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Portugal visas

Portugal transit visa

Many passengers can change flights at one Portuguese airport without a visa if they stay in the international transit area for less than one day. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even when staying there.

Ways to get a Portugal transit visa

  1. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers who are not required to hold an airport transit visa, or who qualify for an exemption, and can complete a qualifying airside transfer.

    Stay
    Strictly less than 24 hours at one airport.

Who needs it

Passport holders from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Guinea, Senegal and Uzbekistan need an airport transit visa unless exempt.

Who doesn't

Exemptions include holders of specified visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of EU single market citizens and flight crew.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
If you must leave the international transit area, the airside transit exemption does not apply. You need permission to enter Portugal, such as a short-stay visa or a visa exemption.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Transit without a visa generally requires a transfer at one airport, entirely within its international transit area, lasting strictly less than 24 hours. Your flights and the airport layout must allow this. Nationality-based transit visa requirements still apply unless you qualify for an exemption.

Good to know

  • Check whether the transfer can be completed without leaving the international transit area.
  • An airside transit exemption does not cover entering Portugal.
  • Portugal adds Guinea, Senegal and Uzbekistan to the common airport transit visa list.
  • The 24-hour figure is a strict boundary: the stay must be less than one day.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Portugal?

Passport holders from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Guinea, Senegal and Uzbekistan need an airport transit visa unless exempt. Exemptions include holders of specified visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of EU single market citizens and flight crew.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Portugal?

There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a Portugal transit visa?

Transit without a visa: strictly less than one day in the international transit area.

How long can I stay in transit in Portugal?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Transit without a visa generally requires a transfer at one airport, entirely within its international transit area, lasting strictly less than 24 hours. Your flights and the airport layout must allow this. Nationality-based transit visa requirements still apply unless you qualify for an exemption.

Can I stay inside the airport in Portugal without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: If you must leave the international transit area, the airside transit exemption does not apply. You need permission to enter Portugal, such as a short-stay visa or a visa exemption.

What rules do I have to follow on a Portugal transit visa?

Check whether the transfer can be completed without leaving the international transit area. An airside transit exemption does not cover entering Portugal.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Portugal?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Portugal visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Portugal be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Portugal transit visa rules?

On Portugal's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Portugal?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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