Updated: July 29, 2025
It’s no secret that Portuguese citizens enjoy the benefits of having one of the strongest passports in the world. The Portugal passport visa free countries total 181 destinations in 2025 (including visa-free entry, eVisa, visa-on-arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorization).
Because of the high number of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries, the Portuguese passport ranks 13th on the Global Citizen Solutions Enhanced Mobility Index and 24th on the Global Passport Index.
In this article, you’ll find the full list of countries Portugal passport holders have access to, whether passport or visa-free, or via visa-on-arrival, eVisas, eTAs, or regular visas.
We’ll also explore the other benefits of the Portuguese passport and some of the best ways to secure one as a second passport.
Portuguese Passport Visa Free Countries
These are the countries that allow visa free access to Portugal passport holders in 2025:
Passport Free Countries for Portugal Passport Holders
These are the countries that allow passport free access to Portuguese citizens in 2025 (they can enter with only an ID card):
Visa on Arrival Countries for Portugal Passport Holders
These are the countries that grant Portugal passport holders a visa on arrival in 2025:
eTA Countries for Portugal Passport Holders
These are the countries that allow Portugal passport holders to enter with an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization):
Countries that Require an eVisa for Portugal Passport Holders
These countries allow entry to Portugal passport holders with an eVisa:
Countries with Visa Requirements for Portugal Passport Holders
These countries require Portugal passport holders to obtain a visa before entering:
Other entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Each country will have its own set of requirements before allowing entry to its borders. This could include:
- Extra documentation, such as an invitation letter, proof of employment or accommodation, or a health certificate
- Financial requirements, such as proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
It’s important to be aware that countries can change their visa requirements, so be sure to double check the latest travel advisories before making travel plans.
A Closer Look at the Portuguese Passport
The Portuguese passport is the travel document issued to Portuguese citizens, granting them the right to enter and exit Portugal and other countries that allow access via its own visa rules.
The passport serves as identification for Portuguese citizens, and it grants free movement and residence within the European Union, where Portugal is a member state.
Portugal is also part of the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other border controls at their mutual borders, allowing for passport-free movement.
Apart from passport-free privileges, Portuguese passport holders also enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to most countries worldwide, including the USA, the UK, Canada, the UAE, and New Zealand.
Benefits of a Portuguese Passport
Because of Portugal’s outstanding worldwide travel connections, passport holders enjoy the following benefits:
- Passport-free travel: Allows travel without a passport to various countries, including EU and Schengen member states, and other non-EU countries through bilateral agreements (such as Turkey, Montenegro, and North Macedonia).
- EU citizenship: Grants freedom of movement, residence, and extended stays in other EU countries without needing an EU residence permit. It also provides access to social services, healthcare, and educational opportunities across the EU.
- Maximum visa-free travel: The Portuguese passport consistently ranks highly globally for visa-free travel due to Portugal’s diplomatic relations and EU membership, offering broad international access.
- Excellent quality of life: Holders can benefit from Portugal’s excellent Mediterranean climate, beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, welcoming population, relatively low cost of living, and an emphasis on work-life balance.
How can Portuguese passport holders travel visa free?
For Portuguese passport holders, enjoying visa-free travel largely comes down to three main ways:
- Completely visa-free: Many countries simply don’t require Portuguese citizens to get a visa at all.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): For some destinations, you’ll need a quick online approval (an eTA) before you travel.
- Visa on arrival: In certain countries, you can get your visa right at the airport or border crossing when you arrive.
Always remember to double-check the latest travel rules of a destination country before you visit another country, as they can change.
Popular Portugal Visa Free Countries
Portugal has access to 181 destinations via visa-free entry, eVisa, visa-on-arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorization. This allows Portuguese citizens to enjoy remarkable ease of access to a vast number of countries worldwide, saving considerable time and hassle on visa applications.
Apart from the ease of access to European countries, as we have already mentioned, other popular Portugal visa free countries are included in the following regions:
- Americas: Portuguese citizens enjoy visa-free access to most countries in the Americas, including major destinations like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. An eTA is needed for countries such as the United States and Canada.
- Asia: Popular Asian destinations like Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates offer various forms of visa-free access or simplified entry procedures.
- Oceania: Even countries with typically stringent entry requirements, such as Australia and New Zealand, are accessible to Portuguese citizens with an eTA.
How to Get a Portugal Passport
If you are considering pursuing a second passport and the Portuguese passport is your goal, the process is quite straightforward. Working with migration professionals like our partner, Global Citizen Solutions, can also help to avoid delays and speed up the process.
The main pathways to citizenship in Portugal are:
- By naturalization: Maintain residency in Portugal for five years
- Through marriage: Be married to a Portuguese citizen for three years and prove a genuine connection to the Portuguese community
- By descent: You may be eligible if a parent or grandparent (or, possibly, a great-grandparent) was born in Portugal. You’ll need documents proving your parental lineage, like a birth certificate
- By investment: Invest in Portugal via the Golden Visa and apply for citizenship by naturalization after five years
Portugal passport by investment
One of the more popular pathways to Portuguese citizenship is through the Portugal Golden Visa program. This residency-by-investment program allows investors and their family members to live, work, and study in Portugal and provides free movement within Europe’s Schengen Area.
Although the Golden Visa program does not automatically grant citizenship, if you maintain the visa for five years, you will be eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalization.
The current investment program options are:
- Investment fund subscription: Contribute to qualified venture capital funds worth at least €500,000
- Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national heritage with a minimum investment of at least €250,000
- Scientific Research: Science or technology research, with a minimum investment of at least €500,000
- Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
- Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a company or reinforcement of a company’s share capital, in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (five of them permanent)
Portuguese Nationality Law Update: June 2025
New changes to Portugal’s Nationality Laws have been proposed, where the residency requirement before applying for nationality may increase from five to ten years (or seven years for CPLP nationals). This is currently a draft proposal and is not yet officially law. Read the latest updates on the Portugeuse Nationality Law.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help You
Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal Passport Visa Free Countries
Is Portugal a strong passport?
Yes, the Portuguese passport is considered strong. It ranks 24th globally on the Global Passport Index and offers enhanced mobility to its holders. Portugal enjoys access to 181 destinations via visa-free entry, eVisa, visa-on-arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorization, removing the need to apply for a regular visa for most countries worldwide.
Do Portuguese citizens need a visa for the USA?
No, Portuguese citizens do not need a traditional visa for the USA for short visits (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or transit purposes. They need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) under the USA’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP) prior to travel.
How many countries can Portugal passport holders visit visa free?
Portugal passport visa-free countries include 181 destinations (including visa-free entry, eVisa, visa-on-arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorization).
How many countries can a permanent resident of Portugal enter without a visa?
Permanent residents of Portugal can enter all 27 EU countries without a visa, as well as EU microstates, EU territories, and non-EU countries, including Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, North Macedonia, Turkey, and the Dutch and French Caribbean.
Do Portuguese citizens need a visa for Serbia?
No, Portuguese citizens do not need a visa for Serbia. They are able to travel to the country visa-free.