This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from Portugal in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for Portuguese passport entry, updated fees in Euros, and visa requirements for non-EU residents with TRC cards. The relationship between Portugal and Britain dates back to the Treaty of Windsor in 1386—the oldest alliance in the world still in force—and today approximately 268,000 Portuguese nationals live in the UK, with vibrant communities in London's "Little Portugal" (Lambeth/Stockwell) and Thetford in Norfolk. Whether you're visiting family, pursuing work opportunities, or planning tourism, this guide provides the latest requirements and expert tips for your UK journey.
UK Visa from Portugal: Overview & Requirements 2026
The new rules for Portuguese passport in UK have changed significantly since Brexit. Portuguese citizens no longer enjoy freedom of movement but remain visa-free for short visits of up to 6 months. However, from April 2, 2025, Portuguese citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Non-EU nationals residing in Portugal, such as Indian or Pakistani passport holders with TRC cards, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip.
UK Entry Requirements for Portuguese Citizens
Portuguese citizens need: (1) a valid passport, (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK within 6 months. No visa is required for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. For work, study, or longer stays, Portuguese nationals must apply for the appropriate visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit required.
The UK entry requirements for Portuguese citizens are straightforward for short visits but have changed since Brexit. Portuguese nationals can no longer use EU/EEA lanes at UK airports and must go through passport control like other non-EU visitors. Understanding what Portuguese passport UK entry requires is essential for planning your journey.
What Do Portuguese Citizens Need to Enter the UK?
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay (no minimum validity requirement)
- Approved ETA: €19, valid for 2 years, apply via UK ETA app
- Return/Onward Travel: Evidence of return flights or onward journey
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or host's address in UK
- Sufficient Funds: Ability to support yourself without working
- Genuine Visitor: Intent to leave within 6 months, not live in UK
At the UK border, officers may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. While detailed questioning is rare for Portuguese visitors, having your hotel booking and return flight details accessible on your phone can speed up the process. For comprehensive information about what's allowed during your visit, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors.
Do Portuguese Citizens Need a Visa for UK?
Portuguese citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 6 months) but must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, Portuguese nationals must apply for the appropriate visa. Those with EU Settlement Scheme status (settled or pre-settled) do not need an ETA or visa.
The UK introduced the ETA system to improve border security and streamline entry processes. Portuguese citizens were among the European nationals included in the April 2025 rollout. According to the official UK government ETA guidance, applications opened on 5 March 2025, and the requirement became mandatory from 2 April 2025.
UK ETA Requirements for Portuguese Citizens
- ETA Fee: €19 (£16) per person
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Multiple Entries: Yes, unlimited visits within validity period
- Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (often minutes)
- Application: Via UK ETA app (recommended) or gov.uk website
- Requirement: Each traveller needs own ETA (including babies and children)
Can a Portuguese Citizen Live in UK?
Yes, Portuguese citizens can live in the UK but require a visa for stays exceeding 6 months. Options include the Skilled Worker Visa (requires job offer and sponsor), Student Visa (requires university acceptance), Family Visa (requires British or settled sponsor), or various business routes. Approximately 312,000 Portuguese nationals secured settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme before the 2021 deadline.
Portuguese citizens who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020 were eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, with approximately 312,000 granted settled status and 177,000 pre-settled status. Those with settled status have permanent residence rights and can live in the UK indefinitely without further immigration applications.
Portuguese Entry to UK: Which Route Applies?
For more information about the ETA system and exemptions, see our comprehensive guide on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
UK Visa Fees from Portugal 2026 (EUR)
The following UK visa fees apply to applications from Portugal and are payable in Euros. Fees are correct as of January 2026 and are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn.
Visit Visa Fees from Portugal
Work and Study Visa Fees from Portugal
Family Visa Fees from Portugal
Priority Service Fees
UK Tourist Visa from Portugal
Portuguese citizens do not need a tourist visa—they only need an ETA (€19) for tourism visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in Portugal (Indian, Pakistani, Brazilian passport holders with TRC) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) for any UK tourist visit. Apply via the UK ETA app (Portuguese citizens) or VFS Global Lisbon (non-EU residents).
The term "UK tourist visa from Portugal" can mean different things depending on your nationality. Portuguese passport holders visiting as tourists only need an ETA, while non-EU nationals residing in Portugal must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
UK Visit Visa from Portugal: Who Needs What?
