Entry question

There is no passport check when traveling from France to Portugal. I've never heard of any kind of "registration" requirement to visit Portugal. I've been to the country twice, never "legitimized my stay", never had any problems :)

Same answer as Michael on the Portugal "legitimization of visit" question. Speaking of Portugal, what I did read just today about Portugal that surprised me: that Portugal had the worst auto accident rate of any EU country, even ahead of Greece, which had the second worst record. These figures were as of 2004 or 2005, I guess before the Eastern Europe countries joined the EU, maybe Bosnia has taken the lead by now. Greece didn't surprise me but what's up with those Portugal drivers?

Dick, this could just be something that you need to do unless you're staying in a hotel. Hotels throughout Europe typically take your passport when you check in and then register your stay. That's the only thing I can think of as to a "legitimate stay". Just a thought.

Dick,

I have never heard of such rule.
I see you are from Canada. I would check with the embassy just to make sure I don't need a visa. Your stay is longer then a month and I know some countries require tourists to pay for a visa after 30 days, but I am not sure.

Not sure about Portugal.

Mexico has a requirement to buy a tourist pass if you are staying longer than a few days or traveling outside of major tourist cities. I think it was about $20 per person and were available at any bank.

We were never asked for ours and they may be ignored but we wanted to be safe rather than sorry.

You won't have passport control traveling within Europe. You can find out from a Tourist Information office if your stay requires a tourist permit or equivalent.

I am almost certain that Canada, like the US, is part of the Visa Waiver program. This means that you can enter the EU without a visa for up to three months at a minnimum. As noted above, you will not go through passport control when traveling to Portugal from France. If you fly it will be just like a domestic flight in the US or Canada in that regard.

I don't think you need to contact the local authorities but do be aware that, as noted, it is the law in the EU that all hotels, B and Bs, agritourismos, etc., must copy your passport and record the information on it when you arrive.

The only time I've ever had to register with the local authorities was years ago when I was a student spending a semester in Salzburg. The day after my arrival we had to go to the police station to register. But I was staying for 5 months as a student.

Thanks for the info, everyone.

I checked the Foreign Affairs Canada website and it says the anyone staying in private accommodation in Portugal who has not gone through passport control should be aware that they must register with the SEF (border control) or the Public Security Police within 3 working days of entering Portugal and get their passport stamped. Since we will be staying in private accommodation, I think we will check in at the airport in Lisbon just to be on the safe side.

As for Portuguese drivers, Kent, I was once told by a very pleasant Portuguese lady that I would find most Portuguese to be very friendly, polite and accommodating people....until they get behind the wheel of a car!