ETIAS Portugal & Azores: Info for U.S. and Canadian Travelers

by Azores Getaways Team

July 21, 2025 • 8 min read

Planning a trip to Portugal or the Azores? Official announcements indicate that the latest implementation date is set for 2026, travelers from the U.S. and Canada will need to complete an important new requirement before departure: the ETIAS travel authorisation. Whether you're flying into Lisbon, connecting through Porto, or heading straight to São Miguel Island, this rule applies to your journey.

This ETIAS guide covers everything you need to know, what ETIAS is, who needs it, how to apply, what it costs, and how it affects your travel to Portugal and beyond.

What Is ETIAS Portugal?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries like the United States and Canada. Although often compared to a visa, ETIAS is not a visa. It’s a travel authorisation that screens passengers before they arrive in Europe.

If you plan to visit Portugal, including the Azores, you’ll need ETIAS approval before your trip. Once approved, it allows entry to all countries in the Schengen Area.

Do You Need to Apply for ETIAS to Travel to Portugal and the Azores?

If you're a U.S. or Canadian citizen visiting Portugal for up to 90 days, you'll need to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation. This applies whether you're traveling for tourism, business, family visits, short-term education, or transit.

Even if your final destination is the Azores, you still need ETIAS, especially if you're transiting through Lisbon or Porto, which are common connections for North American travelers heading to the islands.

ETIAS will also be required for entry into other European countries that are part of the Schengen Area.

How Do I Apply for ETIAS?

Important: ETIAS is not active yet. You should not submit personal information or pay any fees to unofficial websites claiming to offer the application. Always wait for the official launch before taking any steps.

The application process for ETIAS will be quick and fully online. Here's what to expect once it goes live:

Visit the official ETIAS website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
Fill out a short form with personal and passport details
Answer a few security and health-related questions
Pay the fee (currently $20 USD as of July 2025, this may change but is expected to remain in that range, travelers under 18 and over 70 will be exempt)
Wait for approval, most are granted within minutes, though it may take up to 96 hours

The ETIAS application for U.S. citizens will follow the same simple steps, and approval will be sent directly by email.

Once approved, your ETIAS travel authorisation will be valid for travel to Portugal, the Azores, and all other Schengen countries.

Couple planning a trip using a laptop, globe, and travel essentials on a desk

Cost and Validity of ETIAS

Once granted, your ETIAS is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can visit Portugal and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

You only need to apply once, even if you plan to visit multiple countries on your trip.

What You Need for your ETIAS Application

To complete your ETIAS application, you'll need:

A passport valid for at least 3 months after your return date
An email address to receive confirmation
A credit or debit card for payment
To answer a few health, security, and travel background questions

U.S. passport and travel documents on a laptop beside tea and cookies

How Can I Fill Out the ETIAS Form?

You should complete the ETIAS application yourself, as the process is personal and involves sensitive information.

However, if someone else (such as a family member or travel agent) needs to apply on your behalf, make sure they follow the proper procedure. You can find the official guidelines for this scenario here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/ltr/how-to-apply/applying-on-behalf-of-others

What to Do After Receiving ETIAS Approval?

Once your ETIAS is approved, you’re ready to travel! Here’s what you should do next:

Check the email confirmation for the validity period and details.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Keep a digital or printed copy of your ETIAS approval when you travel, in case authorities request it.
Remember: Your ETIAS is valid for multiple short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) over a 3-year period, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Visiting the Azores with ETIAS

If your trip includes the Azores, the rules are the same. The islands are part of Portugal and fall under the Schengen Agreement. Whether you fly directly to São Miguel or Terceira islands, or connect via Lisbon, you'll need to present a valid ETIAS Portugal authorisation at check-in or border control.

With ETIAS, you can freely explore both the Azores and mainland Portugal, as well as other European destinations during the same trip.

ETIAS vs Visa: What’s the Difference?

If you're a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you don’t need a traditional visa to visit Portugal or the Azores — but you do need ETIAS starting in the last quarter of 2026

ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. It’s designed for travelers entering the Schengen Zone for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). If you're traveling in Europe for tourism, business, or a short visit, ETIAS is all you need.

You’ll only need a Schengen visa or a Portugal visa if:

You’re planning to stay longer than 90 days
You’re visiting for work, study, or residency
You’re not from a visa-exempt country like the U.S. or Canada

So, if you're traveling in Europe as a tourist, especially to Portugal or the Azores, ETIAS is the only entry requirement you’ll need to handle.

Note: We do our best to keep this information as up to date as possible, but rules and timelines may change. For the most accurate and official details, always refer to the official ETIAS website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

ETIAS FAQs

Is ETIAS a visa?
No, it’s a travel authorisation, not a visa.

Do I need an ETIAS for both Lisbon and the Azores?
Yes, but it's just one authorization. Portugal and the Azores are both part of the Schengen Area. That means you only need to apply for one single ETIAS travel authorisation, which will cover entry to all Schengen countries, including both mainland Portugal and its autonomous regions like the Azores.

Can I visit other countries with my ETIAS?
Yes. You can travel to all 30+ Schengen countries with a single ETIAS.

Do I still need ETIAS if I already have a visa?
No. If you have a valid Schengen visa, ETIAS is not required.

When should I apply?
Apply at least 5–3 days before your trip, just to be safe.

What is the ETIAS visa waiver?
The ETIAS visa waiver is a new entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries. It's not a traditional visa — it’s a digital authorisation that grants you access to the Schengen Area for short stays.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS?
Citizens from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States and Canada, will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to any country in the Schengen Area. If you currently don’t need a visa to visit Europe, chances are you’ll need ETIAS once it’s active.

Who doesn’t need to pay the ETIAS fee?
Travelers under the age of 18 and over the age of 70 are exempt from the €7 fee. Others who may qualify for a fee exemption include family members of EU citizens (if they hold a residence card) and certain categories of diplomatic or official travelers.

How long will my ETIAS be valid?
Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period, you can enter the Schengen Area multiple times, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

How long does it take to get ETIAS approved?
Most applications are processed and approved within minutes. However, in some cases, further checks may be needed, and processing can take up to four days or rarely up to 30 days if additional documentation or interviews are required.

Does having ETIAS guarantee entry into Europe?
No. While ETIAS is required for entry, it does not guarantee admission. Border authorities will still verify your passport and check that you meet other conditions for entry into the Schengen Area.