The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released updated travel guidance for Portugal, effective from March 20, 2026. This revision comes as a significant surge in bookings to Portugal is reported, driven by travellers seeking safer alternatives amid the ongoing conflict in Iran and broader Middle East tensions.
Updated Visa Guidance for Extended Stays
The FCDO's new advice provides clarity for British visitors who may need to stay in Portugal beyond the standard 90-day visa-free limit due to exceptional circumstances. According to the guidance, individuals requiring an extension for reasons such as a medical emergency must apply directly to AIMA, Portugal's immigration authority, using their contact form. Importantly, this process is only accessible to users physically located within Portugal.
The guidance explicitly states: "If you're in Portugal with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit." This clarification aims to prevent confusion for expatriates or long-term visitors regarding their status under Schengen zone regulations.
Surge in Bookings to Portugal
Travel data reveals a dramatic increase in interest for Portugal as a holiday destination. Thomas Cook reported a 42% rise in bookings to Portugal over the two weeks leading to March 13, 2026—the highest increase among all countries they service. This surge is attributed to travellers avoiding perceived risky destinations like Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Dubai due to the Iran conflict.
Following Portugal, the Balearic Islands saw a 40% increase, and the Canary Islands experienced a 16% rise. TravelSupermarket noted a "clear surge" in online searches for European and Atlantic destinations, indicating a shift away from the Middle East. Last year, over 2.5 million British tourists visited Portugal, and projections suggest 2026 could see even higher numbers due to these geopolitical factors.
EU Entry/Exit System Challenges
Compounding travel plans is the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), implemented since October 2025. This system requires non-EU travellers, including British passport holders, to provide fingerprints and photographs upon initial entry or departure from the Schengen zone. While scheduled to be fully operational by April 10, 2026, the EES has faced teething problems, leading to extensive delays at airports.
Many travellers have reported waiting for hours due to the additional registration time required. The disruption has been so severe that some border authorities have temporarily suspended the system. The European Commission has suggested that pauses of up to six hours during peak travel times may be implemented until September 2026 to alleviate congestion.
Visa Requirements for British Travellers
For British passport holders, short visits to EU nations or Schengen zone countries do not require a visa, provided specific conditions are met. The combined stay within the Schengen zone must not exceed 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, regardless of the number of countries visited. The 180-day timeframe continuously "rolls over," as highlighted in recent reports.
This rule underscores the importance of careful travel planning, especially for those considering extended stays or multiple trips within the Schengen area. The FCDO's update serves as a timely reminder for tourists to monitor their travel durations to avoid overstaying and potential legal issues.
In summary, the FCDO's revised guidance for Portugal addresses both regulatory updates and the practical implications of increased travel demand. With bookings soaring and new border systems causing delays, travellers are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly to ensure smooth and compliant journeys.
