ETIAS

ETIAS for Portugal — what it is, when it starts, how much it costs

Complete ETIAS guide for travelling to Portugal: what it is, when it becomes mandatory, who it applies to, how to apply, cost, and FAQs. Updated 2026.

ETIAS is not a visa. It is an electronic authorisation that will be required before travelling to 30 European countries (Schengen + a few extras) for citizens of visa-exempt countries. It is not in operation yet and no start date is confirmed: the EU announces it several months ahead. Also see the EES — the automatic system that records every EU border crossing.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel electronic authorisation for 30 European countries. Similar to the U.S. ESTA or Canadian eTA — it is not a visa, it is a pre-check before boarding.

It applies to citizens of around 60 countries that are currently visa-exempt for Schengen, including Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. EU/EEA citizens do not need one.

It permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business or visiting family. It does not allow working — a proper visa is still required for employment or long stays.

When does it start?

ETIAS is not in operation yet and no start date is confirmed. According to the official EU website, the date will be announced several months before launch. Some sources pointed to late 2026, but that target no longer appears on the official page.

Once it starts, the EU plans a transitional period of at least 6 months (you should apply, but entry is not refused without ETIAS) followed by a grace period of at least 6 months (mandatory; only people coming to Europe for the first time since the end of the transition may enter without it).

ETIAS was first announced for 2021 and has been postponed several times. Always check the official page before travelling.

Who does it apply to?

It applies to citizens of countries that are visa-exempt for Schengen, travelling to the Schengen Area (including Portugal) for up to 90 days.

Affected countries (partial list): Brazil, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Israel, UAE, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore.

Not required for:

  • EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein citizens
  • Holders of a residence permit for a Schengen country
  • Holders of a valid Schengen visa (the visa replaces ETIAS)
  • Residents with an EU/EEA residence card

How to apply?

100% online on the European Union's official site:

  1. Fill the form with personal data, passport, planned trip. Takes about 10 minutes.
  2. Pay €20 by card (there are no official additional fees).
  3. Wait for approval — most applications are approved in minutes. Some cases need manual review (up to 30 days) or an additional interview.
  4. Receive confirmation by email. Printing is not required — the approval is tied to your passport.

Warning: watch out for fake sites charging "service" fees above the official €20. Only use the EU's official site when live.

How much does it cost?

€20 per person, paid by card at application time.

Exemptions:

  • Under 18 — free
  • Over 70 — free
  • Family members of EU/EEA citizens (spouses, children up to 21, dependent parents) — free

No renewal fees during the validity period. If the passport expires before 3 years, a new ETIAS is needed (€20).

How long is it valid?

ETIAS is valid for 3 years, or until the passport's expiration date, whichever comes first.

During that period you can enter the Schengen countries multiple times without applying again. Each stay can last up to 90 days within a 180-day period (the Schengen rule — ETIAS does not change it).

If you change passport (loss, theft, renewal), you need to apply for a new ETIAS tied to the new document.

What if I do not have ETIAS?

After the transition and the grace period, trying to board for the Schengen Area without ETIAS has consequences:

  • Airline refuses boarding — carriers are required to verify ETIAS before boarding, under threat of a fine.
  • Denied entry at the border — if you arrive without ETIAS, you may be sent back on the next flight.
  • Risk of registration in the EU refusals system — this can affect future applications.

During the transition (at least 6 months after launch), entry without ETIAS is not refused, but you should still apply. Today, as the system is not in operation yet, you do not need ETIAS to travel.

Frequently asked questions

No. ETIAS is a pre-travel electronic authorisation for those who are already visa-exempt — typically for tourism up to 90 days. A Schengen visa is a different document, required for citizens of countries without the exemption (e.g. India, Russia, China) and obtained through a consulate. ETIAS does not replace a visa and does not permit working.

No. ETIAS does not require proof of travel insurance from visa-exempt tourists, but insurance is still strongly recommended (healthcare, repatriation, cancellation). Insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is required for Schengen visa applications.

Rejections are rare (~5% of applications). If rejected, you receive a notification with the reason. You can: 1) appeal within 30 days; 2) apply for a traditional Schengen visa as an alternative; 3) correct the data and reapply if the rejection was due to a filling error.

Under-18s and over-70s are <strong>exempt from the fee</strong>, but <strong>still need ETIAS</strong>. The form is mandatory for everyone; only the €20 fee is waived in these age brackets.

Yes. After Brexit, British citizens became third-country travellers to the EU, albeit visa-exempt. So they are covered by ETIAS once it starts. Dual nationality (UK + EU) allows travelling on the EU passport without ETIAS.

Each child — even babies — needs their own ETIAS, tied to their own passport. It is <strong>free</strong> for under-18s but the form has to be completed by a responsible adult. Tip: apply ahead of time, don't leave it to the last minute.

No. Ireland is <strong>not</strong> part of the Schengen Area; it has its own regime (Common Travel Area with the UK). ETIAS covers 30 European countries but <strong>not</strong> Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria or Romania (the latter may join in future).

No — and we must warn you: <strong>do not use third-party services offering to "apply for ETIAS on your behalf"</strong>. The application is 100% online, takes 10 minutes and costs €20. Intermediary services charge €40-80 for the same thing you can do yourself. Tourgal provides information only; the application happens on the EU's official site.

Related

EES — Entry/Exit System

Digital system that records every EU entry and exit. Works together with ETIAS.

Travel insurance for Portugal

ETIAS does not require insurance, but it is strongly recommended. Compare options now.

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Entering Portugal by nationality

Specific requirements for your country of origin.