New advice issued to Brits travelling to Portugal with kids

Holidaymakers will need to know all the entry requirements ahead of their trip to avoid disappointment and potentially being refused entry into the country.

Children aged 17 or younger travelling to Portugal alone or with someone who is not their parent or legal guardian will need a letter of authorisation in order to travel there.

The letter must contain key details in order to be accepted.

What does the letter to enter Portugal need to include?

Authorities in Portugal have asked that a few things be included in the letter, such as a signature from the child’s parent or legal guardian and the date it was signed.

The signature must be certified by a notary or solicitor and the notary or solicitor’s signature must be legalised by the Legislation Office.

The letter must be issued alongside a copy of the child’s parent’s or guardian’s passport.

Are you going to Portugal this year? (Image: Getty)

It must include:

• full name, date of birth and passport number of the child
• the dates the child plans to arrive and depart the country
• why they are visiting
• the address where the child will be staying
• the name and passport number of the adult in Portugal who is responsible for them while in Portugal
• the full name, date of birth, passport number and contact details of the parent or guardian

What happens if you don’t have a letter of authorisation?

The UK government website has made it clear that if a child is taken to Portugal without a letter of authorisation, their entry will be delayed and could be refused.

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It adds: “Teenagers aged 17 and under who travel alone, or with friends of the same age, and who are not being met on arrival by a parent or guardian, may be refused entry if they do not have a letter of authorisation.”

If a child is a resident of Portugal and aged 17 or under, they “must carry a properly certified letter of authorisation if travelling without their parent or legal guardian.”

Did you know these rules were in place for travelling to Portugal? Tell us in the comments below.