Portuguese Azores Entry Requirements
Travel to the Portuguese Azores is subject to EU entry requirements and you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
UK guests can also find out more information about Azores entry requirements by visiting the FCO website page here
Changes for entry to the European Union (including the Portuguese Azores) from November 2024 and from mid 2025
The European Union is introducing two important changes for travel to Europe:
1. EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which is planned to launch on 10th November in 2024
The EU Entry/Exit System is an upcoming electronic system that will replace the traditional passport stamping process at passport control when entering or leaving your destination. This system will record all entries and exits to and from participating European countries, effectively tracking your movements whenever you cross a border into or out of the EU/Schengen area. Once the system is operational, in addition to presenting your passport at passport control upon arrival and departure, you will also be required to have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned. The system will apply to individuals travelling for short stays from what the EU refers to as a ‘third country,’ meaning anyone who is not a citizen of the EU or the Schengen area. This includes most travellers from the UK. A short stay is defined as a visit lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Most travel between the UK and Europe will fall under this category. Irish passport holders are exempt from the EES. British passport holders with EU residency are also exempt.
More information here: EES – European Union (europa.eu)
2. European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), due in mid-2025
ETIAS is the EU’s new travel authorization that you will need to obtain before traveling to many European countries including the Portuguese Azores once the system is implemented. While ETIAS is expected to be introduced in mid-2025, an exact date has not yet been announced. Therefore, at this time (August 2024) you do not need an ETIAS to travel to Europe. If you’re visiting the EU for upto 90 days (within a 180 day period) and are not a citizen of an EU or Schengen country, you’ll need an ETIAS. If you hold a non-UK passport, you should check whether you need an ETIAS or a visa to travel to Europe. If you’re traveling on a visa, an ETIAS is not required. Irish passport holders are exempt from ETIAS, as are British passport holders with EU residency.
How much will an ETIAS cost?
The ETIAS fee is set at €7 (approximately £6). It will be free for travellers under 18 and over 70.
How long will it be valid?
ETIAS will be valid for three years, allowing you to make multiple trips during that time using the same authorisation. However, if your passport expires within the ETIAS validity period, you’ll need to apply for a new ETIAS. Additionally, if your ETIAS expires during your stay, you’ll need to apply for a new one before traveling to ensure it covers your entire visit.
How to apply
You can apply for an ETIAS through the official website (see link below). However, since ETIAS is not yet operational, applications cannot be submitted at this time.
Each traveller must submit a separate application, so if you’re a parent applying for a child, they’ll need their own application. You can also have someone apply on your behalf, but you’ll need to provide a consent form.
What information do I need to provide?
For each application, you’ll need to provide the following details:
– Personal information, including your name(s), date and place of birth, sex, nationality, home address, email address, and phone number(s)
– Parents’ first name(s)
– Passport or travel document details
– Level of education and current occupation
– Information about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS
– Details of any past criminal convictions, travel to war or conflict zones, and recent involvement in extradition cases
Ensure the information on your ETIAS matches your passport details. If there’s a discrepancy, your ETIAS will be invalid, and you won’t be able to travel. If applying on behalf of someone else, you may need to provide additional information.
BEWARE OF FAKE ETIAS WEBSITES
Currently, there are over 60 unofficial websites offering ETIAS services, even though the system is not yet live. Avoid using these sites, as you risk being overcharged, not receiving an ETIAS, or having your personal information stolen.
More information and to apply (once implemented): ETIAS – European Union (europa.eu)