VISAS, ENTRY RULES, CUSTOMS REGULATIONS in Azores, Portugal
You need a visa to visit the Azores. To do this, the following documents must be submitted to the Portuguese Embassy:
– a passport with a validity period of at least 3.5 months after the end date of the trip to Portugal;
– a copy of the ticket or its reservation;
– hotel voucher with payment confirmation;
– 2 color photographs 3 by 4 in size, taken no more than 6 months before the trip; children under 14 years of age must have a photo in their parents’ passport; upon reaching 14 years of age, children must have their own passport;
– 2 copies of the completed questionnaire in English;
– a photocopy of all pages of the general civil Russian passport;
– a photocopy of the previous passport (pages with visas);
– the original certificate from the place of work on the letterhead of the organization (where the address and phone number are indicated) with the obligatory indication of: position, salary and the period of paid leave, which must coincide with the period of the proposed trip to Portugal. In the case of a small tourist salary, as well as for students, schoolchildren, housewives, pensioners, a certificate from work is required indicating the income of the person they are dependent on, or from the person who pays for the trip, indicating the degree of relationship and documents certifying this relationship;
– for schoolchildren – a certificate from the school, for students – a certificate from the institute and a copy of a student card, for pensioners – a pension certificate;
– for pensioners, when submitting documents to the Consulate, an original certificate of purchase of currency is required (at the rate of 50 euros / day). A certificate of purchase of currency can be replaced by an account statement on a credit card. A certificate or extract must be issued no earlier than 1 month before the start of the trip;
– for children traveling with their parents – a notarized copy of the birth certificate with an apostille, a certificate from the place of study (if the child attends school);
– for children traveling without parents or with one of the parents – a notarized copy of the birth certificate with an apostille, a certificate from the place of study (if the child attends school), a notarized copy of the permission to export the child with an apostille.
The term for issuing a visa is a week. Consular fee for visa processing – 50 euros, regardless of age.
The import of foreign and national currency in cash and traveler’s checks is not limited. However, if the amount of imported foreign currency exceeds EUR 4987.98, it must be declared. The export of the national currency from the country is limited – the amount should not exceed 498.80 euros. There are no restrictions on the export of foreign currency, however, if the amount exceeds 4987.98 euros, a certificate from the exchange office may be required.
According to theinternetfaqs.com, duty-free importation of personal belongings and food is allowed to the Azores, in the amount necessary for personal consumption; cigarettes – 200 pcs., strong drinks – 1 l, strong wine – 2 l, dry – 2 l. It is forbidden to import drugs, gold in the form of ingots, coins, plates without the permission of the country’s bank, illegally published printed materials. Upon import, weapons, antiquities and art, items made of precious metals are subject to mandatory customs inspection.
Embassy in Azores, Portugal
Azores, Portugal, embassy in Moscow
Moscow, Botanichesky pereulok, 1 Tel.
-03, 280-62-93
Azores, Portugal, Russian Embassy in the country:
Rua Visconde de Santarem, 59, 1000, Lisboa
Phone (8-10-3511) 846-2424, 846-2423, 846-2524
Fax (8-10-3511) 846-3008
Communication in Azores, Portugal
You can call from the hotel, but it’s quite expensive. Some cafes and bars have public telephones from which you can make both local and international calls, but it is most advantageous to call from payphones.
To call from Russia to Portugal, dial 8 – 10 – 351 – area code – phone number.
To call from Portugal to Russia, dial 07 – area code – phone number.
Emergency Phones in Azores, Portugal
Ambulance – 112
Police – 296-282-022
Maritime Police – 296-287-397
Fire Department – 296-282-578
HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS
January 1st – Feast of the Virgin Mary
April 25th – Liberty Day
May 1st – Labor Day
June 10th – Portugal Day
August 15th – Assumption of the Virgin
October 5th – Proclamation of the Republic
November 1st – All Saints Day
December 1st – Restoration of Independence Day
December 8th – Day Immaculate Conception
December 25 – Christmas.
Saint John’s Day (June 24) is the most popular holiday in the Azores. During it, colorful processions take place and festive bonfires are lit. The fifth Sunday after Easter is a big national holiday in Ponta Delgada. These days are not days off, but many do not work, as they take part in the festivities. On the first Sunday of August, the Week of the Sea on Faial begins, on August 6, the Bon Jejus holiday in Sao Mateus takes place, on the last week of August, Whalers’ Week in Lajes do Pico, and the Mare d’Agosta music festival on Santa Maria also falls at the end of August Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after the Spirit of the day, the feasts of the Holy Spirit are held on Piku.
USEFUL THINGS
In the Azores, as elsewhere in Portugal, it is not customary to yawn and stretch in public places; in a conversation, you should not discuss problems related to the family, and especially children. Do not question the historical greatness of the country – the Portuguese are justifiably proud of their past, especially against the backdrop of the modest place that the country occupies today. In addition, do not compare the Portuguese with the Spaniards – despite the unconditional similarity of languages, customs, national cultures and characters, the Portuguese perceive such comparisons very painfully.
STORES
Shops are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00. On Saturdays, most shops are open until 13:00. Shopping centers are open 7 days a week from 10:00 to midnight.
Tipping
Tipping in the Azores has not received official status. If you are satisfied with the service, you can leave 10% of the bill in a restaurant, cafe, taxi.
NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
In the Azores, a visitor from the mainland is welcomed everywhere as a dear guest. Tourists are always treated warmly, often treated with wine and with genuine pleasure they talk about the islands. The Azores sacredly honor their autonomy.
ELECTRICITY
220V, 50Hz;
HEALTH CARE
On all islands there are 24-hour hospitals that can be contacted in case of minor illnesses. In more complex cases, hospitalization is carried out in hospitals on the islands of Terceira and San Miguel. It is recommended to take out an insurance policy before the trip.
