Could simpler entry rules help Portugal attract more international visitors?

Competition to attract international travellers is increasingly extending beyond hotel prices, beaches and airline connections. Entry rules, border procedures and the ease of obtaining permission to travel are becoming important parts of a destination’s competitiveness.

Recent online reports have suggested that Spain is independently expanding visa-free access to visitors from several countries. However, such claims should be treated cautiously.

Spain and Portugal are both members of the Schengen area, meaning that the rules governing short visits are largely decided collectively by the European Union rather than separately by either country.

Travellers from countries covered by the EU’s visa-exemption arrangements can normally visit Portugal, Spain and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without obtaining a conventional visa. A Schengen visa issued by one participating country is also generally valid across the entire Schengen area.

This means Spain cannot ordinarily offer broad visa-free tourism access that does not also apply to Portugal and the other participating states.

Nevertheless, countries can still compete over how welcoming and efficient they appear. Airport queues, border staffing, the availability of consular appointments and the clarity of official information can all influence a visitor’s experience.

The introduction of Europe’s biometric Entry/Exit System has already created technical and operational problems at some borders. Meanwhile, the planned ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors has reportedly been pushed back until 2027 while the EU works to resolve difficulties with the border system. ETIAS is expected to cost €20 and operate in a similar way to the American ESTA.

For Portugal, the priority should therefore be to make the arrival process as straightforward as possible, particularly at Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports during peak periods.

Portugal also has an opportunity to distinguish itself from Spain when visitors decide to remain for longer than 90 days. Unlike short-stay Schengen rules, residence visas are largely national matters.

Portugal offers several routes for non-EU citizens, including visas for people with passive income, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals and remote workers. The Portuguese government formally lists a residence visa for professionals carrying out remote work for employers or clients based outside the country.

Portugal cannot simply create its own visa-free tourism zone. It can, however, compete through efficient borders, clear information and attractive long-term residence options.

In an increasingly competitive tourism market, making visitors feel welcome begins before they reach the hotel.

James Rocha

Contributor for the Portugal Resident