Does British Overseas Citizen need a visa to enter Portugal?

DonGotti

My mum is a British Overseas Citizen and we want to travel to Algarve in late February. Would she need a Visa? I've just spent over £5 calling a premium rate hotline which was useless and it isn't possible to speak to a person at the Portuguese embassy so any help would be greatly appreciated.

She holds a maroon British passport so would she be able to enter Portugal as a EU National?

Thanks

stoneman

I am sure she will be fine. I am a U.S passport holder living in the U.K. I travel to the Algarve 3 times a year, and have never needed a visa. You can always pop into a travel agent and ask them, they have all the info that you will need.

DonGotti

Thanks, but I need to be certain. For example the US Waiver Programme accepts British Citizens but not B.O.C which is why we decided against a much wanted trip to Las Vegas.

My brother went to Thomas Cook and they said they cannot help

desiman

Good Question!
Now, Portugal is part of the Schengen area, so the question is are BOC's allowed into the Schengen area, and I believe the answer is yes.
see http://www.icelandtouristboard.com/brochure_2005/art15.html
Iceland is in Schengen & allows BOC's and the entry regulations in all Schengen countries are the same, so I guess she can go without a visa.

DonGotti

Thanks both of you guys. I just don't want to get there only for my mum to be refused entry...it's our first family trip in 7 years!

Felix

You shouldn't have any problems. I had a friend who arrived from Oz after being told he wouldnt need a visa and upon arrival found he did! The customs people are very good and sorted one out there and then.

will-in-estoril

DonGotti wrote:

My mum is a British Overseas Citizen and we want to travel to Algarve in late February. Would she need a Visa? I've just spent over £5 calling a premium rate hotline which was useless and it isn't possible to speak to a person at the Portuguese embassy so any help would be greatly appreciated.

She holds a maroon British passport so would she be able to enter Portugal as a EU National?

Thanks

British Overseas Citizens are not EU nationals, and therefore have no freedom of movement. In fact they have no right of abode in the UK. Some holders have the right of re-admission, but this is different

As far as I know they DO require visas for Portugal, but I will check TIM (Travellers Information Manual) tomorrow and let you know.

will-in-estoril

desiman wrote:

Good Question!
Now, Portugal is part of the Schengen area, so the question is are BOC's allowed into the Schengen area, and I believe the answer is yes.
see http://www.icelandtouristboard.com/brochure_2005/art15.html
Iceland is in Schengen & allows BOC's and the entry regulations in all Schengen countries are the same, so I guess she can go without a visa.

Do not confuse British Overseas Citizens with British Nationals (Overseas). NOT the same thing. The latter was given to former BDTC passport holders in Hong Kong; the former to selected ex British colonies in India and East Africa.

In Iceland BOCs DO require visas.

For information the categories of British passports are as follows:

British Citizen (Right of abode in UK, and EU Treaty Rights, except IOM and Channel Islands);

British Subject (Right of abode only if born in what was Irish Free State)

British Protected Person (no Right of abode)

British Overseas Citizen (No Right of Abode)

British Overseas Territory Citizen (now have Right of abode and can become British Citizens)

DonGotti

I would really appreciate that. I don't really want to risk arriving at the airport in Faros and have my mum sent back!

will-in-estoril

The answer is yes. The Portuguese will ask for a return ticket, proof of accommodation and funds.

From my experience they will also need to see your mother's residency permit for India, or normal country of residence. Indefinite leave to remain in the UK will suffice, if she is resident here. The reason they request this has to do with what is known as 'returnability': a BOC passport in itself does not give the holder a right to live in the UK, or any other country for that matter. Crazy, I know.

The alternative is to try one of the other less bureaucratic Schengen consulates. However, unless you can show that you intend to visit their country too they may well direct you back to the Portuguese Consulate. Avoid the French Embassy though.

It may be easier in the provinces than London.