The number of Brazilians barred from entering Portugal increases by more than 700%

As of April 2025, the number of people prevented from entering Portugal is set to skyrocket, with a staggering 721% increase in just one year. Recent data shows that rejections jumped from 179 in 2023 to 1,470 in 2024, with most cases tied to the absence of proper visas or clear reasons justifying their stay in the country. This surge reflects a significant shift in Portugal’s immigration policy, which has tightened entry rules after years of leniency, directly impacting those seeking to cross its borders.

The 2024 Annual Internal Security Report, released earlier this month, reveals that out of 1,728 refusals recorded at air border checkpoints, 85% were Brazilian citizens. Angola ranks second with 274 denials, followed by the United Kingdom with 108. Other countries, such as the United States and Venezuela, also appear among the most affected, though with much smaller figures of 63 and 58, respectively. The primary reason for these rejections is the lack of documents proving the purpose of the trip, such as hotel bookings or sufficient financial means.

In response to labor shortages, Portugal introduced a fast-track process for issuing work visas, promising analysis within 20 days. However, the requirement for prior visas and bureaucratic delays at consulates, which can take over 100 days to process applications, have created hurdles for those planning to work or study in the country. A rule change in June 2024 eliminated the option of regularization through a “manifestation of interest,” which previously allowed migrants to adjust their status while already in Portugal.

Main Reasons for Rejections in Portugal:

• Lack of justification for the stay, such as proof of tourism or work.
• Inadequate, expired, or nonexistent visas.
• Absence of financial means or valid travel documents.

Border Enforcement Boosts Rejections

The sharp rise in refusals began taking shape in mid-2024, when the Portuguese government decided to tighten border controls. The measure came after pressure from the European Union to curb irregular immigration, particularly amid the growing Brazilian community in the country, which now exceeds 204,000 legal residents. In 2023, the number of rejections was relatively low, with just 373 total refusals, 179 of which were Brazilians. Now, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport accounting for the majority of cases.

This crackdown marks a change in approach. Previously, many entered as tourists with a 90-day stay allowance and sought regularization after securing jobs. With that practice now ended, prior visas have become non-negotiable. For those seeking work, a temporary 120-day visa, renewable for an additional 60 days, is an option, but failure to secure formal employment within that period mandates a return to the country of origin. Immigration law expert Luciane Tomé notes that the new policy aims to deter irregular migration but ends up affecting even those with legitimate plans.

The situation highlights a paradox. While Portugal faces a shortage of workers in sectors like construction and services, entry barriers hinder filling these gaps. In 2024, the country recorded over 16.5 million passengers screened at air borders, a 5% increase from the previous year. Of these, refusals account for just 0.01%, but the impact is profound for those affected, who often return to Brazil with no immediate prospect of coming back.

Historical Trend of Rising Rejections

In recent years, the number of Brazilians barred from entering Portugal had already been climbing, though never at such a drastic rate. In 2019, before the pandemic, 3,965 Brazilians were denied entry, representing 79% of total refusals. During the Covid-19 restriction years, numbers dropped, with 1,172 rejections in 2020 and 984 in 2021. In 2022, the figure rose to 1,262, a 28% increase from the prior year, but still far from the current leap. The 2024 peak marks a historic high, surpassing even periods of intense migratory pressure.

Portugal’s accessibility, with over 30 weekly direct flights from cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Fortaleza, has long drawn Brazilians. However, authorities now suspect many use tourism as a pretext to stay illegally or move on to other European countries. In 2018, for instance, 2,856 Brazilians were barred, a 100%+ increase from the 1,336 in 2017. This history shows the issue isn’t new, but its current intensity is unprecedented.

For context, in 2013, only 299 Brazilians were refused entry, the lowest figure in the past decade. Since then, Brazil’s economic crises and opportunities in Portugal have fueled migration—and heightened scrutiny. In 2024, controlled flights rose by 2.2%, with entry and exit movements up by 2% and 2.3%, respectively, likely contributing to stricter checks and more denials.

