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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
    Ambassador: Joao de VALLERA
    Embassy: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036;
    Telephone: [1] (202) 350-5400
    Fax: [1] (202) 462-3726

US Diplomatic Representation:
    Ambassador: Allan J. Katz
    Embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600 Lisbon
    Mailing Address: PSC 83, Lisbon; APO AE 09726
    Telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300
    Fax: [351] (21) 727-9109
    Consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

    Consulate(s) are in:
    Los Angeles 1801 Ave. Of The Stars, Suite 400,
    Los Angeles, CA 90067.
    (310) 277-1491
     
    San Francisco
    3298 Washington St.,
    San Francisco, CA 94115.
    (415) 346-3400
     
    Boston
    One Exeter Pl., 7th Floor
    Boston, MA 02116.
    (617) 536-8740
    Newark
    The Legal Center, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Main Floor,
    Newark, NJ 07102.
    (973) 643-4200

    New York
    3rd Floor, 630 5th Av., Suite 310,
    New York, NY 10111.
    (212) 246-4580

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Portugal
Embassy of the United States of America in Lisbon, Portugal
Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations in New York




FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-PORTUGAL RELATIONS

United States-Portugal bilateral ties date from the earliest years of the United States when Portugal was among the first countries to recognize the United States following the revolutionary war. The oldest continuously-operating U.S. Consulate is in Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. Contributing to the strong ties between the United States and Portugal are the presence of sizeable Portuguese communities in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, California, and Hawaii. 

A strong, vocal pro-American sentiment across most of the political spectrum has combined to make the relationship between the United States and Portugal one of three pillars of Portugal’s foreign policy, along with the European Union and the Portuguese-speaking world. The United States and Portugal cooperate in the United Nations, in various regional organizations, and bilaterally for peace, prosperity, and security. 

Portugal became a charter member of NATO in 1949; it is an active member of the Alliance, and Portuguese forces participate in NATO operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo. Under the 1995 U.S.-Portugal Agreement on Cooperation and Defense, Lajes Field in the Azores serves as an important logistics hub for U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. European Command and NATO allies. In 2012, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) transferred from Italy to Portugal. STRIKFORNATO is NATO’s premier maritime battle staff and the Alliance’s primary link for integrating U.S. maritime forces into NATO operations. Portugal also has been a strong partner in the fight against terrorism and drug-trafficking.

Pursuant to the 1995 Agreement on Cooperation and Defense, the U.S.-Portugal Bilateral Commission meets semi-annually to review all aspects of the bilateral relationship, including defense cooperation, science and technology cooperation, bilateral trade and investment, cooperation in the Azores, justice and home affairs, and political and diplomatic cooperation. The U.S.-Portugal Fulbright Commission was founded in 1960 and funds graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting professors.　

U.S. Assistance to Portugal
The United States provides no development assistance to Portugal. 

Bilateral Economic Relations
As a member of the European Union (EU), Portugal is bound by EU treaties and laws, including those directly governing or indirectly impacting business investments. Portugal and the United States have enacted an income tax agreement to prevent double taxation. A U.S.-Portugal Treaty of Commerce and Navigation was terminated in 1892 and not been replaced. U.S.-Portuguese trade and investment is relatively small. 

Portugal's Membership in International Organizations
Portugal and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Portugal is an observer to the Organization of American States. 

Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Portugal is Allan J. Katz; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List. 

Portugal maintains an embassy in the United States at 2012 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036; tel. 202-350-5400. 

More information about Portugal is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here: 

Department of State Portugal Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Portugal Page
U.S. Embassy: Portugal
History of U.S. Relations With Portugal
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information


TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Portugal check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving     U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency     (EUR) Euro
Electrical     230 Volts
Telephones     Country Code 351, City Code, Lisboa 21+7D, Porto 22+7D, Mealhada 231+6D

 

Language
When written the Portuguese language has a visual relationship to both Spanish and Italian. When spoken it takes on another character. Although today the language has been influenced by modern means of communication, the educated form can be likened to "Dickensian English" in its style. It is courteous in content and suitable flowery in description. Spoken Spanish can be understood by the Portuguese but is best avoided. Anybody with knowledge of some Portuguese history will be able to understand the reason. The inhabitants have a wonderful ability to learn foreign languages and you will find that the English language is normally readily understood. This has been helped by the fact that all foreign films on TV and Cinemas are shown in their original language with subtitles.

Mail Services
The word Correio denotes a Post Office or services. First class mail is denoted by the words "correio azul" and normally associated with the colour of blue. From Post Offices there is an express service named EMS that also records delivery. These offices are normally open from 08.30 hrs. until 18.30 hrs. from Monday to Friday. In bigger towns they may also will also be open on Saturday.

Money
The local currency is Euros. Money can be changed at Banks, Bureau De Change (Cambio) or at one of the currency exchange machines in the streets. These facilities will offer a better rate than in Hotels and Receptions. Banks are open from Monday through to Friday, from 08.30 hrs. to 15.00 hrs. Euro cheque is a cheaper method than a Traveler Cheque in obtaining cash. All well-known Credit Cards are usually accepted.

Museums
Although the majority of the museums and art galleries are State owned there are a number of private Foundations and individually owned exhibition places. This fact is particularly evident when wishing to see contemporary art where they tend to reflect the taste of the owner. State Museums charge a small entrance fee that is usually waived on Sundays and Public Holidays. They are open from Tuesday through to Sunday and pensioners receive a 40% discount on the entrance fee. Sometimes there is no charge at all for pensioners on showing your ID. Opening times are normally from 10.00 hours to 17.00 hours, but sometimes closed during lunchtime.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco............................200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
Liquor...............................2 litres
Perfume............................50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
Cameras...........................No restrictions
Film..................................Reasonable for personal use
Currency...........................Must be declared on arrival
Gifts...................................Duty free allowance up to $50.00
Other.................................Further goods up to esc7500
Agriculture items...............Refer to Consulate



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