Portugal travel checklist (2026)

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What to sort before you fly to Portugal

Documents

Passport valid - issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you leave the schengen area Essential Check the expiry date now, not the week you fly. Australian passport renewals take about 6 weeks.
Confirm you're still visa-free for Portugal Currently visa-free (schengen area) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, shared across the whole Schengen Area. Compare options →
Book proof of onward travel Checked by airlines at Australian check-in, not just on arrival.
Save digital copies of your passport and tickets Email them to yourself and save them offline in case your phone is lost.

Money

Sort a travel money card for EUR Very good. Multibanco is the domestic network and takes international cards at nearly every terminal. Avoid the 3% fee most Australian banks charge. Compare options →
Plan your EUR cash Carry €50-€80 for markets, small tascas and tram tickets.
Check your bank app for a travel flag Reduces the chance of a fraud block on your first overseas purchase.
Remember: always pay in the local currency Declining dynamic currency conversion saves 3-7% on every card transaction.

Connectivity

Buy an eSIM for Portugal A Europe-wide eSIM covers Portugal and Spain on one plan, which is how most Australians travel this corner of Europe. Compare options →
Check what your Australian plan charges to roam Under about four days, a roaming day pass often beats an eSIM.
Download offline maps and a translation pack English is very good in lisbon, porto and the algarve; decent almost everywhere else here.

Health & cover

Take out travel insurance Essential No reciprocal health care agreement - Medicare covers nothing here. Compare options →
Check vaccinations with your GP No vaccinations required. Routine Australian immunisations recommended.
Check your medications are legal Carry prescription medicines in their original labelled packaging with a copy of the script. Some codeine-based painkillers sold over the counter in Australia are prescription-only in Europe.
Subscribe to Smartraveller for this destination Current advice: Exercise normal safety precautions. Official site →

Getting around

Plan your arrival transfer From Humberto Delgado Airport, about 7 km from the centre. Compare options →
Get an International Driving Permit Essential Only issued in Australia by state motoring clubs, about $49. You cannot get one once you have left. Compare options →

Before you go

Pack a Type C/F power adapter You need a Type C or F adapter - the round two-pin European plug. The voltage is 230V, the same as Australia, so your chargers, hair dryer and shaver all work normally once the plug fits.
Pack a refillable water bottle Tap water is safe throughout mainland Portugal and Madeira.
Save the local emergency number and the Australian consulate 112 for everything - Australian Embassy Lisbon - +351 21 310 1500
Book anything that sells out Timed-entry attractions and popular tours often need booking weeks ahead. Compare options →

All set - you're ready to fly.

Have a great trip to Portugal.

Your Portugal trip checklist

What to sort before you fly to Portugal

Documents

Money

Connectivity

Health & cover

Getting around

Before you go

More Portugal essentials

How these comparisons are made

Save your trip

What to sort before you fly to Portugal

Documents

Money

Connectivity

Health & cover

Getting around

Before you go

More Portugal essentials

How these comparisons are made

Planning Portugal?