What you need to know
Travelling to/from UK
Since 1 January 2021, with the end of the transition period following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, there have been some changes regarding travelling between Portugal and the United Kingdom.
This information is not binding. We recommend checking the legislation in force or official websites.
1. Passengers travelling from the United Kingdom to Portugal
What documents do I need?
People from the UK will have to travel with a passport valid for at least six months and issued after 2011.
Tourists do not need visas for stays of up to 90 days during a period of six months.
Passport controls on arrival at Portugal may take up more time, as the passport will have to be stamped and there are additional questions that may be asked by the border control officers.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/check-a-passport-travel-europe
https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein
Travelling with pets
In order to travel with pets, people from the UK will have to get their pet passport at least four months in advance.
The airline you are travelling with should confirm if they accept pets and how many you can take if you have more than one. Apart from having a microchip, pets also need a rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate – AHC.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland
Baggage
Baggage belonging to passengers coming from the United Kingdom may be submitted to physical customs controls.
The European Union has restrictions on the entry of products of plant and animal origin. You can check the information on exceptions and limits here.
Plant products may not be brought into the country without the appropriate phytosanitary certificate. More detailed information here.
More information:
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/luggage-restrictions/index_en.htm
Shopping and VAT refunds
UK residents may now get VAT refunds on purchases made in Portugal. Find out how to do this here.
Considering that products in Portugal are 5 to 10% cheaper than in the United Kingdom on average, the additional advantage of Tax Free shopping will be a very important attraction for UK tourists.
There have also been restrictions on the limits of tax free goods taken to the United Kingdom since 1 January 2021. More information here.
Healthcare
The European Health Insurance Card will still be accepted until it has expired.
Although travel insurance should be considered, healthcare services are available at fixed prices to tourists visiting Portugal through the Portugal Health Passport. More information here.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance
Driving in Portugal
Driving licences issued in the United Kingdom are valid in Portugal for a maximum period of 185 days.
More information:
Using mobile phones
The roaming guarantee has ended. The amount to be paid for calls, text messages and mobile data when you travel to Portugal should be confirmed with your operator.
2. Passengers travelling from Portugal to the United Kingdom
What documents do I need?
A passport that must remain valid during the entire period of your stay. The agreement provides for an exemption from visas for short visits, but there is a possibility that either of the parties may require these in the future.
From 1 October 2021, it will no longer be permitted to enter the United Kingdom using a driving licence issued in the European Union.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y/portugal/tourism
Travelling with pets
The airline you are travelling with should confirm if they accept pets and how many you can take if you have more than one. Apart from having a microchip, pets also need a rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate – AHC, which can be used up to four months after issue.
To avoid a period of quarantine, you should ensure that your pet meets the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain
Baggage
Passengers travelling to the United Kingdom may carry a certain amount of items without paying taxes. The goods acquired must be for own consumption or gifts.
For further information on the maximum quantities of alcohol and tobacco that may be transported tax free, check here
The United Kingdom does not permit products of animal origin (meat, milk and derived products) or plant products (seeds, plants, fruit, vegetables, flowers, etc.) from European Union countries to be brought into the country, but there are exceptions provided certain requirements are met. You can check the rules for bringing in food and plants here.
Passengers travelling from Portugal to the United Kingdom with more than £10,000 in cash need to fill in a declaration on arrival. This can also be done online here.
More information:
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/luggage-restrictions/index_en.htm
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bringing-commercial-goods-into-great-britainin-your-baggage
Shopping and VAT refunds
EU citizens can benefit from tax exemptions (duty free) on purchases such as drinks, tobacco and cosmetics and the amount allowed has actually increased. Check here.
VAT refunds for foreign passengers in shops in the United Kingdom no longer exists for goods transported with the passenger.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-vat-back-on-tax-free-shopping-in-northern-ireland
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/duty-free-extended-to-the-eu-from-january-2021
Healthcare
The validity of the European Health Insurance Card is assured until October 2021 and, although there is a possibility this will be extended, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has alerted to the need for travel insurance with greater coverage.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-for-eu-and-efta-citizens-visiting-the-uk
Driving in the United Kingdom
Driving licences issued in Portugal are still valid in the United Kingdom.
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-uk-licence-holders-living-in-the-eu
Using mobile phones
The amount to be paid for calls, text messages and mobile data when you travel to the United Kingdom should be confirmed with your operator.
Useful links:
https://www.portaldiplomatico.mne.gov.pt/en/foreign-policy/brexit
https://portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt/pt/vai-viajar/conselhos-aos-viajantes
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/visiting-the-uk-as-an-eu-eea-or-swiss-citizen
https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/plan-your-trip/getting-britain/visiting-uk-from-1-january-2021#
https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal
