The new ETIAS travel authorization system has not been activated yet. The updated border security system is expected to go live in 2025. Before traveling to Portugal, or any other ETIAS country, all American citizens must submit an ETIAS visa waiver online.
Get notified when ETIAS is mandatory
Start ETIAS Application online
Receive ETIAS confirmation
Welcome to Europe
This page provides all information about ETIAS visa waiver requirements for American citizens who wish to travel to Portugal or other ETIAS countries. This page will cover all the information you need including which documents you will need, as well as possible reasons for authorities to cancel or refuse your application, and everything in between. Travel requirements can change at any time. We will continue to make sure that our website has the most up-to-date information on travel. We are dedicated to international travelers who trust our website.
It is important that US citizens planning to travel to Portugal understand how to apply for their ETIAS visa waiver. ETIAS will replace the existing visa-free Schengen travel policy for Americans and 59 eligible countries.
ETIAS will offer an online application similar to the ESTA visa exemption program. American citizens traveling to Portugal won’t need to apply for a Schengen visa. Pre-approved international travelers will be able to enter any Schengen country with the updated visa waiver system. For a complete list of countries requiring ETIAS, please visit our homepage. You will also find the 60 countries exempted from visa requirements that are eligible for the ETIAS Visa Waiver Program.
It is important to note that an ETIAS travel authorization doesn’t guarantee entry into the country. Border officials will make the final decision in each case.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is a revised visa waiver program that allows for short-term travel within Schengen. The European Commission designed the ETIAS modernized travel authorization program in 2016. The ETIAS system will revolutionize the way millions of Americans and international visitors travel to Portugal and other European nations. The updated border security system will be available in 2025.
Before entering any of the 26 Schengen countries (as well as Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Vatican City, and San Marino) all US citizens will need to complete an electronic ETIAS application. It will be easy for international travelers to apply online in order to receive the ETIAS visa waiver program. It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.
Many travelers may be curious as to why European countries have replaced the visa-free policy at their borders. ETIAS is an international authorization system that allows residents and travelers to travel internationally. It was created by the European Commission to increase border security and safety. It is part of a larger plan that aims to reduce travel-related risk and transnational crime, as well as combat illegal immigration and terrorism in the Schengen region. Foreign travelers who want to travel to the Schengen region will have to undergo mandatory pre-screening through the ETIAS travel authorization program.
It is easy to apply online for an electronic ETIAS visa waiver if you are an American citizen and want to travel to Portugal, Spain or other Schengen nations.
ETIAS offers enhanced visa waivers for international travelers from the US and 59 additional nationalities. It is valid in all 26 Schengen nations. Visit our homepage to see a complete list of Schengen countries and countries eligible for the ETIAS Visa Waiver.
It is important to remember that not all member countries of the European Union have signed the Schengen Agreement. The original signing of the Schengen Agreement was in 1985 by Belgium, France, Luxembourg, West Germany, and the Netherlands. The treaty now covers 26 European countries. However, the Schengen Agreement does not apply to all EU members. Norway and Switzerland are both members of the Schengen region and will require an ETIAS visa waiver just like Portugal.
Portugal, however, is a member the European Union. Norway and Switzerland, on the other hand, are not. Ireland is an integral member of EU but does not participate in Schengen Agreement. Ireland will not require an ETIAS visa waiver in order to enter its borders. It will, however, maintain its travel regulations, Common Travel Area (CTA), and other agreements with the US.
American citizens who are planning to travel to Portugal and other countries within the Schengen area can apply for the ETIAS visa waiver program to expedite their pre-screening. The electronic application takes about 10 minutes. ETIAS will send an approval/rejection email to most applicants within 24 hours of receiving their application. If there are no problems with the submitted application information, this is a confirmation.
After reviewing the application, officials may request additional information. If there are any inconsistencies or if they want to verify the information, they may request a face-to face interview. Most international travelers applying for ETIAS will find the process of obtaining travel authorization easy. To apply for ETIAS, you will only need an internet connection and a valid passport.
US citizens can apply online for travel approval in less than 24 hours. Additional information may be required by border officials, including hotel reservations, return flights or proof of sufficient funds. Americans will not need to apply for an additional ETIAS visa waiver within 3 years of the expiration date.
After an application has been submitted, there are several reasons why ETIAS could reject it. These reasons mostly stem from mistakes made when submitting an application online. Officials might also be concerned about the applicant’s legal status or travel history. An ETIAS application can be denied or cancelled for many reasons, including but certainly not limited to:
