What Requirements Are Needed For Travel To Portugal From Canada?

Generally, the process of traveling from Canada to Portugal can be a hassle-free and pleasant experience, provided one does his/her homework on entry and travel formalities. As a Canadian citizen you are allowed to travel to Portugal as well as the Schengen zone for a period of ninety days within a hundred and eighty days without a visa. Nevertheless, there are several criteria that have to be met for the successful completion of the process. Now we’ll see what must be done for Canadians who want to travel to Portugal.

Travel Documents

For travelling to Portugal, a valid Canadian passport with at least three months validity remaining from the date you plan to exit the Schengen area is required. Check whether your passport complies with this requirement long before your journey. In case it is close to expiring, renew it earlier enough so that you do not find yourself on the receiving end of the DNR. Also, ensure you have at least 2 pages left in your passport in order to receive the entry and exit stamps that will be issued.

However, it is advisable to have other forms of identification such as a driver’s license to facilitate identification in case of complications during travel. It is also advisable to have photocopies of the passport’s identification page, which should be carried independently or stored electronically in case it is lost or stolen while in another country.

Gaining Admission to the Schengen Zone

However, for any Canadian to be allowed entry into the Schengen area, he or she must meet some certain conditions. Customs officers will need to ensure that you are leaving for a specific purpose for a certain period, and that you have enough money and documents to support your stay.

In particular, you will be required to prove that you have a confirmed reservation for a part, or the entire duration, of your planned stay in Portugal/Schengen. This could be confirmed hotel bookings, rental property bookings, hostel bookings, etc Even if you will be crashing at a friend or relative’s place, ensure you have their name, address, and contact information with you.

You also have to prove that you have enough cash to support your stay in Portugal without having to work or seek help from the state. There is no fixed sum though having travel funds of around the range of 45 EUR to 90 EUR is considered sufficient by most. Original bank statements from within the last 6 months can be downloaded and submitted to prove compliance. Cash alone would not be enough.

Health & Medical Considerations

Presently, Canada is categorized as a low-risk country, which is why there are no extraordinary health protocols that one has to pass through before being granted Schengen visa from Canada.

However, it is always recommended to have additional health insurance in case of minor medical issues or accidents during the trip in Portugal and in the EU, including medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, etc. Ensure that your coverage meets needs if you get sick or injured in other countries.

While there are no required vaccinations, getting the routine ones can lessen the chances of getting sick. Annual flu, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and COVID-19 vaccines are well advised before travelling internationally as per health recommendations. Talk to your doctor about what else they might prescribe.

COVID-19 VestibuleRules

While Portugal has eased the majority of its domestic and border COVID-19 restrictions, there are still some specific requirements concerning the pandemic to note

There are no current entry requirements to enter Portugal as a Canadian with written proof of vaccination, prior COVID-19 infection, or negative COVID-19 test result. But you have to fill out an online passenger locator card before your trip and be ready to show the received QR code upon arrival.

Currently, mask wearing is only required in hospitals in Portugal but encouraged in crowded areas, such as transport. Have masks on hand.

Travelers should consult the Government of Canada’s travel advice and Portugal’s entry protocols prior to the intended date of travel since the COVID-19 protocols can quickly change. You should also adhere to guidelines such as washing hands, wearing masks and not traveling when one is unwell.

Return To Canada Travel Requirements

When you are ready to board your flight back to Canada, it is important to note that there are other measures that have not been removed, including pre-entry testing and use of the ArriveCAN app to ensure a seamless re-entry into the country.

This requires providing a negative COVID-19 molecular or antigen test result, which must have been administered within 72 hours before the scheduled departure to Canada. When booking online for a test in Portugal before returning home, please check on the types of tests allowed. The rapid tests are not taken.

Electronic travel report: Use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before check-in to provide the mandatory information required by customs and border services upon your return to Canada. It is also important to keep the paper or electronic copy of your vaccination card on hand as well too.

Pre-departure preparations are essential to ensuring that one does not have an unpleasant experience when traveling from Canada to Portugal and back. Get the latest information for a smooth, safe and memorable trip!

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