Madeira Entry and Exit Regulations

By | June 14, 2021

Formalities, visas

German nationals can enter Portugal and therefore Madeira with a valid passport or identity card. German child ID cards are recognized without restriction; Children under the age of 16 can also enter if they are entered in the passport of an accompanying parent. Since Portugal is part of the Schengen area, there are no regular controls for EU citizens when entering and leaving the country.

Issuing of visas in Germany
People who need a visa can obtain it at the following address:

Embassy of Portugal

Zimmerstrasse 56
10117 Berlin
Tel: +49 – (0) 30 – 59 00 63 50 0
Fax: +49 – (0) 30 – 59 00 63 60 0
Email: [email protected]

Issuing of visas in Austria and Switzerland
See under Representations of Portugal in Austria and Representations of Portugal in Switzerland.

Importing and exporting foreign currency
The importing and exporting of foreign currency from non-EU countries must be declared if the amount is equivalent to 15,000 euros or more.

Goods import and export
There are no restrictions on the import and export of goods for personal use. Guns and drugs of any kind are of course not allowed to be imported.

Entry with pets

For the owners of dogs and other animals, when traveling abroad, the question arises whether they can even take their animals with them to the chosen travel destination, and if that is possible, then of course the question of the respective applicable conditions arises. Here with us you will find all the important information on this topic, seriously researched at the embassies or the Foreign Office.

The same import regulations for pets apply to Madeira as in Portugal. The EU regulation on the import and export of pets from October 1st, 2004 therefore also applies to Madeira. This states that an EU pet passport must be issued for every pet. This pet pass can be issued by any resident veterinarian. Vaccination against rabies is also mandatory for every pet. The animals must be at least three months old when they are vaccinated against rabies. In addition, the vaccination must have been given at least 21 days before entering Portugal and must not be more than twelve months ago. When entering the country with pets that are younger than three months and have therefore not yet been vaccinated against rabies, a special rule applies. These animals must also have a chip/ tattoo and an EU pet passport must be issued for them. It must also be ensured that these animals have been kept in one place since they were born and have not come into contact with wild animals.
In Portugal, all dogs are also required to be on a leash and muzzle.

Animal transport with an accompanying person (owner)
In this case, proceed as follows: At the airport, the animal is locked in a transport crate previously obtained by the owner. It must be ensured that the container is large enough that the animal can stand in it and turn around, and it must also be ensured that no liquids can run out (urine). This is done using suitable absorbent material, in the simplest case using a sufficient amount of newspaper. There should also be a water bowl and, depending on the length of the flight, enough food. The transport container is handed over to the staff at the check-in counter. The transport fee depends on the weight of the animal. It is essential to ensure that there is space for the animal for the flight booked, as the number of animals that can be transported
The animal is located in the machine in an air-conditioned area between the passenger deck and the cargo area. As a rule, no member of the crew takes care of the animal during the flight, not even to give water or food. However, experience has shown that the stress of checking in and the take-off phase is so stressful for most animals that they sleep for most of the flight. The administration of sedatives prior to check-in is not only not recommended, as their effects cannot be foreseen under these conditions, but is even prohibited for reasons of security (smuggling). Many airlines also exclude a number of dogs (attack dogs) from transport.

Animal transport without an accompanying person
In this case, a specialist company must be commissioned with the transport, which then takes care of everything else. However, it should be ensured that the animal is picked up at the arrival airport by someone who is familiar to the dog. And of course all import regulations for pets for the country have to be explored beforehand and strictly adhered to.

It has proven to be very helpful if the animal is used to such a transport container at home a few weeks before the intended flight.

Madeira: arrival and transport

How to get to Madeira

The quickest way to get to the island is by plane. In addition, ships and large cruise ships call at the island.

Travel in the country

Air connections
There are flights to the neighboring island of Porto Santo several times a day.

Bus

The bus system in Funchal is well developed. Intercity buses go to all towns on the island.

Roads
The roads are increasingly being improved and expanded. Nevertheless, they are often very narrow and curvy.

Rental cars
Madeira has the well-known car rental companies.

Ferry connections

There are ferry connections between Madeira and Porto Santo.

Traffic rules

To avoid trouble with the police or even the courts, drivers should strictly adhere to the traffic regulations in force in the country. Regardless of the information given here, it is advisable to obtain more detailed information from ADAC, AvD or the Czech Republic’s traffic clubs.

Maximum speeds in

urban areas: In built-up areas there is a speed limit of 50 km/h.
Country roads: There is a speed limit of 90 km/h on country roads.
In addition, it is of course necessary to pay attention to the current local speed limits, which are indicated by traffic signs.

Blood alcohol limit

The official alcohol limit for drivers of motor vehicles is 0.5.

International license plate

Madeira’s international license plate is that of Portugal:

P

Madeira Travel