Portuguese authorities have updated their travel advisory for the United States, joining several other European nations in issuing specific warnings following a series of recent U.S. border entry incidents.

The Portuguese Foreign Ministry emphasizes on its official portal that holding a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) does not guarantee entry into the country. Final admission is determined by U.S. border agents at the point of entry.

“Please note that possession of an ESTA or a visa does not constitute an automatic right of entry into the United States. The final decision is always made by the border agent upon arrival in US territory,” it reads.

The Portuguese government official portal also states that violations related to the “Visa Waiver”, namely providing false statements and exceeding the legal period of stay in the country, may result in the detention and deportation of any citizen by the American immigration authorities.

In particular, travelers who identify as non-binary are advised to complete arrival forms using the gender assigned to them at birth, following current U.S. entry procedures.

Portuguese authorities further advise citizens to carry return tickets, clearly state the purpose of their visit, and exercise caution when crossing land borders with Canada or Mexico. Misrepresenting travel intentions may lead to denial of entry.

Several other European countries—including Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—have issued similar guidance, warning that official travel documents alone do not guarantee entry into the U.S.

Portugal’s updated advisory comes amid growing concern over stricter U.S. immigration enforcement policies, which have drawn international attention. Officials stress that travelers should comply and remain informed and vigilant as the situation evolves.

PAJ/Staff