As Lisbon continues to grow in popularity, airport lines, especially for passport control can be longer than expected. We recommend heading straight to passport control upon arrival, where self-service kiosks and app pre-registration can help save time.

Avoid stopping or shopping before clearing customs. Once through, you’ll find plenty of cafés and food options.

After collecting your luggage, the transportation area is easy to navigate, and an Uber or taxi to Cascais takes about 25 minutes.

Download the "Travel to Europe" app

Pre-register within 72 hours of your flight:

upload passport photo

answer a short questionnaire

Have your boarding pass and hotel booking ready as both are required to complete the app pre-registration

You'll receive a QR code to scan at the self-service kiosk on arrival

If you used the app, scan your QR code at the kiosk to speed up the process

Note if traveling elsewhere in europe: the ees changes still apply, though the app is only available for travel to/from portugal and sweden

If you’re traveling to Portugal from the U.S., make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates to avoid any issues at customs. Check your passport’s expiration date and plan ahead!

Advance Booking

International fares are generally lowest when booked 6–9 months ahead. Still, airfares can spike or dip unexpectedly - set price alerts and check back regularly to snag the best deal.

Airline Options

We’ve flown TAP Portugal several times and always had positive experiences. Most major airlines fly into Lisbon, so compare TAP with other carriers to secure the best price and schedule. We often use travel points to get the best deal!

Fare Inclusions

Before booking, double‑check what’s covered: checked baggage, seat selection, onboard meals, and change or cancellation fees. Knowing exactly what’s included can help you avoid surprise add‑ons at the airport.

Smart Searches

Use an incognito or private‑browsing window to keep your searches from “remembering” you and driving up fares. Then compare across aggregators like Skyscanner and Google Flights to see all routes and prices.

Deal Alerts

We’ll post here whenever we spot great flight deals or travel offers - stay tuned. Reminder to check if your credit card is running any point transfer deals to certain airlines. Some of the promos are game changers!

The E.U. launched a new Entry/Exit System (EES) in April 2026. All non-EU travelers (including Americans) must complete biometric registration on first arrival. This includes a fingerprint scan and facial photo required before passing through customs

this new system may result in longer lines at customs though there are steps to you can take before you travel to speed up the process.