Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Travelling to Australia - arrangements relating to international arrivals and quarantine
The Australian government recognises the measures implemented for overseas arrival passenger caps is impacting Australians looking to secure flights with airlines including cost and to whom seats will be offered. If you are unable to secure a flight, we ask you be patient, ensure you have a safe place to stay, follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Airlines manage the sale of tickets in line with the caps, not the Australian government and unfortunately we cannot assist with flight bookings or guarantee a seat for you.
You should be prepared for delays and disruptions to your plans. It is important you continue to confirm your onward travel plans with your airline or travel agent and stay up-to-date with the latest information provided on this website. These links are also updated as new information comes to light:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19/trying-get-home
The Australian government continues to pursue all options to support vulnerable Australians overseas and, together with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (Infrastructure), continues to do all we can to maximise access to every seat within existing caps.
Registering with the Embassy
If you have not done so, please register on our citizens information portal at https://covid19.dfat.gov.au/citizeninformation/s/. The portal provides the Australian government with an overview of the number of Australians in Portugal facing difficulties in attempting to return to Australia.
For the latest information with regards to travelling to Australia and Australian Government travel restrictions, please visit Home Affairs.
The Australian Government advises all Australians in Australia to not travel overseas. This is our highest advice level. If you’re overseas and wish to return home, do so ASAP.
Travelling to Portugal
Travel restrictions in Portugal and countries across Europe may appear to be relaxing, however, this could change suddenly if there is a spike in infections.
Commercial flights out of Portugal are limited and may cease without warning.
The Portuguese government has resumed air travel with an increase of commercial flights to and from the EU, as well as to an additional number of countries outside of the EU.
Australian citizens can currently enter Portugal, depending on which country they are travelling from. You may be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to your flight departure. These measures can change at short notice and you should therefore contact your airline or nearest Portuguese mission for information about entering Portugal.
Portuguese government circular no. 11231-A/2020, provides current legislation regulating the entry of foreigners into Portugal. An interpretation of the regulations can be found in English on the Portuguese Immigration Authority website, SEF.
The Embassy continues to liaise with the Portuguese Border authorities, SEF, to seek further clarification on the current legislation and the impact on Australian citizens looking to travel to Portugal for tourism.
During your stay in Portugal
Foreign nationals with a short-stay visa who need an extension due to the inability to leave as a result of the COVID-19 virus, can contact Portuguese Immigration (SEF) by calling 808 202 653 or 808 962 690 (mobile) to request an extension.
Please see the Smartraveller Portugal Travel Advice for links to Portuguese authorities.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Links
- Smartraveller information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found here
- Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions to Australia can be found here
- Information on the Australian government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation guidance can be found here
- Portugal Directorate of Health information and advice can be found here (available in English by clicking on the globe symbol)
- Further information from the Australian Government can be found here.
Welcome to the website of the Australian Embassy in Portugal
Our contact details and other information about the Embassy are available under the About us in the menu.
Please be aware that if you plan to visit the Embassy, you must book an appointment and bring valid identification.
The Australian Embassy does not handle visa or other immigration enquiries.
For security reasons, we ask that you keep travel bags, including hand bags, to a minimum when visiting the Embassy.
We are on Facebook Australian Embassy in Portugal
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Visiting our offices during COVID-19
- You must have an appointment to visit the embassy.
- Due to COVID-19 restrictions appointments are currently available on Monday and Thursday.
- If you have a fever, cough or any COVID-19 symptoms, please reschedule your appointment. Please do not attend our offices if you are ill or if you have had recent exposure to someone who is ill.
- Please do not bring friends or family members to your appointment. If you are applying for a child passport, both parents are welcome to attend.
- Please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible.
- You must bring and wear a mask. We will ask you to remove your mask briefly to confirm your identity.
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Australian Ambassador to Portugal
On 19 July 2019, Australian Ambassador to Portugal, Ms Claire Rochecouste, presented credentials to HE the President of the Portuguese Republic, Prof. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
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Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) – Australia and Portugal
Portuguese Work and Holiday program
The new program commenced on 1July 2020. If you are a national of Portugal you can lodge a Work and Holiday visa application. No further applications can be lodged once the cap for this program year has been reached.
