8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Portuguese authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 23, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Portugal and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Portugal. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. A return ticket is recommended.
It is possible that Canadians entering Portugal may not pass through passport control and/or may not receive an entry stamp in their passport. Nonetheless, Canadians are obliged to report their entry within three days to any office of Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF-border control), Policia da Seguranca Publica (Public Security Police), or Guarda Nacional Republicana (National Republican Guard). Forms completed at these offices are to be retained by the visitor until departure from Portugal. In addition, Canadians intending to stay for more than 90 days must apply for an extension of stay at any SEF office.
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required________________________________________
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted and traveller's cheques are readily exchanged. Euro traveller's cheques are recommended. ATMs are available.Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Portugal (capital: Lisbon) is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and Spain. Tourist facilities are widely available.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are widely available in Portugal but may not meet Canadian standards.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
AZORES
The Azores and Madeira Islands are also part of Portugal. The Azores (major cities: Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel Island; Angra do Heroismo; on Terceira Island) are a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 kilometres west of Portugal. Madeira includes two inhabited islands, Madeira (capital city; Funchal) and Porto Santo, located about 870 kilometres southwest of Portugal. Tourist facilities are improving in larger communities. The official language is Portuguese.
In the Azores, the crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as theft and pickpocketing, is uncommon. Exercise normal safety precautions. Streets are often narrow, poorly lit and deserted at night. On rural roads, livestock on the roadway may cause traffic congestion. Moreover, driving can be dangerous since speeding is common and route markers are often absent. In marine areas, corals, jellyfish, and other ocean life found along reefs can poison, sting, or cause infection if touched or stepped on. It is recommended to consult local authorities to identify potential dangers associated with an area.
Severe windstorms and heavy rains occur. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Lisbon or the nearest consulate in the event of an emergency.
Fines for traffic violations are also substantial and need to be paid on the spot.
The Schengen Agreement
The member states of the European Union (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland), plus Norway and Iceland, make up the Schengen area, which aims to abolish border controls between those countries and create a single external frontier. However, controls are still in place at the borders of the newer Schengen countries.
Canadians do not need visas for short-term visits to Schengen countries, but some member states require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities.
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18. ANNEX
N/A
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