Traveling To The EU as A Third Country National
BREXIT: Our Guide For Changes For British Nationals Visiting The EU
The Republic of Portugal joined the European Union on 1 January 1986, then joining the Schengen Zone as a full EEA member of the EU's Freedom of Movement on 26 March 1995. By 1 January 1999, Portugal joined the Euro Zone where the Euro replaced the former Portuguese Escudo.
Whilst Portugal remains fully dedicated as one of the EU 27 Member States, the country has strict entery requirements upheld by EU law for Third Country Nationals.
Following the UK's referendum on EU membership on 23 June 2016, the UK left the Bloc at 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020, after 47 years of membership. It should not be a surprise that after so long there are now many changes for Britions visiting the EU and vice-versa.
Here's all you need to know about visiting the EU from 31 January 2020:
Please be aware that this is only a brief guide, we are not responsible for any inaccuracies.
Freedom of Movement has ended for Britons
British Nationals are now classed as Third Country Nationals and new rules apply.
Your British Passport must now have at least 6 months validity at time of travel. In some cases you may need to renew your UK Passport before departure, you should allow at least 3 weeks for your new passport to be processed. More information can be found on HM Passport office website at www.gov.uk
Due to the end of Freedom of Movement there are some changes you should know:
At the border of Portugal you may need to:
-
show a return or onward ticket
-
show you have enough money for your stay
-
use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing
Your passport will be stamped.
For Frequent visitors to the EU, you may use the Schengen Visit Calculator to make sure you do not over stay your visa free limit. Please remember you cannot work, live or study in Portugal or any EU state as part of the 90 Day rule.
EU Nationals: Please note that from October 2021 you will need a valid passport to enter the UK, as the British authorities have disbanded the entry via State ID Cards.
You may visit the EU visa-free for up to 90 Days within a 180 Day period for Tourism
Other Changes
HEALTH: Your EHIC is valid until its expiry, then after you should apply for a GHIC
Driving:
The EU and UK have since agreed on a recripical health agreement, meaning you can still use your EHIC / European Health Insurance Card (former E111) up until its expiry. Then after you will need to apply for the new GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) from the UK Gov.
You should consider taking out comprehensible Travel Insurance to cover any pre-existing medical conditions as well as the Covid-19 virus. For more health related advice please visit the NHS website at www.nhs.org.uk
Roaming
Following the end of Freedom of Movement, you may now only import / export certain amounts of personal items.
The 'limitless' import of alcohol and tobacco to the UK or EU has now ended, so please ensure you are within your limits as stated by international standards.
You may import / export into the UK or EU one of the following:
Tobacco allowance
200 cigarettes / 100 cigarillos / 50 cigars / 250g tobacco / 200 sticks of tobacco for electronic heated tobacco.
You can split this allowance - so you could bring in 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars (both half of your allowance).
Alcohol allowance
beer - 42 litres / wine (still) - 18 litres
spirits and other liquors over 22% alcohol - 4 litres / sparkling wine, fortified wine (for example port, sherry) and other alcoholic drinks up to 22% alcohol (not including beer or still wine) - 9 litres
You can split this last allowance, for example you could bring 4.5 litres of fortified wine and 2 litres of spirits (both half of your allowance).
You will need to declare any cash over 10,000 and items brought for over the value of 1,000
in this case you may need to pay import duty + VAT / IVA
Contact HMRC or Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira for more information.
You cannot import / export Meat. Fish, Dairy and certain fruits or vegitables.
Most plants cannot now be imported / exported without a Plant licence and a phytosanitary certificate.
Find out more at:
There are some restrictions on Antiques or articles such as historic books which may be classed as 'items of cultural interest', and certain export certificates may be needed.
If you have a Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF) and not a registered resident of Portugal you now need a Fiscal Representative who is living in Portugal. More information can be found at the Finanças portal.
The British Embassy - Lisboa Embaixada de Portugal no Reino Unido
R. de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisboa 11, Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PP
European Union Commission Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF
European Emergency Number: 112 For Police, Fire or Ambulance
Since 2017 the EU has introduced Free Roaming throughout its member states, this means an individual can use their EU phone plan anywhere in the EU just as they would do back home without any further charges. This programme has been extended in 2021 for another 10 years.
Since 31 December 2020, the UK is no longer linked to EU law meaning Free Roaming will not apply by law to the UK, therefore it is up to each individual Phone Company in the UK on whether or not they will introduce roaming charges for visitor to the EU. For many months, all phone companies vowed not to introduce charges however now there are very few phone providers which have Tariff free Roaming. It is important that you check with your provider to see if you have free Roaming outside of the UK.
As far as we are aware the following companies have dropped Free Roaming outside of the UK, these include: EE, Vodafone, 3
Remember it may be wise to buy a temporary Portuguese SIM Card but this will not offer a cheap rate to the UK. When in doubt, opt for Wi-Fi and try using free messaging services such as Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram etc.
Prior to 'Brexit' driving within the EU was fairly simple, however there are some changes with regards to driving on the continent. Whilst UK issued Driving Licences are recognised in Portugal, some states may require a IDP - International Driving Permit. These can be obtained by your local Post Office in the UK. Check with Gov.uk or www.postoffice.co.uk
If using a UK registered vehicle, the EU GB sticker is no longer valid, and since 2021 the UK has adopted anew vehicle identifier code as UK instead of GB, this means you will need a "UK" sticker placed on the rear of your vehicle. More information about this is available on the GOV website or if in doubt you can contact DVLA.
For larger vehicles and trade vehicles, there may be new rules and paperwork as well as customs regulations which must be followed.
Pet travel to the EU and Northern Ireland has changed:
You can no longer use a 'Pet Passport' issued in the UK for travel to the EU or Northern Ireland. You may still use a 'Pet Passport' if issued in an EU country to take your Pat Dog, Cat or Ferret away with you. Those living in the EU may take their pet with them anywhere in the Schengen zone. For more info visit the Europa website: www.europa.eu
Your Pet must be microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination, an Animal Health Certificate (Pet Passport if from the EU or N. Ireland) and Tapeworm Treatment for Dogs travelling directly to Finland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Norway or Malta.
Please check with the Portuguese authorities if travelling with a guide dog.
Pets arriving in the EU or N. Ireland will need to go through a travellers’ point of entry. Here you may need to show your pet’s animal health certificate along with proof of their microchip, rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment (if required). For repeat trips to an EU country your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip but your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccination so long as its rabies vaccinations are up to date. Your dog will need tapeworm treatment for each trip if you’re travelling directly to the countries with this requirement.
Recognition of Educational Diplomas:
UK issued Diplomas from Educational institutions are now not recognised in the EU. You may need to have your Diplomas "recognised" and a apostle for validity in Portugal. For further information regarding legalising documentation in Portugal, contact your local Portuguese State University or School.
Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e do Ensino Superior Direcção Geral do Ensino
Ministério de Educação DGE – Direcção-Geral da Educação
Quinta da Mimosa
