Portugal

When traveling on a pilgrimage, travelers must bring a valid passport that remains valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the United States. If missing documents prevent a traveler from departing or entering the destination country, Carnival US is not responsible, and the standard tour cancellation policies will still apply.

Please note that a Passport Card is not valid for international air travel.

For journeys to Portugal, travelers will enter a country within the Schengen Area. Portugal is expected to apply ETIAS requirements for US citizens once the system officially begins. Carnival US can assist travelers with completing the ETIAS registration process before departure according to entry requirements. Please contact the office for specific processing fees and estimated processing time.

Carnival US Visa Assistance Service

Carnival US provides visa assistance services for Green Card holders. This service includes assistance with preparing the application package, submitting the application, providing flight information, invitation letters, and guidance on preparing documents for the biometrics appointment at the nearest TLS office or consulate processing center. Travelers should allow at least 2 months for the visa application process.

This service requires an additional fee. Please contact the office for specific pricing and processing time.

Travelers should make copies of their passport and visa and send a copy to a trusted friend or family member. Copies should also be kept separately from the original documents in case the originals are lost.

For this pilgrimage journey, each traveler is generally allowed to bring:

One (1) checked bag

One (1) carry-on bag

One (1) personal item

Specific baggage rules may vary depending on the airline listed on the ticket.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage should include most personal belongings such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, toothpaste, face towels, toothbrushes, razors, food, beverages, liquids, and other larger personal items.

If your baggage exceeds the airline's permitted weight limit, additional baggage fees may apply. These fees are the traveler's responsibility and will depend on the policy of each airline.

Do not place important documents, passports, money, bank cards, jewelry, or valuable items in checked baggage. Travelers should always keep these items with them in a carry-on bag, personal bag, waist pouch, or crossbody bag.

Allowed Size and Weight for Checked Baggage

The total length + width + height should not exceed 62 inches / 158 cm.

Economy Class: One (1) checked bag up to 50 lbs / 23 kg.

Business Class: Two (2) checked bags, with each bag up to 75 lbs / 32 kg.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on baggage should include small electronics such as a phone, camera, laptop, regular travel camera, money, important documents, medication, and other valuable items. Travelers are also encouraged to pack one extra set of clothing, a light jacket, personal medication, and a few essential toiletries in the carry-on bag in case checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Please do not place sharp metal objects or prohibited items in your carry-on baggage.

Throughout the trip, travelers are responsible for taking care of their own carry-on items. Money, passport, visa, and important documents should always be kept with the traveler.

Allowed Size and Weight for Carry-On Baggage

One (1) carry-on bag: total length + width + height should not exceed 42 inches / 106 cm.

The carry-on bag should not exceed 17 lbs / 8 kg.

Important: The baggage information above is based on general international travel guidelines. However, each airline may have its own baggage requirements. Carnival US will provide the specific airline baggage rules before departure so travelers can prepare accordingly.

Q&A: What should I do if my luggage is lost?

If your luggage is lost, please go immediately to the airport Lost and Found office or airline baggage service counter to file a lost baggage report. The tour guide will assist travelers with the form when possible.

Please keep all documents, claim tags, and written confirmation provided by the airline. Once the luggage is found, the airline will usually arrange delivery to the hotel.

Travelers should provide the correct hotel address listed on the luggage tag issued by Carnival US before the flight.

Hotels used by Carnival US during the pilgrimage are generally 4-star standard. However, at certain pilgrimage destinations, hotels may be simpler and focused more on comfort and practicality rather than luxury service. Travelers should understand that a pilgrimage is different from a leisure vacation. The purpose of the journey is centered on sacred places, prayer, and meaningful experiences rather than luxury accommodations, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly.

Carnival US will send travelers detailed hotel information by email, including hotel names, addresses, and ratings. Most hotels provide basic amenities similar to what travelers may expect at home. However, single rooms may be smaller in size, and some rooms may have a queen bed instead of larger bedding arrangements.

Check-In / Check-Out

Hotel check-in is usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Hotels will try to accommodate early check-in when possible. However, if rooms are not ready, travelers may store their luggage at the hotel and spend free time exploring the surrounding area. Travelers may ask the tour guide for suggestions on nearby places to visit or rest while waiting.

Hotel check-out is usually between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. To make check-out easier, travelers should carefully check all drawers, nightstands, closets, the bathroom, and the hotel safe before leaving the room. Please make sure no jewelry, cash, passport, documents, chargers, or personal items are left behind.

Room Keycard

Many hotels use keycards to operate room electricity, lights, or elevators. The layout of switches and electrical outlets may be different from one hotel to another, so travelers may need to look around the room to find the correct switches.

