Entry Procedures

Documentation Required

For all yachts arriving in Lagos, passports (ID cards or Residence Permits for locals) of all crew are required, as well as the yacht’s registration and insurance documents.

Visas may be required for non-EU citizens entering Portugal; please check with your own embassy or consulate.

Customs and Immigration

These authorities have offices located in the Marina Reception, but they are often not manned, as only the main commercial ports have permanent staff from Customs (Alfândega) and  Immigration (SEF) departments.

Foreign yachts (including non-EU) can enter any major port.  In Lagos, the Marina staff will automatically notify the appropriate authorities at their Portimão office.

If the officials wish to see the new arrival, they will come to Lagos Marina and visit the yacht, or ask the skipper to come up to the Marina office.  It's all very relaxed and hassle free.

Visas

Non-EU Citizens (Provisional Information Only)

It is our understanding that the normal pattern is for visas for non-EU citizens to be valid for 90 days and then there must be a period of 90 days out of any country within mainland Europe (i.e. EU).

In the last 2 years, we know of a number of extensions being granted to citizens of USA, on request (and payment of from €45 to €80) at the Immigration Office (SEF) in Portimão.  Citizens of Australia have been verbally assured they will be able to do the same – but we await confirmation of this.

The situation following a visit from mainland EU to UK (i.e. outside the Schengen area) has still to be clarified.

We have received a comprehensive note from Ocean Cruising Club members (and ex-Navigators), David & Janet Heath, “Alegria”, on many aspects of Visas and VAT.  View their paper by clicking on this link.

As usual, anyone with any more accurate or up-to-date information is asked to share it with us, via the "Contact Us” button.