Visa Information

A visa may be acquired online or in person at a Portuguese embassy or consulate.

For a complete list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa, please check: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/

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Letters of invitation

An invitation letter is required to apply for a visa. Upon request, invitation letters will be provided to the authors and presenters of accepted papers, posters, keynotes, tutorials, and panels, and to ESLA 2027 attendees who have completed their registration and payment process.

After the registration and payment are completed, an invitation letter may be requested. With this letter, participants will be able to obtain a visa for the period of the ESLA Congress 2027.

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‍Porto International Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport)

The Porto international Airport is also known as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Elected again, in 2015, by ACI - Airports Council International - one of the five best European Airports, a distinction it has been enjoying since 2006, Porto Airport, reached the 9 million passengers mark in the end of 2016. The airport is increasingly reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the attractiveness of both the city and the region it serves. Is located about 10 km, a quick 20 minutes’ drive, from the Porto city center where most of the hotels are located. The airport is served by Porto Metro. The service links the airport to Porto city center, high-speed trains at main train station. Public transport buses and dedicated shuttle buses also link the airport and the city.

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To arrive at the Alfândega Porto Congress Centre from the airport:

• Catch the metro “Line E”, Destination “Estádio do Dragão”. Exit at “Trindade”

Travel ticket: Z4

At “Trindade” change to “Line D” – Destination “Santo Ovidio” and exit at “São Bento”

Travel ticket: Use same travel ticket as before

Exit the metro station and at the STCP bus stop, catch the “500" bus – Destination “Matosinhos (Mercado)”- Exit at “Alfândega” bus stop.

Travel ticket: Use same travel ticket as before

• Taxis

The city is served by 700 taxis and a taxi ride from the airport to the city centre should cost between 20.00 € and 30.00 €. In comparison to taxi fares in other countries, Porto taxis are still to be considered a rather inexpensive means of transportation.

Taxis Invicta: +351 225 076 400/+351 912 301 251

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Climate

The average maximum and minimum temperature in Porto area are 22ºC / 72F (high) and 14ºC / 57F (low). Please take into consideration that Porto is located by the river and the ocean, and therefore can be somewhat windy in the late afternoon or evening. A sweater or a ladies pashmina may be necessary.

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Currency

Portugal is a member of the European Monetary System, and the previous currency Escudo was replaced by the Euro (€) on 1 January 2002.

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Electric Current

Portuguese standard is the European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting rooms and exhibition halls.

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Local Time

Mainland Portugal is 1 hour ahead of European Standard Time (C.E.T. + 1).

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Language

The official language in Portugal is Portuguese. Both English, Spanish and French are widely spoken.

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Smoking

The Portuguese law, in accordance with Regulations in force in the majority of European Countries and the USA, does not allow smoking in any public transportation or in any closed public areas (some restaurants, bars and discotecs may have a designated smoking area).

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TAX Free

Sales tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.