Applications must be lodged online via ImmiAccount.
Places available for each country in the Work and Holiday program.
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On 23 November 2014, the Work and Holiday Maker visa (subclass 462) became available for holders of Portuguese passports, aged between 18 and 30.
The Work and Holiday program for 2019-20 opened on 1 July 2019 (it is in force from July-June every year).
For further information on how to apply, please click here.
For any queries on the program or visa requirements, you must contact directly the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as follows:
- using the online enquiry form at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au
- calling no. +61 2 6196 0196, Monday – Friday, from 9am – 5pm (mainland Portugal time).
Australian applicants can apply now through the Consulate General of Portugal in Sydney.
Message from the former Ambassador.
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Direct Aid Program 2020-2021 – Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe
The Australian Embassy in Lisbon invites all eligible entities to apply for funding through the Direct Aid Program (DAP) 2020-2021 for Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Applications are made online (registration required):
Cabo Verde: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/CV2020
Guinea-Bissau: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/GB2020
São Tomé and Príncipe: https://dap.smartygrants.com.au/STP2020
Funding per project is limited to €15.000. We encourage the submission of applications for amounts below this threshold, in order to maximise chances of success.
The deadline for submitting applications is 25 October (midnight, Portuguese time).
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a small grants program managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that works directly with communities in developing countries. It focuses on supporting small-scale aid activities that deliver practical and tangible results.
DAP supports local community efforts towards poverty reduction and engages a wide range of partners including non-government organisations, community groups, educational institutions, health facilities and local governments.
DAP projects cover a range of sectors such as education, health, water and sanitation, environmental protection, women's empowerment and gender equality, supporting people with disabilities, economic livelihoods, food security and human rights.
Through helping people in need, Australia demonstrates that it is a supportive and trusted partner in addressing global aid challenges in partner countries, including Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Queries about the Program should be addressed to:
Cabo Verde: [email protected]
Guinea-Bissau: [email protected]
São Tomé and Príncipe: [email protected]
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Australia's Foreign Policy White Paper
Australia is closely connected to the world. To ensure we benefit from our international links, the Government has developed a plan - the Foreign Policy White Paper.
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Visiting the Australian Embassy
Australian Passport and Notarial Services
The Australian Embassy Lisbon can provide passport and a limited number of notarial services for Australians in Portugal.
See the list of Australian passport and notarial fees.
Where local notaries can provide services, the Australian Embassy will not provide them.
In many cases, local notaries can provide services more cheaply, quickly and conveniently.
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Visiting Australia
The Australian Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal does not process visa or citizenship applications. For clients resident in Portugal visa processing is undertaken electronically through the online ‘eVisa’ service, or by processing centres in Australia, or by an immigration office at another Australian Embassy.
Eligible travellers visiting Australia can consider visa options such as an ETA or an eVisitor visa.
EU nationals transiting through Australia on their way to another country for less than 8 hours may be able to transit without a visa.
For further information, including telephone and email contact details, please click on Information regarding Visas and Migration.
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Privacy Policy
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) uses third-party software (Setmore) to manage the Consulate-General's appointments. Your personal information (including your name and contact details) will be collected by DFAT via Setmore to book your appointment and for related purposes. By proceeding with this booking, you are consenting to the collection of this information by Setmore on DFAT's behalf for these purposes. If this information is not collected, DFAT's ability to arrange your appointment will be limited. Your personal information will be handled by Setmore in accordance with Setmore's Privacy Policy, and by DFAT in accordance with DFAT's Privacy Policy.
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Beware of Employment Scams
The Embassy’s attention has been drawn to instances of fraudulent online advertisements for employment in Australia. If you are a Portuguese citizen, you can contact the office of the Secretary of State for Communities.
Please be aware that only the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is authorised to issue Australian visas. You are advised to verify the fraud alert on DHA’s official website.
Further information on internet scams is available from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website www.scamwatch.gov.au.
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Travelling in Portugal
Petty Crime in Portugal continues to be a problem for tourists. Australians planning to travel to Portugal should read the following information
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Past Events
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Other useful information
- Private companies promoting Australian visa services
- Notification of Australia's Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements
- Australian Embassy Public Holidays
- Frequently Asked Questions