Travelers should keep the room keycard with them during the stay because it can be used for several purposes:

To open the room door.

In many hotels, the keycard must be inserted into a slot near the door to activate electricity and outlets inside the room.

When using the elevator, travelers may sometimes need to tap or scan the keycard before selecting the floor.

Additional Hotel Services

Most hotels offer paid TV or entertainment services. If travelers do not wish to use this service, please do not press the PAY button. If the button is pressed, the hotel may charge the room even if the movie or program is not watched. The minimum charge may be around 25 EUR per movie, depending on the hotel.

Some hotel rooms may also have sensor-based minibars. If an item is moved, lifted, or used, the system may automatically record it and charge the room according to the hotel's policy.

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All rooms have private bathrooms. Most hotels provide a hair dryer and basic toiletries, but travelers should still bring their own personal items. Hotels usually provide large bath towels and face towels, but small washcloths may not always be available.

Please Be Careful in Hotel Bathrooms

In many hotels in Portugal, bathtubs may have high sides and can be difficult to step into or out of. Travelers should place a towel on the floor and be especially careful to avoid slipping. Carnival US always tries to request walk-in showers when possible, but hotels may not always be able to provide them, especially during peak travel seasons.

Room Cleaning

Many hotels today may not clean rooms daily as often as in the past. This may be due to staffing, cost, sustainability practices, or hotel policy. Some travelers also choose not to request daily room cleaning.

If travelers would like daily room cleaning, they may request it from housekeeping, and the hotel will try to assist when possible.

Personal Items to Prepare

Hotels usually provide basic amenities such as towels, soap, shampoo, and Wi-Fi. However, travelers are encouraged to prepare additional personal items, including:

Travel-size toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, body wash, and other personal hygiene items.

Personal medication and common medicine, such as sickness as motion medicine, headache medicine, allergy medicine, and digestive medicine.

Tissues, sunscreen, and lip balm.

Bandages, ointments, vitamins, and basic first-aid items.

A pen for filling out forms.

Any other personal items needed during the trip.

If travelers need to purchase additional items during the journey, they may ask the tour guide or hotel front desk for assistance.

Portugal's main international gateway for this journey is Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon. Lisbon Airport is more compact than some larger European airports, but travelers should still pay attention to terminal movement, check-in counters, baggage claim, and immigration procedures.

About 3 weeks before departure, Carnival US will email travelers important flight information, including the flight route, flight numbers, and each traveler's electronic ticket number.

Please note that this document is not a boarding pass. Travelers will receive the boarding pass after check-in, usually 24 or 48 hours before departure, depending on the airline.

Travelers can check in online 24 hours before the flight or check in at the airline counter at the airport.

If the seat assignment or flight segment is missing from the electronic ticket, please do not worry. The airline will usually update this information about 7–10 days before departure.

Seat Assignment

Airline systems usually assign seats about 24 hours before departure. Travelers who wish to choose a specific seat may visit the airline website and pay any applicable seat selection fees directly through the airline.

Q&A: What should I do if I have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, please inform the airline counter staff at the airport so they can help ensure TSA PreCheck appears on your boarding pass when applicable.

Q&A: How early should I arrive at the airport?

For domestic flights, travelers should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.

For international flights, travelers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Q&A: Where can I find my flight route?

Carnival US will provide the flight itinerary by email. The route will show the airline, flight number, departure time, arrival time, and other important travel details.

Special Requests

If travelers need a special meal, such as a vegetarian meal or child meal, or need wheelchair assistance to the boarding gate, please contact Carnival US as early as possible. Special requests are subject to airline availability and approval.

Q&A: Why does my ticket show one airline, but I check in with another airline?

Many airlines work together through codeshare flights. For example, a ticket may show United Airlines, but the flight may be operated by Lufthansa. In this case, travelers may need to check in with the airline that operates the flight.

Q&A: What happens if I want to change my ticket at the last minute?

If a traveler wants to change the flight ticket after it has been issued, additional fees may apply according to the airline's ticket change or cancellation policy. The traveler may also need to pay any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket.

For this reason, travelers should carefully check all flight information as soon as they receive the ticket to avoid mistakes and unnecessary additional costs.

Arrival Procedures

When the airplane lands, travelers should carefully check all luggage and personal belongings to avoid leaving anything behind on the aircraft. After exiting the plane, travelers will be guided through immigration procedures and baggage claim.

Please follow the instructions and the tour guide's flag to the designated meeting area to avoid getting separated from the group.

If you do not see your tour guide or driver, please look around the nearby area, as they may have stepped away briefly to assist another pilgrim. If you still cannot find them, contact the tour guide using the phone number provided in the final confirmation email.

