different surnames.
→ International Driving Permit and your U.K license
Check the rules listed by the UK government here before getting to Portugal.
IMPORTANT INFO FOR UK TOURISTS:
- EU replacement of physical passport stamps with digital border control. Passport should have biometric reading.
- Future requirements: ETIAS .
Note: For longer stays, more than 90 days, US and UK Citizens may need to apply to a VISA. The type of VISA will depend on your reasons for staying in Portugal.
Flight options for Getting to Portugal and Costs💲
Next, we present you with some prices to fly from different airports in the US to Portugal, more specifically, to the capital of Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal. To Porto and Faro, prices will vary slightly. These values were researched in November for a specific flying date, 7th of January 2025 (Wednesday), and for one person in economy class traveling to Lisbon. Flights to Portugal during weekends may also be more expensive than weekdays.
Direct Flights to Portugal from the US 🇺🇲
- Boston to Lisbon takes 6 hours and 30 minutes, and costs about $515.
- Newark New York to Lisbon takes about 6 hours and 45 minutes, and costs about $384.
- JFK New York to Lisbon takes about 7 hours, and costs about $570.
- Miami to Lisbon takes about 8 hours, and costs around $669.
- Washington DC to Lisbon takes about 7 hours and 5 minutes, and costs around $581.
Direct Flights to Portugal from the UK 🇬🇧
- Heathrow, London to Lisbon takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and costs about £96.
- Gatwick, London to Lisbon takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes, and costs about £93.
- Manchester takes about 2 hours and 55 minutes and about £87.
Note: Prices are always changing. These are just an estimate (for the date mentioned above).
Flight Tips for Getting to Portugal:
- Book early for better prices
- Set alerts so you don’t miss flight
- Use airline miles or points
- Confirm what you can take next to you on the airplane and what needs to go to the aircraft hold.
Cruise to Portugal from the US
Getting to Portugal can also be accomplished by cruise. There are many cruise companies to choose from, some cheaper than others, some more luxurious than others. It really depends on your budget and the location you choose to disembark on. There are many ports in Portugal because the country has a long coastline.
Some ports include: Lisbon, Porto, Funchal (Madeira), or Ponta Delgada (Porto Santo Island).
Tips before going on a cruise:
- Take safety precautions (ex: Learn how to swim, know what to do in an emergency…)
- Research the cruise line and see if there are any recommendations
- Plan your budget for the trip
- Check the weather
- Book trip in advance
- Plan your outfits for each day, casual and formal (for the night). Don’t forget pyjamas!
- Pack non-slippery shoes
- Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen with you
- Bring a hygiene kit/toiletry bag (toothpaste, showergel…)
- Bring small first-aid kit
- Bring motion sickness medication and others you may need.
- Bring a powerstrip if you’re planning on using more than one electronic device. Also, see which plug sockets are on the cruise and if you’ll need an adapter. Some cruise ships have high voltage sockets, so you may need to get a voltage adapter or transformer.
- Make sure you have all your travel documents.
Using the Train, Bus or Car to get from the UK to Portugal?
CP Trains is a Portuguese company with relatively good trains, and even historic ones. However, there isn’t a direct route from London to Portugal.
Going on your own car or a rental is also an option. You’ll have to take a ferry either from France or Spain. Again, there’s not a direct route to Portugal by ferry. In terms of buses, there are some companies, but check reviews beforehand. Learn more about the different modes of transport in Portugal and how to pay in Portugal.
Getting to Portugal: Final travel tips and suggestions
→ See what are the necessary documents and other alerts from your government official websites:
UK 🇬🇧 – Passports, travel and living abroad – GOV.UK
US🇺🇲 – International Travel – US GOV
→ Mandatory and recommended vaccines:
UK 🇬🇧 – Travel Health Pro – UK
US 🇺🇲 – Travel Health notices – cdc.gov
If you’re bringing a pet, check what they will need to board the plane, including vaccines and other documents:
UK 🇬🇧 – Taking your pet aboard – GOV.UK
US 🇺🇲 – Pet Travel From the United States to Portugal – USDA
You may need to fill a form as well before bringing your pet, at least 48 hours before arrival.
Make sure to research well which is your animal/pet case. Exotic animals may have extra rules.
Now that you have everything ready, read our article on How to travel around Portugal to get to know all the different modes of transportation you can use inside Portugal.
