Travel from U.S. to Portugal Updates
Things to know before traveling to Portugal and beyond.
If you are planning an upcoming international trip from the United States, I have compiled a few travel tidbits of updates and things to be aware of before you travel to Portugal and beyond. If you’re traveling from elsewhere, you may find some of this information helpful as well.
Traveling with your dog?
Starting on August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the U.S. (including those that left the U.S. and are returning, regardless of the country they are coming from) must be:
Healthy upon arrival
At least 6 months of age
Microchipped
Accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt and required vaccination and veterinary documents
Failure to comply may mean that your pooch is sent back to the country they departed from.
Additional requirements may apply depending on where the dog has been in the last 6 months and whether the dog was vaccinated in the United States. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a DogBot which will assist you in determining what is needed.
What a relief!
Speaking of pets, the Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon recently announced a new amenity for small dogs - a canine relief area dedicated to pets traveling in the cabin and arriving in Lisbon.
Traveling through Europe with your dog? Here’s a list of the best dog-friendly airports in Europe with pet relief areas.
New airline passenger rights regulations.
Passenger refunds
Effective in October 2024, airline passengers will automatically receive cash refunds for canceled or significantly disrupted flights. A new rule from the United Statess Department of Transportation mandates that airlines provide these refunds without requiring a request from passengers unless they choose to accept travel credit or alternative transportation.
The department has also established a clear definition of “significantly changed flights” for all carriers, which includes:
Delays of three hours or more for domestic flights, or six hours for international flights
Changes in departure or arrival airport
Increases in the number of connections
Downgrades in the class of service
Changes to a connecting airport or plane that is less accessible for passengers with disabilities
Also starting in October, airlines will be required to refund fees for checked bags that arrive 12 hours or more late (15 to 30 hours for international flights) and for services paid for but not provided, such as in-flight Wi-Fi or entertainment.
Refunds must be issued within seven to twenty days and can be given in cash or by crediting the original payment method, including credit cards or airline miles.
Note: These rulings are from the U.S. only.
Airline Junk Fees
Another finalized DOT rule targeting so-called junk fees prohibits airlines from surprising ticket buyers with unexpected charges at checkout. Junk fees are those additional, unexpected charges added at the very end of a transaction, sometimes after the customer has already entered payment information.
Airlines and ticket agents must disclose their fees for checked or carry-on luggage, as well as for changing or canceling a reservation, upfront. They must also clearly explain their baggage, change, and cancellation policies before a passenger purchases a ticket.
The latest consumer air travel news can be found here: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news
Airline Customer Service Dashboard
The U.S. Department of Transportation has created an Airline Customer Service Dashboard to ensure that travelers have easy access to information about a variety of air travel issues including the commitments that airlines have made for fee-free family seating and passenger inconveniences if the airline experiences a controllable cancellation or delay. The website offers several topics that travelers can select including disability rights, flight bumping and overselling, refunds, and how to file a complaint: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
With so much turmoil happening around the world, you may want to consider enrolling in this free service from the U.S. State Department for United States citizens who are traveling or living abroad, enabling them to receive the latest security updates from the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Learn more here.
New Travel Document needed for Travel to Europe.
United States travelers heading to many parts of Europe will soon need another document. Starting in May 2025, a special travel authorization—ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)—will be required to enter thirty European countries (Portugal included). The document will cost around $7.50 USD and be valid for three years. Previously, most Americans only needed a passport to visit the thirty participating countries. However, once ETIAS is implemented, it will be mandatory: Without it, you will not be allowed to board the plane. Learn more here.
Need more travel tips? Check out my travel tips post here.
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Until next time…
Obrigada!
Carol.
As always your posts are very informative! I am curious if/how ETIAS will affect American citizens/Portuguese residents traveling from Portugal to the US and back to Portugal. Will a visa be necessary?
The EU has a similar cancelled flight program. I don’t think it is as detailed, but I know my husband has received compensation for canceled flights from European legs of his trips. More details can be found here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/faq/index_en.htm#:~:text=YES%20%2D%20you%20have%20rights%20under,routing%20at%20the%20earliest%20opportunity.
Multi Obrigada!
Great information Carol, thanks 🍷