ETIAS for Portugal: requirements for Canadian citizens

In 2026, Canadian citizens must apply for an ETIAS for Portugal from Canada ahead of their trip.

The Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new security system. It will pre-screen travelers from third countries that do not need a visa.

This travel document will be an obligatory requirement to enter Portugal. All Canadians who wish to visit Portugal from 2026 will need a valid ETIAS.

To enter Portugal from Canada, all foreign visitors who do not need the visa Schengen must apply online for the electronic permit.

How can Canadians apply for an ETIAS visa waiver for Portugal?

Canadians will be able to get an ETIAS visa waiver for Portugal by filling out the online form.

Citizens from Canada can apply for the ETIAS visa waiver for Portugal using a valid passport. You need to enter these details on the ETIAS application form:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Passport details

Etias-Portugal-for-canadians

All data entered is cross-checked against security databases. The EU has several, including VIS, SIS, Interpol and Europol. To submit your form, pay the ETIAS Portugal application fee with a credit or debit card.

Travelling to Portugal from Canada with ETIAS authorisation

After you submit your ETIAS application, the system will process your details. If no alarm is set off, your application should be approved.

Once the ETIAS system validates your application, it will notify you via email. Your ETIAS for Portugal should be electronically linked to the passport you used.

Upon arrival in Portugal, as a Canadian traveller, all you have to do is present your biometric passport. Immigration officials will scan your details and check that your ETIAS is valid.

Important: ETIAS will not change the visa-free status of Canadians (ETIAS is not a visa). However, ETIAS will still be mandatory entry requisite.

What about the rest of the Schengen Area?

There are no internal hard borders within the Schengen Area. There is only a singular, shared border. This means Canadian travellers can move freely between the entire Schengen Area.

The ETIAS EU visa waiver is valid for 3 years and will allow Canadians to enter for periods of up to 90 days in Portugal or any country in the Schengen zone.

Passport and document requirements with ETIAS

Canadians can travel to Portugal with a valid Canadian passport to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver.

The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from Portugal and the Schengen Area.

The Portugal ETIAS approval is attached to one specific passport and cannot be transferred. This means that travellers must use the same passport to apply for ETIAS and to enter Portugal. If a passport expires, the attached ETIAS will not be valid.

Travel and tourist information for Portugal

Portugal’s former role as a superpower is best showcased in the 2 biggest cities: Lisbon and Porto:

  • The country’s hilly capital, Lisbon, is renowned for its stunning pastel-coloured buildings and grand landmarks such as the imposing São Jorge Castle
  • Porto, situated in the northwest, is known for its charming cobbled streets, famous bridges, and port wine

Health information for Canadians travelling to Portugal

The level of healthcare is high in Portugal (as in most European countries.) Even so, health insurance is recommended.

By getting travel insurance you cut the risk of high medical costs in the event of an emergency.

Visitors should bear the following things in mind:

  • Bring medication in its original packaging, labelled
  • Emergency services are 112
  • Tap water is safe to drink (though many prefer bottled water)
  • Be mindful of the sun: drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen

Do Canadians need a visa for Portugal?

Canadians do not need a visa to go to Portugal for up to 90 days. Canadians can visit Portugal visa-free for tourism, business, or transit.

From 2026, Canadians will need to register with ETIAS Portugal to enjoy visa-free travel.

Citizens from Canada only need a visa to travel to Portugal if they:

  • Do not meet all the requirements to enter Portugal from Canada with ETIAS
  • Wish to stay for more than 90 days per 180-day period
  • Are going to Portugal for reasons other than tourism, business, or transit

Travellers from Canada who need a visa for Portugal should apply through the embassy.

Canadian embassy and consulates in Portugal

Embassy of Canada in Lisbon

  • Address: Avenida da Liberdade 198-200, 3rd Floor, 1269-121 Lisbon
  • Telephone: +351 21 316 4600

Consulate of Canada in Faro

  • Address: Rua Frei Lourenço de Santa Maria No. 1, 1st Floor, Apartado 79, 8000-352 Faro
  • Postal Address: P.O. Box 79, Faro, 8001-901
  • Telephone: +351 289 803 757

Consulate of Canada in Ponta Delgada

  • Address: Rua D’Agua, 28, 9500-040 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores
  • Telephone: +351 296 281 488