Portugal's passport is among the top in the world for visa free and visa on arrival access.

The Portuguese passport ranks 31st 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. If you’re considering getting a second passport and are seeking one with an extensive list of visa-free countries, a Portugal passport is a valid contender.

Visa Free Countries for Portugal Passport Holders

The table below lists the countries that allow visa free entry to Portugal passport holders:

Antigua and Barbuda Guatemala Saint Kitts and Nevis
Argentina Haiti Saint Lucia
Armenia Honduras Sao Tome and Principe
Austria Hong Kong Seychelles
Bahamas Israel Singapore
Barbados Jamaica Solomon Islands
Belarus Japan South Africa
Belize Kazakhstan Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Bolivia Kosovo Switzerland
Botswana Kyrgyzstan Taiwan
Brazil Macao Tanzania
Brunei Malaysia Timor-Leste
Cabo Verde Marshall Islands Tonga
Chile Mauritius Trinidad and Tobago
Colombia Mexico Tunisia
Costa Rica Micronesia Tuvalu
Czech Republic Mongolia Uganda
Dominica Morocco Ukraine
Dominican Republic Mozambique United Arab Emirates
Ecuador Nicaragua United Kingdom
El Salvador Palau Uruguay
Eswatini Palestine Uzbekistan
Fiji Panama Vanuatu
Gabon Paraguay Vatican
Gambia Peru Venezuela
Grenada Philippines Zambia

Passport Free Countries for Portugal Passport Holders

The table below lists European Union countries that allow Portuguese citizens to enter with only an ID card:

Albania Georgia Netherlands
Andorra Germany North Macedonia
Austria Greece Poland
Belgium Hungary Portugal
Bosnia and Herzegovina Iceland Romania
Bulgaria Ireland San Marino
Croatia Italy Slovakia
Cyprus Latvia Slovenia
Czech Republic Liechtenstein Spain
Denmark Lithuania Sweden
Estonia Luxembourg Switzerland
Finland Monaco Turkey
France Montenegro

Visa on Arrival Countries for Portugal Passport Holders

The table below lists the countries that allow visa on arrival access to Portugal passport holders:

Bahrain Jordan Qatar
Bangladesh Kuwait Rwanda
Burkina Faso Lao Saudi Arabia
Burundi Lebanon Sierra Leone
Cambodia Madagascar Somalia
Comoros Malawi Tajikistan
Egypt Maldives Thailand
Ethiopia Mauritania Togo
Guinea-Bissau Nepal Zimbabwe
Indonesia Oman
Iraq Pakistan

eTA Countries for Portugal Passport Holders

The below table lists the countries that allow Portugal passport holders entry with an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization):

Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
United States

Countries that Require an eVisa for Portugal Passport Holders

The table below lists the countries that allow Portugal passport holders entry with an eVisa:

Angola Guinea Papua New Guinea
Azerbaijan India Russia
Benin Iran South Sudan
Bhutan Kenya Sri Lanka
Djibouti Myanmar Suriname
Ethiopia Nigeria Vietnam

Countries with Visa Requirements for Portugal Passport Holders

The table below lists the countries that require Portugal passport holders to obtain a visa:

Afghanistan Cuba Namibia
Algeria Equatorial Guinea Nauru
Bhutan Eritrea Niger
Burundi Ghana North Korea
Cameroon Guyana Sudan
Central African Republic Kiribati Suriname
Chad Lesotho Syria
China Liberia Turkmenistan
DR Congo Libya Yemen
Congo Mali

Other requirements for Portugal passport holders

  1. 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.
  2. 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 an EU member state 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 holders have visa on arrival and visa-free entry to most countries worldwide. Visa free destinations include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

Portugal Citizenship by Descent: Guide to Eligibility and More

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Portugal passport holders 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 passport holders can travel to these destinations without the need to apply for a regular visa in advance, saving time and hassle.

Portugal’s passport ranks well at 31 out of 197 countries on our Global Passport Index. This ranking is based on:

  • Quality of life
  • Investment opportunities
  • Enhanced mobility

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 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 passport holders 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 holders, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

Oceania: Australia and New Zealand have some of the most stringent entry requirements worldwide, and Portugal passport holders can enter both with 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.

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The Portugal Golden Visa program grants non-Eu citizens the opportunity to get a Portuguese passport after at least five 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 Portuguese passport holders 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 European Union. 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

Portugal 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Portuguese Passport Visa Free Countries

How many countries can Portugal passport holders visit visa free?

A Portuguese passport provides visa-free access to 174 countries, showing that Portuguese citizenship has many significant mobility benefits. Portugal’s performance regarding visa free and visa on arrival travel is highlighted in our Global Passport Index. Once you get a Portuguese passport, you have excellent mobility, including free movement across the EU and Schengen Area and EU microstates such as Monaco and San Marino.

Do Portuguese citizens need visas for the USA?

Portugal is part of the USA’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means that Portugal passport holders are generally eligible for visa free access to the USA for short visits (up to 90 days) for purposes of tourism, business, or transit.

The program necessitates applying for electronic travel authorization, which is valid for two years. The decision to approve visa free access into the United States ultimately lies with the US immigration officer encountered upon arrival.

Is the Portugal passport strong?

According to the Global Passport Index, the Portuguese passport ranks 31st in the world regarding passport strength. The index measures the travel mobility that a country’s passport provides, including a comprehensive guide to all visa free and visa on arrival countries.

The index also assesses each country’s quality of life and investment opportunities. At 31st place, the Portugal passport is strong. Its strength is reflected in the enhanced mobility it provides Portuguese citizens, including visa waiver entry to strict countries like Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.

How many countries can a permanent resident of Portugal enter without a visa?

Portugal permanent residents can enter all 27 EU countries without a visa, as well as EU microstates, EU territories, and non-EU countries including:

  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • North Macedonia
  • Turkey
  • The Dutch and French Caribbean

Which countries are visa free with Portuguese permanent residence?

Individuals with Portugal permanent residence often enjoy visa free or visa on arrival privileges to various travel destinations. Portugal’s EU membership allows Portuguese permanent residents to travel to EU and Schengen countries visa free. A permanent residence permit in Portugal can enhance your visa application when seeking entry to countries like Australia and the United States.

Do Portuguese citizens need a visa for Serbia?

Portuguese citizens can not only travel visa free to Serbia but can use their national ID to enter the country.