The Portuguese passport ranks 28th on our Global Passport Index and 12th on the Enhanced Mobility Index, placing it among the top passports in the world for visa-free and visa-on-arrival access.
A Portuguese passport allows visa-free entry to 187 countries, including all countries in the Schengen Area and most of the European Union. Portuguese citizens can also enter many other countries with just their ID card. Additionally, they can obtain visas on arrival in several countries, and some offer visa-free entry with a maximum stay duration.
So, if you’re considering getting a second passport and are seeking one with an extensive list of visa-free countries, a Portuguese passport is a valid contender.
In this article, you’ll also learn more about:
Portugal Passport Visa Free Countries List 2025
The table below is a list of the Portuguese passport visa-free countries:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Belize
Switzerland
Cyprus
Czechia
Germany
Denmark
Estonia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
Hong Kong
Croatia
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Latvia
Monaco
Macau
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Palestine
Romania
Sweden
Slovenia
Slovakia
San Marino
Taiwan
KosovoPassport Free Countries for Portugal Passport Holders
The table below lists EU countries that allow Portuguese citizens to enter with only a Cartão de Cidadão (Citizen Card):
Austria Belgium Croatia Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Countries with Limited Access for Portugal Passport Holders
United Arab Emirates
Antigua and Barbuda
Albania
Armenia
Angola
Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Barbados
Brunei
Bolivia
Brazil
Bahamas
Botswana
Belarus
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cape Verde
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Fiji
Federated States of Micronesia
Grenada
Georgia
Gambia
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Haiti
Jamaica
Japan
Kyrgyzstan
Kiribati
Saint Kitts and Nevis
South Korea
Kazakhstan
Saint Lucia
Lesotho
Morocco
Moldova
Montenegro
Marshall Islands
North Macedonia
Mongolia
Mauritius
Malawi
Mexico
Malaysia
Mozambique
Nicaragua
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Palau
Paraguay
Qatar
Serbia
Solomon Islands
Seychelles
Singapore
Senegal
Suriname
Sao Tome and Principe
El Salvador
Eswatini
Thailand
Tajikistan
East Timor
Tunisia
Tonga
Turkey
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Venezuela
Vanuatu
Samoa
South Africa
ZambiaVisa on Arrival Countries for Portugal Passport Holders
The table below lists the countries that allow visa on arrival access to Portugal passport holders:
Bangladesh
Burundi
Guinea-Bissau
Indonesia
Comoros
Lebanon
Madagascar
Maldives
Somalia
ZimbabweeTA Countries for Portugal Passport Holders
The below table lists the countries that allow Portugal passport holders entry with an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization):
Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
Israel
Kenya
New ZealandCountries that Require an eVisa for Portugal Passport Holders
The table below lists the countries that allow Portugal passport holders entry with an eVisa:
Azerbaijan
Burkina Faso
Bahrain
Benin
Bhutan
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ivory Coast
Cameroon
Cuba
Djibouti
Egypt
Ethiopia
Gabon
Guinea
Equatorial Guinea
India
Iraq
Iran
Jordan
Cambodia
Kuwait
Laos
Sri Lanka
Libya
Myanmar
Mauritania
Namibia
Nigeria
Nepal
Oman
Papua New Guinea
Pakistan
Russia
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Syria
Chad
Togo
Tanzania
Uganda
VietnamCountries with Visa Requirements for Portugal Passport Holders
The table below lists the countries that require Portuguese citizens to obtain a visa:
Afghanistan
Central African Republic
Republic of the Congo
Algeria
Eritrea
Ghana
Liberia
Mali
Niger
Nauru
Sudan
Turkmenistan
YemenOther requirements for Portugal passport holders
- Each travel destination country has unique requirements. Some countries may require additional documentation, such as an invitation letter, proof of employment, or a health certificate.
- Entry requirements for specific countries may require a Portuguese citizen to prove they have sufficient financial means to support themselves for the duration of stay.
It’s worth noting that the visa requirements for countries in the above list are subject to change, and it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.
Overview of the Portugal Passport
Portuguese passports identify holders as Portugal and EU citizens. A Portuguese passport serves as a form of ID for Portuguese citizens, providing essential information such as the holder’s name, photograph, and date of birth.
The Portuguese Ministry of Justice (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado) is the government entity that issues Portuguese passports to Portuguese nationals.
Portugal has been one of the EU countries since 1986, and the country also forms part of the Schengen Area – a borderless zone comprising 27 European countries. Portugal’s official language is Portuguese. As a member of the EU, Portugal uses the EURO as its official currency, along with 20 other EU nations.
Portugal’s EU membership allows Portuguese citizens to travel passport-free to the 26 other EU and Schengen countries. In addition to passport free privileges, Portuguese passport carriers have visa on arrival and visa-free entry to most countries worldwide. Visa free destinations include the United States, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.
A Closer Look – Popular Portugal Visa Free Countries
Portugal passport carriers enjoy visa free, eVisa, visa on arrival, and electronic travel authorization access to 174 travel destinations making it one of the most powerful passports in the world. These travel privileges mean Portuguese citizens can travel to these destinations without the need to apply for a regular visa in advance, saving time and hassle.
Portugal’s passport ranks 28 out of 197 countries on our Global Passport Index. This ranking is based on:
- Quality of life
- Investment opportunities
- Enhanced mobility
Portugal Passport Rankings
While there could be potential improvements in investment prospects in Portugal, Portugal solidifies its position as one of the top countries globally, offering an unparalleled quality of life and enhanced mobility.
