Saint Lucians traveling to Portugal? ETIAS will be required from 2026

From late 2026, travelers from Saint Lucia will need to apply for a new travel document called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before boarding a flight to Portugal or any other Schengen country.

Although Saint Lucian passport holders can currently travel visa-free, ETIAS will become a mandatory requirement for short stays.

Do Saint Lucians need a visa for Portugal?

Not for short stays. Saint Lucians can still visit Portugal for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. But you’ll need ETIAS approval before departure once the system is live in 2026.

What is ETIAS, and how does it work?

ETIAS is a new online travel authorisation introduced by the European Union. It screens visa-exempt visitors before they enter the Schengen Zone, aiming to improve border security without complicating the travel process.

It’s linked to your passport electronically and grants access to all 30 ETIAS countries, including Portugal.

Key differences: ETIAS vs. a visa

Feature	ETIAS	Schengen Visa
Who needs it?	All Saint Lucians (from 2026)	Not required for short stays
Application method	Online only	Embassy visit required
Validity	3 years or until passport expires	Varies
Time to get it	Minutes to 72 hours	10–15 working days
Entry type	Multiple short trips	Depends on visa type

What you’ll need to apply for ETIAS

To submit your ETIAS application, you must have:

A Saint Lucian passport, valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure
A credit/debit card to pay the €7 fee
A valid email address
Details of your first destination and planned travel dates

💡 Tip from iVisa travel expert Femke Strietman:

"Although most ETIAS approvals are instant, it’s smart to apply at least a week before departure in case the new system has teething problems."

Step-by-step: How to apply for ETIAS for Portugal

1️⃣ Visit the official ETIAS site or use iVisa or our mobile app

2️⃣ Fill out your personal and passport information

3️⃣ Pay the fee securely online and upload your documents with the help of our video guides

You'll receive your approval by email, usually within minutes or up to 3 days.

✅ Once approved, your ETIAS is linked to your passport. You don’t need to print it.

ETIAS validity and benefits

Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for:

3 years, or until your passport expires
Multiple short stays, up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Travel to Portugal + 29 other Schengen countries

👉 See the full list of countries here

FAQs for Saint Lucian travelers

Do I need ETIAS every time I visit?

No. One ETIAS is valid for 3 years and covers multiple entries of up to 90 days.

Can I work or study in Portugal with ETIAS?

No. ETIAS is only for short stays. You’ll need a national visa for long-term work, study, or residence.

What if I get a new passport?

Your ETIAS will no longer be valid, you’ll need to reapply with your new passport details.

Long-stay visas for Portugal

Planning to stay more than 90 days in Portugal? You’ll need to apply for:

A student visa (for university or language courses)
A work visa (for employment or freelance work)
A family reunification visa (to join relatives legally residing in Portugal)

Check the Portuguese government’s visa portal for more.