Important Note: Travelers should not say words related to aviation security threats, such as “bomb” or “explosive,” in any language while at the airport, during baggage check-in, security screening, or on the airplane. Such words may cause serious delays, security questions, or legal consequences.

US citizens and permanent residents who have been in Europe for more than two days may generally return to the United States with up to $800 worth of goods duty-free, as long as the items are for personal use and accompanying the traveler upon return.

For travelers who wish to bring back more goods, a flat duty rate of 3% may apply to the next $1,000 worth of purchases.

Travelers should keep all purchase receipts in case US Customs officers request a declaration upon return to the United States.

For more details, please visit the US Customs and Border Protection website:
https://www.cbp.gov/travel

Portugal uses the Euro.

Currency Exchange Rate: Exchange rates may change depending on the time of travel. As a general reference, 1 EUR is approximately equal to 1.17 USD. Travelers should check the current exchange rate before departing.

Q&A: Where can I exchange money?

Travelers are encouraged to exchange US dollars for Euros at their bank in the United States before departure. Many banks allow customers to order Euros in advance and pick them up about one week later. It is recommended to request some smaller denominations for easier daily use.

Legal currency exchange offices can be found at airports, major cities, and towns. Banks may also exchange money, but they can be crowded and may not always offer the best exchange rates.

ATMs in Portugal are also a safe and convenient option for withdrawing Euros, but transaction fees may apply depending on your bank and card type.

Q&A: Can I use credit cards in Portugal?

Yes. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Portugal and are generally convenient, safe, and offer reasonable exchange rates. American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.

ATMs are available in most cities and are especially common in central areas.

Before departing, travelers should notify their bank and credit card companies that they will be traveling to Portugal. This helps prevent cards from being blocked or temporarily suspended due to unusual international transactions.

Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas in Europe. Travelers should be careful with personal belongings, documents, and money. Avoid wearing valuable jewelry while traveling. Cash should be divided and kept in separate places close to the body.

Q&A: Can I pay by phone?

Yes. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and international payment cards can be used at many service locations during the journey, especially at shops, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation services in Portugal.

For this section, the better term is Tax Refund / VAT Refund.

Goods in Europe can be expensive, and VAT is often high. In Portugal, the standard VAT rate is commonly above 20%. When purchasing eligible goods with a value that meets the required minimum amount, travelers may be able to request a VAT refund.

To receive a VAT refund, travelers must ask the store to prepare the proper Tax Free Form / VAT Refund Form at the time of purchase. Please keep the original receipt, VAT refund form, passport, boarding pass, and purchased items easily accessible.

At the airport, travelers may need to present the VAT refund form and the purchased goods to customs officers before leaving Europe. After the form is validated, the refund may be received directly at the airport or returned to a credit card, depending on the refund company and the traveler's selected refund method.

If purchases are made in another European Union country, travelers must still obtain the Tax Free Form from the store and keep the purchased items available for inspection at the final airport before departing Europe.

Waiting time may be long depending on the number of travelers and the availability of staff at the refund or customs counter.

Please note that the refund amount is usually not the full VAT amount, as service fees may be deducted by the tax refund company. Travelers should keep all receipts and forms carefully and should avoid using or packing purchased items deep inside checked luggage before completing the VAT refund process.

Travelers should not accept or carry luggage or packages for anyone outside the group.

Travelers should also check items carefully to avoid buying counterfeit goods or poor-quality imitations of famous brands. If customs officers or European officials discover counterfeit goods, penalties may be serious depending on the item and situation.

Travelers are encouraged to pack one set of clothing for the day, a jacket, prescription medication, and a few essential toiletries in the carry-on bag. This will be helpful in case checked luggage is delayed or lost. Please do not place sharp metal objects or prohibited items in your carry-on baggage.

During pilgrimage journeys in Portugal and Europe, many sightseeing and pilgrimage sites require walking. In some major cities, tour buses may not be allowed to enter the city center or certain historic areas, so travelers should be prepared to walk longer distances.

Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. Travelers should wear sneakers or flat shoes that have already been worn before to avoid foot pain during the journey. Women are advised not to wear high heels, as many areas may include cobblestone streets, steps, uneven ground, and long walking routes.

When visiting churches, shrines, chapels, or sacred places, travelers should dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and clothing should not be too short, too sheer, or too revealing.

Fatima can feel colder than Lisbon, especially at night during the candlelight procession or outdoor prayer. Travelers should bring a warm jacket or layer even if the daytime weather feels mild.

In many European hotels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and room slippers may not be provided. Travelers should bring their own personal toiletries and slippers if needed.