European: Portugal is a member of the European Union, so its citizens can travel freely to member states and Schengen countries without a visa or passport. Passport free EU countries include France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Furthermore, a Portuguese passport holder has the right to live in any other EU country.
Americas: Portuguese citizens have visa free access to most countries in the Americas. Visa free destinations include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. Visa free access through electronic travel authorization (eTA) is also available to Canada and the United States.
Asia: Several Asian countries offer visa free, eVisa, visa-on-arrival, and eTA access to Portuguese passport carriers, including Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand have some of the most stringent entry requirements worldwide, and Portuguese citizens can enter both with an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Portugal visa free countries in the Pacific include Fiji, the Marshall Islands, and the US territory of American Samoa.
Portugal Passport by Investment
The Portugal Golden Visa program has proven to be the most popular residency by investment program in Europe.
Expats are attracted to this program due to its flexibility, visa free travel privileges inside the Schengen Area, and the multitude of other benefits.
The Portugal Golden Visa program grants non-EU citizens the opportunity to get a Portuguese passport after several years of residency and by investing in the country. You can get the Portugal Golden Visa through several investment options, such as investment funds, starting a business, or contributing to the reconstruction of national heritage. Qualifying investments start at €250,000 and include:
- Fund subscription: A €500,000 contribution to a qualified investment fund (such as private equity funds or venture capital funds)
- Cultural contribution: A €250,000 donation in the arts or reconstruction of national cultural heritage
- Contribution to scientific research: A €500,000 contribution to scientific or technological research.
- Job creation: Create and maintain at least ten jobs for Portuguese citizens during the required period.
- Share capital and job creation: At least €500,000 in the incorporation of a commercial company in the national territory or reinforcement of a company’s share capital (this company must have its head office in the national territory), combined with the creation of five jobs or maintaining ten jobs (five of them permanent)
Not only will you have the right to live and work in any European country when you have the Portugal Golden Visa, but your family members will also be able to reap the benefits alongside you. The Portugal Golden Visa program gives you the right as a resident and taxpayer to get a resident permit for your family members as well.
This family reunification includes spouses, legitimate children, children born outside marriage (despite their age), and parents of the main applicant and/or spouse. Each member will have his/her separate documents that confirm their residency in the country, which will allow them to move freely inside or outside Portugal, which will expand the travel opportunities for all the family members. Dive deeper into Portugal residency and the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide.
How can Portuguese passport holders travel visa free?
Portugal passport holders can enter visa free or with a visa on arrival to numerous countries worldwide. The specific requirements and restrictions vary depending on the respective nation’s visa regulations.
Here are the standard ways you can travel to a destination country without a visa:
Visa free countries
Visa free countries allow Portuguese citizens to enter without a valid visa, such as a regular or electronic visa.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Some countries with a visa waiver policy offer Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to Portugal passport holders.
Visa on arrival
Visa free travel is possible to visa on arrival (VOA) countries, allowing Portugal passport holders to travel visa free by obtaining a visa after arriving at border control.
Portuguese passport holders should remember that visa free countries can change their policies at any time. While a specific foreign country may offer visa free access, an e-visa, or a visa on arrival, it can change its entry requirements and impose temporary travel restrictions in response to global events. Travelers should refer to the government website or the destination country for detailed information.
Benefits of a Portuguese Passport
Passport free countries
Certain passport visa free countries have bilateral agreements with Portugal, allowing Portugal nationals access without presenting their passports. Passport free countries include European Union and Schengen countries, and specific non-EU countries such as Turkey, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
EU Citizenship
Portugal forms part of the EU. This means that Portugal citizens have freedom of movement, granting the right to reside or enjoy extended stays in other countries in the European Union without applying for an EU residence permit. Additional EU benefits of Portugal citizenship include access to various social services, healthcare systems, and educational opportunities.
Maximum visa free travel
Portuguese passport holders enjoy maximum visa-free travel privileges due to the country’s strategic diplomatic relationships and European Union membership. The Portuguese passport consistently ranks among the top passports globally, securing a prominent position on the Enhanced Mobility Index.
As an EU member state, Portugal benefits from the Union’s extensive network of visa waiver agreements and diplomatic ties, granting its citizens unrestricted access to many countries. This extensive visa-free travel privilege is particularly advantageous for business professionals, tourists, and individuals seeking global mobility.
Excellent quality of life
Portuguese nationals benefit from a mild Mediterranean climate, stunning landscapes, and a diverse cultural heritage, offering an enriching and pleasant living environment. The country is renowned for its welcoming and friendly locals, contributing to a strong sense of community. Additionally, Portugal has a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western European countries, making it more affordable for residents.
The nation prioritizes a healthy work-life balance, which is an attractive benefit, especially for Americans moving to Portugal. In addition, the country’s commitment to quality healthcare and education further enhances the overall well-being of its citizens.
Global Citizen Solutions: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens.
At Global Citizen Solutions, we have a team of local lawyers and real estate experts working directly with the developers, so we can provide you with valuable guidance on which of these properties are the most advantageous and reliable options. We are also corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in the Portugal Golden Visa program.
Get in touch with one of our experts and book a free 30-minute consultation today to discuss the Portugal Golden Visa.
