Portugal : Formalities

Clearance

All boats arriving from abroad must contact either a port or marina office.

Formalities, which can be lengthy, should be carried out by visiting the office. Have to hand the documents described in Documents

A clearance form will then need to be completed in duplicate, one to be retained by the marina or port office, the other for police, immigration and customs.

Non-EU yachts will receive a transit log (livrete de transito) against payment of a small fee. The log is stamped at the first port and must be stamped at the last port of departure. A receipt will be issued for the payment of the annual lights and buoys tax (taxa de farolagem). The two documents should be kept with the ship's papers while in Portuguese waters.

The marinas and yacht harbours at Viana do Castelo, Povoa do Varzim, Leixoes, Nazare, Peniche, Cascais, Lisbon (Alcantara and Marina Expo), Sesimbra, Sines, Lagos, Portimao, Vilamoura and Vila Real Santo Antonio are designated to deal with clearance formalities for cruising boats arriving from abroad.

EU yachts need to clear out only if leaving Portugal for a non-EU destination.

For non-EU yachts departing Portugal, the transit log must be stamped by both the Capitania and the Guarda Nacional Republicana. If arriving from or continuing on to the Azores or Madeira, customs clearance does not have to be obtained as both these island groups are administered by Portugal. However, on arrival in those places the Capitania must be contacted as normal, and a new transit log may be issued.

Last updated June 2010.

Immigration

Portugal is a member of the Schengen Agreement Area. See Noonsite' Schengen page for more details on the immigration rules.

Visa extensions may be obtained from the Foreigners Registration Service, Avenida Antonio Augusto de Aguiar 18, Lisbon (or regional offices). If possible, one should check in advance as to what documentation will be required, including application form, two photographs, proof of medical insurance, proof of ability to pay (credit card), a copy of the marina contract, and a criminal record report from the Portuguese courts (valid for 90 days). Other documents may also be required. If you need to apply for a further extension, try to do so before the court report expires, otherwise you will have to obtain another one. It may be the case that the court report is not required in some places.

The Portuguese Immigration Services (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), Tel: +351 21 711 5000, Fax: +351 21 714 0332, E-Mail: sef@sef.pt website http://www.sef.pt has details of documents required for visas and extensions as well as contact addresses of offices.

The following nationals must apply in person for their Portugal Visas:Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Hong Kong CID, Frandesspas Document, Indonesia, Iran , Iraq, Jordan, Kazakstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, N. Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Travel Document holders, Tunisia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Siera Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Last updated June 2010.

Customs

Firearms must be declared on arrival.

Duty-free goods in excess of the limits allowed are permitted as long as they remain on board.

EU regulations apply concerning temporary importation. See EU VAT page for more information.

Last updated June 2010.

Documents

Yachts must carry their original registration document, insurance policy and ship's radio licence. One member of the crew must have a radio operator’s certificate. The skipper must also have a certificate of competance and all crew members a passport.

EU yachts need evidence of VAT status. Also have a crew list (preferably complete with the ship's stamp) showing passport numbers, date of birth and when and where they joined the boat and deparure information.

Additional papers required may include evidence of health insurance (or European Health Insurance Card) and the ship's log.

Photocopies of any of these documents are not acceptable to the police unless they are notarised as genuine copies. Any discrepancies in documentation could involve either confiscation of the boat or a substantial fine, or both.

Finally you must have an Ensign (the national maritime flag of your boat's country of registration). In addition, if your boat is not Portuguese registered, a Portuguese courtesy ensign.

Last updated June 2010.

Fees

Circulation Tax is payable by boat owners who keep their boat in Portugal for a continuous period of 183 days in any tax year, and must be paid every year. Further information about this tax can be read about on Martin Northey's excellent website www.theiberianseaschool.com.

Last updated February 2010.

Pets

The Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) operates in Portugal requiring all animals to have a Pet Passport, a current Health Certificate, a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate and to have been microchipped and blood tested by recognised Veterinarian prior to entry.

Page Sponsor

Marina de Lagos is the premier marina on Portugal's Algarve coast, located on the Bay of Lagos, among the best beaches in the Algarve. It is distinguished with the Euromarina Anchor Award, the European Blue Flag and the 5 Gold Anchor Award, and is proud of the comfort and safety of the facilities it offers.

www.marinadelagos.pt