The Foreign Office has issued a travel alert for anyone travelling to Portugal who is younger than 17 years old.
Hordes of Brits jet off to the popular European destination in the summer months, drawn in by its coast and hot weather.
But holidaymakers heading to Portugal should be aware of new advice issued by the British Government.
The FCDO issued updated guidance on its site yesterday (January 22) for those specifically aged under 17 years.
Any children aged 17 and under travelling alone or without their legal guardian to Portugal are required to have a letter of authorisation to travel.
This must be written by their parent or guardian. What’s more, it should be presented alongside a copy of their parent or guardian’s passport.
It is important the letter includes several specific things, such as the child’s full name, date of birth and passport number, as well as the child’s dates of arrival and departure.
According to the Foreign Office, the letter must also include ‘the name of the adult in Portugal who will be responsible for them during their stay’.
Holidaymakers heading to Portugal should be aware of new advice issued by the British Government
‘The full names, dates of birth, passport numbers and contact details of the parent or guardian,’ should also feature on the document.
Meanwhile, it should include ‘the parent or guardian’s signature and date of issue’.
Travellers have been warned that if the letter isn’t provided, ‘entry will be delayed and may be refused’.
‘Teenagers aged 17 and under who travel alone, or with friends of the same age, and who are not being met on arrival by a parent or guardian, may be refused entry if they do not have a letter of authorisation,’ the UK Government states on the website.
What’s more a non-resident child aged 17 and under who is departing from Portugal alone or with someone who isn’t their legal guardian must also have a letter of authorisation to do so.
That is, unless they are returning to their home country.
Whereas, the Foreign Office says, ‘A child aged 17 or under who is resident in Portugal must carry a properly certified letter of authorisation if travelling without their parent or legal guardian’.
It comes as a Portuguese city was recently named as a top destination.
Any children aged 17 and under travelling alone or without their legal guardian to Portugal are required to have a letter of authorisation to travel (stock)
Located in northern Portugal, Guimarães boasts characterful cobbled streets and a lively culture.
It recently made the BBC’s ’20 best places to travel in 2026′ list, alongside destinations including Abu Dhabi and Montenegro.
The city is widely considered as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’ and was the country’s first capital.
The broadcaster praised Guimarães for its ‘beautifully preserved medieval core’ and range of restaurants and bars.
