Portugal Visa Requirements for US Citizens: 90-Day Schengen Entry 2026

Americans can visit Portugal visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, so days here count toward your total Schengen allowance. Starting Q4 2026, you'll need ETIAS travel authorization (€7, valid 3 years). Here's what you need to know about visiting Portugal in 2026.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Portugal?

No, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Portugal for tourism or business purposes if staying less than 90 days. This visa-free access is part of the Schengen Agreement.

How Long Can Americans Stay in Portugal?

Americans can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule that applies to all 27 Schengen countries.

The 90/180 rule uses a rolling 180-day window, not a calendar period. Use our free Schengen calculator to track your days accurately.

Portugal Entry Requirements for US Citizens

To enter Portugal visa-free, you need:

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from the Schengen Area.

You need at least 2 blank passport pages for entry stamps.

2. ETIAS Authorization (Starting Q4 2026)

Starting in late 2026, Americans will need ETIAS to enter Portugal:

• Cost: €7 (approximately $7.50)
• Validity: 3 years or until passport expires
• Processing: Completed online in minutes
• Required for: All Schengen countries

3. Proof of Sufficient Funds and Onward Travel

Portuguese immigration may ask for proof you can support yourself during your stay and evidence of return travel.

Are the Azores and Madeira Part of the Schengen Area?

Yes. Both the Azores and Madeira are autonomous regions of Portugal and part of the Schengen Area. Days spent in these islands count toward your 90/180 Schengen limit.

Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, Portugal offers the D7 visa for people with passive income (retirees, remote workers, investors):

• Duration: 2-year residence permit, renewable
• Income requirement: Minimum monthly income equivalent to Portugal's minimum wage (approximately €820)
• Who qualifies: Retirees, pensioners, or anyone with stable passive income
• Path to citizenship: After 5 years of legal residency

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal also offers a digital nomad visa:

• Duration: 1 year, renewable
• Income requirement: Approximately €3,280/month (4x Portugal's minimum wage)
• Who qualifies: Remote workers employed by companies outside Portugal

Special Rules for Minors

Under Portuguese immigration law, foreign minors under 18 entering or exiting Portugal must have:

• A notarized authorization letter of parental consent
• The letter must include travel dates, reason, and details about the adult responsible for the child
• Always bring a copy of the child's birth certificate

Currency and Customs

• Cash limit: Maximum €10,000 or equivalent entering or exiting Portugal (amounts above this must be declared)
• CBD and cannabis: It is illegal to bring marijuana, cannabis, or CBD products into Portugal. Fines range from €1,000 - €10,000. You may be arrested and detained.
• Pepper spray: Possession or use of pepper spray is NOT permitted in Portugal and may result in fines

What You Cannot Do on a Tourist Visa

The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot:

• Work for a Portuguese employer
• Study long-term (courses over 90 days)
• Establish residence without proper authorization

What If I Want to Stay Longer Than 90 Days?

If you've used your 90 days, you must leave the entire Schengen Area for 90 days before you can return for another 90-day period.

Options to stay longer:

• D7 passive income visa (for retirees/remote workers)
• Digital nomad visa (for remote workers)
• Student visa (for courses over 90 days)
• Work visa (requires Portuguese employer sponsorship)

Avoiding Overstays

Overstaying your 90-day limit can result in:

• Fines
• Deportation
• Bans from re-entering the Schengen Area
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Portugal

Track your days: Use our free Schengen calculator to ensure you stay within the 90/180 limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

See FAQ schema below for structured answers

Last verified: February 13, 2026 from travel.state.gov