The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Portugal, including the popular regions of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Azores. This exceptional update provides important information for UK visitors planning to stay longer than the standard 90-day visa-free period.
According to the FCDO, travelers who need to extend their visa-free stay in Portugal due to exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies, must apply to AIMA using their contact form. Access to this application process is restricted to those already in Portugal. It is also clarified that if you hold a residence permit or long-stay visa, the time spent in the country does not count towards the 90-day visa-free allowance.
For those planning an extended stay and requiring a visa, understanding the correct visa category is essential. Applicants should review eligibility criteria, necessary documentation, fees, and processing times before submitting their application. Documents not in English may need certified translation.
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Visa applications start by downloading, completing, and printing the visa form. The completed form and required documents must be submitted at a Visa Application Centre. Applicants must also book an appointment to provide biometric information—fingerprints and photographs—as part of the process. Confirmation emails and appointment letters will be sent following the booking.
Families or groups must ensure that each member books an individual appointment for biometric data collection. These updates are particularly timely as travelers prepare for spring and summer holidays in Portugal.