For details on what you can and cannot do during a UK tourist visit, including business meetings and short courses, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors. If you plan multiple visits, consider a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years).
Can I Work in UK with Portuguese Passport?
Yes, Portuguese citizens can work in the UK but require a sponsored work visa since Brexit ended free movement. The most common route is the Skilled Worker Visa (€922-€1,821), which requires a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor and a minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). Portuguese citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed.
Since the UK left the European Union, Portuguese workers require the same immigration permissions as other non-British nationals. The good news is that Portuguese citizens benefit from being able to submit biometrics via smartphone app rather than visiting a Visa Application Centre.
Work Visa Options for Portuguese Citizens
- Skilled Worker Visa: For skilled professionals with a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025) or the occupation's going rate. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
- Health and Care Worker Visa: Reduced fees (€364-€707) and no IHS for doctors, nurses, and social care workers. Requires sponsorship from NHS or licensed care provider.
- Global Talent Visa: For leaders or emerging leaders in academia, research, arts, and digital technology. No job offer required but needs endorsement.
- Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs establishing innovative, scalable businesses in the UK. Requires endorsement from approved body.
- Scale-up Visa: For workers joining fast-growing UK businesses. More flexibility than Skilled Worker after 6 months.
Student Visa from Portugal
Portuguese students wishing to study in the UK for courses longer than 6 months require a Student Visa. The application requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed educational institution and evidence of funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. Portuguese citizens can complete biometrics via the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
- CAS reference number from licensed UK institution
- Proof of funds: tuition fees + £1,483/month (London) or £1,136/month (outside London)
- Valid Portuguese passport
- English language qualification (usually IELTS or equivalent)
- Biometrics via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: €932/year (discounted rate)
After completing their studies, Portuguese graduates can apply for the Graduate Route to remain and work in the UK for 18 months (reduced from 2 years from January 2027), or 3 years for PhD graduates. This route does not require a job offer or sponsor.
Family Visa from Portugal
Portuguese citizens can join family members in the UK through the Family Visa route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. This includes joining a British citizen, person with settled status, or person with refugee status.
UK Visa from Portugal for Non-EU Residents (TRC Card)
A Portuguese TRC (Título de Residência) does not exempt visa nationals from UK visa requirements. Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, Brazilian, and other visa-national citizens living in Portugal must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (€152) to visit the UK. The application is made through VFS Global Lisbon, not via the UK ETA app. Your TRC can serve as supporting evidence of ties to Portugal and intention to return.
Non-EU nationals holding a Portuguese residence card who wish to visit the UK must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Unlike Portuguese citizens who can use the ETA, residents of Portugal with Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, or other visa-national passports require a full visitor visa application.
UK Visa Requirements for Portuguese TRC Holders
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your UK stay
- Portuguese TRC: Proof of legal residence in Portugal (Título de Residência)
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Employment Proof: Letter from Portuguese employer confirming employment and leave
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor's invitation letter
- Ties to Portugal: Evidence you will return (employment, property, family)
For information about potential refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons. If your visa is refused, our guide on chances of getting a visa after refusal explains your options.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Portugal
The UK visa application from Portugal process differs depending on whether you're a Portuguese citizen or a non-EU national residing in Portugal.
For Portuguese Citizens (ETA or Visa Applications)
For ETA: Simply download the UK ETA app and complete the application in minutes. No appointment needed.
For Work/Study/Family Visas: Portuguese citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit biometrics from home—no Visa Application Centre visit required. Complete your online application at gov.uk, pay the fee, then use the app to scan your passport and take a selfie.
For Non-EU Nationals in Portugal
UK visa applications from non-EU nationals in Portugal are processed through VFS Global, which operates the Visa Application Centre in Lisbon. You must complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then book an appointment at VFS Global Lisbon to provide your biometrics.
Address: Campo Grande 35, 6th Floor, 1700-087 Lisbon, Portugal
Booking: Appointments must be booked online at visa.vfsglobal.com
Services: Biometric enrolment, document submission, passport return
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in Euros)
- Step 3 (Portuguese): Use UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics
- Step 3 (Non-EU): Book biometrics at VFS Global Lisbon
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents online or at VAC
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 6: Receive eVisa or collect passport with vignette
UK Visa Processing Time from Portugal
Standard UK visa processing time from Portugal is approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas and other non-settlement applications. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (+€599) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (+€1,199) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options including priority visa services.
