Portugal travel rule as UK tourists 'may be refused entry' without important document

Holidaymakers travelling to Portugal with young children are being urged to bring an important document or risk being denied entry.

If you are heading to Portugal and and are travelling alone under the age of 17, or going to the country with someone who is not your parent and guardian, they caution that there are rules you need to follow.

Under the UK Foreign Office's section 'non-resident children travelling to Portugal', they state that there are two options if children fall under this category.

They warn that children aged 17 and under travelling to Portugal alone, or accompanied by a person who is not their parent or legal guardian must either:

• be met at the airport or point of entry by their parent or guardian

• carry a letter of authorisation to travel from their parent or guardian

They explain that if you require a letter, it should contain the name of the adult in Portugal who will be responsible for them during their stay. You should also include identification such as full names, date of birth and passport number as well as contacts details of the parent or guardian.

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The letter should also state the child’s dates of arrival, their departure and the address they are staying at for the duration of their visit to Portugal.

If you do not have this organised, they warn that "teenagers aged 17 and under who travel alone, or with friends of the same age, and who are not being met by a parent or guardian on arrival, may be refused entry if they do not have a letter of authority.

"If you travel with a child, without consent from their parent or guardian, you may be questioned on arrival. Your entry may be delayed."

You can find a template draft of a letter through the Portuguese government website here.

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