Documents required for international travel

If you are planning to travel, find out what documents you need for your international trip. Have everything ready to ensure a smooth journey. Each country has its own requirements and regulations regarding mandatory documents for entry and stay.

This information does not exempt you from consulting the terms and conditions on the official websites of the government or public authorities concerned. 

Complete guide to documents required for international travel

Many countries have visa waiver agreements. This means that citizens of certain nationalities may be eligible for visa-free entry. However, basic documents such as a valid passport, proof of return travel and proof of financial resources will be required.

Countries in this group include: 

1. European Union (EU) countries: The member countries of the European Union have a free movement agreement which allows citizens of member countries to travel between them without a visa. As an EU citizen, you have the right to travel freely in the 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (third countries but members of the Schengen area).  
2. USA, Canada, Japan and China: EU citizens do not need a visa to enter and travel in these countries. For the USA and Canada, simply complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 
3. Other visa-free destinations for Portuguese nationals: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Mauritius, Bahamas, Seychelles, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Timor-Leste, Colombia, among others.    
       

For a smooth journey, know all the requirements. 

Countries that require an e-visa

If you travel to a third country as a citizen of the European Union, you will need a valid passport and a visa for the countries below.   

The e-visa must be applied for before travelling. The process is usually straightforward and can be done online. The list of countries requiring a visa are:  

1. Australia: To enter and travel freely as a tourist in this destination, European citizens holding a passport must also apply for an electronic visa, which is issued free of charge. 
    
   1. Student Visa: If you intend to study in the country, you may be eligible for a student visa, the validity of which depends on the length of your course.  
   2. Visitor Visa: You can apply for a tourist or business visitor visa for 3 to 12 months.  
   3. Working Holiday Visa: The Working Holiday Visa is highly sought after by the Portuguese and allows young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to travel and work in the country for 1 year. It is ideal if you dream of travelling around Australia for up to 12 months for a gap year, holidays, exploring the country, short term study or short term work. 
      
      
2. New Zealand: If you are travelling to New Zealand, you need a tourist visa for up to 90 days.  
   
   
3. India: To facilitate the entry of tourists, the Indian government has introduced the e-Visa system. If you are a Portuguese national, you must apply for an e-Visa before travelling to India. You can apply for this tourist visa online. 
   
   
4. Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan has introduced e-visa to facilitate entry, whether for tourism, business, sport, medical treatment, family visits or volunteering. 
   
   
5. Sri Lanka: If you are a Portuguese citizen and wish to visit Sri Lanka, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on arrival at the airport. No fee is charged for requesting this. 

How to prove that you are a citizen of the European Union

You must show a valid citizen card and/or passport to prove your citizenship. 

If you do not have the necessary travel documents for the country you are visiting, be it a passport, an e-visa or simply your European identity card, the authorities can refuse you entry, but they must first give you every reasonable opportunity to obtain the necessary documents or allow you to prove by other means that you are an EU citizen.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is your responsibility to prove that you are an EU citizen and therefore have the right to travel freely in the 27 EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 

Avoid setbacks with good travel planning

Good travel planning is the key to ensuring that your experience is as trouble-free as possible.

Travel with confidence and control on your next adventure and avoid setbacks and unexpected situations.

The truth is simple: when it comes to travelling, good planning is the best companion you can have, that and travel insurance Just in Case.