The Portuguese Community in the UK
The UK is home to a thriving Portuguese community, with approximately 268,000 Portuguese nationals according to the 2021 Census. The largest concentration is in London, particularly in the Lambeth borough where "Little Portugal" around South Lambeth Road and Stockwell has been a cultural hub since the 1960s and 1970s. Many in this community trace their heritage to Madeira.
Outside London, significant Portuguese communities exist in Thetford (Norfolk), which has one of the highest concentrations of Portuguese-born residents relative to population, as well as in the South East and East of England. The community is supported by organisations such as the Portuguese Community Centre in Kennington and numerous Portuguese businesses, restaurants, and cultural institutions throughout the UK.
- Portuguese citizens need an ETA (€19) — apply via UK ETA app, strictly enforced from 25 February 2026
- Portuguese citizens can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics — no VAC visit needed
- Non-EU residents in Portugal with TRC pay €152 for 6-month Standard Visitor visa
- Work visas require sponsorship; minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025)
- EU Settlement Scheme holders do not need ETA or visa
- VFS Global Lisbon: Campo Grande 35, 6th Floor (for non-EU nationals)
For the latest official information on UK entry requirements, visit the gov.uk visa checker or the Standard Visitor visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Portuguese citizens need a visa for UK in 2026?
Portuguese citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 6 months) but must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026. The ETA costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. Apply using the UK ETA app on your smartphone. For work, study, or long-term residence, Portuguese nationals need the appropriate visa. Those with EU Settlement Scheme status (settled or pre-settled) do not need an ETA or visa.
What are the new rules for Portuguese passport in UK?
The new rules for Portuguese passport UK entry require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 2 April 2025, with strict enforcement beginning 25 February 2026. Portuguese citizens can no longer use EU/EEA lanes at UK airports and must go through standard passport control. Freedom of movement ended on 31 December 2020, so work, study, and long-term stays now require specific visas. The ETA costs €19 and can be obtained via the UK ETA app.
How much is UK visa from Portugal?
UK visa fees from Portugal in 2026 are: ETA €19, Standard Visitor Visa €152, 2-year visitor €569, Student Visa €628, Skilled Worker Visa €922-€1,821, and Spouse/Family Visa €2,323. Priority processing costs an additional €599, and Super Priority costs €1,199. The Immigration Health Surcharge (€1,242/year) applies to most long-term visas except Health and Care Worker.
Can a Portuguese citizen work in the UK?
Yes, Portuguese citizens can work in the UK but now require a work visa since Brexit ended free movement. The most common route is the Skilled Worker Visa (€922-€1,821), which needs a job offer from a licensed sponsor and minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). Portuguese citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed. Those with EU Settlement Scheme status retain their right to work without a visa.
Can I visit UK with Portuguese residence permit (TRC)?
A Portuguese residence permit (Título de Residência or TRC) does not exempt visa nationals from UK visa requirements. If you hold a passport from a visa-national country (such as India, Pakistan, Brazil, or Nigeria), you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (€152) to visit the UK, regardless of your Portuguese residence status. Your TRC can be included as supporting evidence of your ties to Portugal. Applications are made through VFS Global Lisbon.
Where is the UK visa application centre in Portugal?
The UK Visa Application Centre in Portugal is operated by VFS Global and located at Campo Grande 35, 6th Floor, 1700-087 Lisbon. Appointments must be booked online through the VFS Global website. The centre handles biometric enrolment, document submission, and passport collection services for non-EU nationals. Portuguese citizens applying for work/study/family visas do not need to visit—they can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead.
How many Portuguese people live in the UK?
According to the 2021 Census, approximately 268,000 Portuguese nationals live in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme processed about 312,000 Portuguese applications for settled status and 177,000 for pre-settled status. The largest community is in London's Lambeth borough ("Little Portugal" in Stockwell), with significant populations in Thetford (Norfolk) and throughout the South East and East of England.
What is the difference between the UK ETA app and UK Immigration: ID Check app?
The UK ETA app is for applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation—used by Portuguese citizens for short visits (tourism, family, business) up to 6 months. The UK Immigration: ID Check app is for submitting biometrics when applying for visas (work, study, family visas). Portuguese citizens use the ETA app for visits and the ID Check app when they need an actual visa for longer stays or work purposes. Both eliminate the need to visit a Visa Application Centre.