Timeline of Immigration and Barriers in Portugal

The Brazil-Portugal migration relationship has evolved over the years. Key milestones include:

• 2013: Lowest rejection number, with 299 Brazilians barred.
• 2017: Uptick resumes, with 1,336 refusals after years of decline.
• 2019: Pre-pandemic peak, with 3,965 Brazilians denied entry.
• 2021: Drop to 984 rejections, influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.
• 2024: Historic record, with 1,470 Brazilians barred and a 721% surge.

Impact on Communities and Rules

The stricter rules have direct consequences for those planning to emigrate. Many Brazilians, drawn by success stories and cultural ties, arrive unprepared. Requirements like a passport valid for at least three months, proof of accommodation, and a minimum of 40 euros per day of stay catch the uninformed off guard. Additionally, unclear work visa rules, which demand a formal job offer prior to entry, further complicate plans.

At Lisbon’s main entry point, immigration agents have ramped up interviews. Married men traveling alone, couples with school-age children, or individuals with overly heavy luggage raise red flags. Though subjective, these criteria help identify potential irregular migrants. In 2024, 99.97% of refusals occurred at air border posts, with Humberto Delgado Airport leading the way due to its high volume of international flights.

The Brazilian community in Portugal, which grew 45.5% between 2018 and 2019 and hit 204,000 legal residents in 2022, feels the strain. Despite the rise in rejections, the number of Brazilians living legally in the country continues to climb, up 5.1% in 2017 and hitting a growth record in 2019. This shows that while doors close for some, others succeed, particularly with pre-obtained student or work visas.

Challenges for Entrants

Entering Portugal has become more bureaucratic since June 2024. Previously, regularization via “manifestation of interest” allowed status adjustments after arrival. Now, without that option, Brazilian consulates have become bottlenecks, with wait times exceeding three months. For those seeking the job-search visa, its 120-day validity (renewable for 60 more) demands quick results, which isn’t always feasible in a competitive market.

The situation even affects tourism plans. In 2021, 73% of foreigners barred were Brazilians, despite pandemic travel limits. In 2019, that figure hit 79%, showing Brazilian nationality has been the most targeted for years. Beyond missing visas, insufficient financial proof—like cash or adequate credit limits—also plays a role. The 2024 report highlighted these factors, alongside precautionary measures or expired documents, as key to refusals.

For those denied entry, the return to Brazil is immediate. Airlines, responsible for flying them back, cover the costs, but the emotional and financial toll falls on the travelers. Cases like Paulo Cesar Martins, barred in 2019 with just 252 euros for three months, illustrate the rules’ rigidity. He was sent to the UK, where he had a layover, and detained for three days before returning to Rio de Janeiro, his passport stamped with a refusal.

Reality of the Barred and Alternatives

Those denied entry face a grueling process. After rejection, travelers are taken to temporary holding centers to await the next return flight. In 2018, 74% of the 2,209 barred at Lisbon Airport were Brazilians, a trend that persists. These facilities, often criticized by groups like Casa do Brasil, meet European standards but don’t soften the blow of denial after a long journey.

Yet Portugal remains appealing. The Brazilian population there grew for the fifth straight year in 2022, reaching a record 204,000 legal residents. Linguistic ties and over 250,000 entries in five months of 2021 underscore ongoing interest. To avoid rejections, experts suggest:

• Bring proof of accommodation and a return ticket.
• Ensure at least 40 euros per day of stay.
• Apply for appropriate visas in advance at consulates.

The Portuguese government is considering a specific job-search visa, outlined in the budget but not yet implemented. Meanwhile, the 20-day fast-track work visa offers an alternative, though it requires a formal job offer. In 2024, irregular immigration was a report focus, listing Brazil as the top source of refusals, followed by Angola and the UK, though it didn’t specify the barred individuals’ final destinations.

Tips to Avoid Being Barred in Portugal:

• Organize documents like a valid passport and financial proof.
• Plan the trip ahead, including confirmed bookings.
• Check entry rules on the Foreigners and Borders Service website.