Hotel laundry service may be available, but it is usually expensive. Since the group will move between different cities and hotels during the pilgrimage, travelers should carefully consider whether to use hotel laundry service and should pack accordingly.

Hotel phone calls can be very expensive. Travelers are encouraged to use a European phone card, purchase an eSIM, or activate an international roaming plan from the United States. International roaming plans often cost around $10–$12 per day, depending on the mobile carrier and destination.

For international roaming service, travelers should contact their mobile provider before departure, such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, to choose the most suitable roaming plan. Prices and coverage may vary depending on the destination and carrier.

Reference links for mobile carrier roaming services:

Verizon TravelPass

AT&T International Plans

T-Mobile International Roaming Plans

Travelers may also use an eSIM to stay connected during the trip. eSIM prices for Portugal usually vary depending on data amount and length of use. Common price ranges are:

Basic plan, 1–3GB: approximately $4–$10

Medium plan, 5–10GB: approximately $10–$20

Large or unlimited plan: approximately $25–$45

Common mobile providers in Portugal include MEO, NOS, and Vodafone. Prices and speeds may vary depending on the provider, plan, and 4G/5G coverage.

Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi for guests. Travelers may use iMessage, Viber, WhatsApp, or other internet-based apps to contact family and friends when they return to the hotel.

In case of an emergency in Portugal, travelers may call:

112 – General emergency number in Portugal and the European Union for police, ambulance, and fire services.

Special Note for Travelers

For a real emergency, the easiest and most practical number to remember is 112.

If you are separated from the group, stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately.

If you lose an item at a hotel, airport, restaurant, church, pilgrimage site, or tourist area, report it to the nearest staff member, security point, or tour guide as soon as possible.

For minor health issues, inform the tour guide so they can help you contact the hotel, local guide, pharmacy, clinic, or emergency service if needed.

In Portugal, the standard electricity supply is generally 220V / 50Hz. Travelers should bring a suitable European power adapter. The most common plug types in Portugal are Type C and Type F, which uses two round pins.

Travelers are encouraged to prepare a universal multi-adapter for convenience throughout the journey. A universal adapter can be purchased before departure from stores such as Amazon or Walmart.

Before using hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, chargers, or other electronic devices, please check that the device supports 100–240V. If a device only supports 110V, a voltage converter may be needed.

Portugal is a beautiful and welcoming destination with rich Catholic heritage, historic cities, coastal scenery, and peaceful pilgrimage sites. However, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as airports, city centers, train stations, restaurants, markets, churches, pilgrimage sites, and tourist attractions.

Pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas in Europe. Travelers should keep passports, cash, bank cards, phones, and important documents secure at all times. Do not keep all valuables in one bag, and avoid placing your wallet or phone in your back pocket. A crossbody bag or front-worn bag is recommended for daily sightseeing.

When visiting Fatima, churches, chapels, monasteries, museums, historic streets, plazas, or pilgrimage sites, please stay with the group and follow the tour guide's instructions. Some areas may be crowded, especially during Mass, candlelight procession, or large pilgrimage gatherings.

Many streets in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, Porto, Fatima, and older towns, may have cobblestone pavement, hills, steps, and uneven walking surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are strongly recommended. Travelers should avoid high heels or brand-new shoes during the pilgrimage.

Do not accept packages, luggage, food, drinks, or personal items from strangers. Travelers should only carry their own belongings and should not agree to transport anything for another person.

If you become separated from the group, stay in a visible and easy-to-recognize location and call the tour guide immediately. Do not leave the area on your unless owned by the tour guide or Carnival US.

At hotels, keep valuables in a safe place and lock your room when leaving. If going out during free time, travel with others when possible and inform the tour guide if needed.

Carnival US is not responsible for lost personal belongings, accidents caused by personal negligence, or issues resulting from failure to follow safety instructions.

The tour includes breakfast at the hotel. Dinners included in the program will be arranged in either European or Asian style, depending on the day, restaurant availability, and local conditions.

A typical European-style meal includes three parts: an appetizer, a main course, and usually dessert. The main course may include bread, meat, fish, seafood, or local dishes. A typical Asian-style meal usually includes about 4–5 shared dishes, followed by fruit or dessert.

Some meals in Europe may taste different from what Vietnamese travelers are used to. They may include more bread, meat, seafood, olive oil, or cheese, and fewer vegetables than a typical Vietnamese meal. Carnival US will try its best to vary the menus whenever possible, while also giving travelers the opportunity to experience local flavors.

Travelers may prepare small personal food items such as instant noodles, dried shredded pork, chili, seasonings, snacks, or light food items to use when needed. However, please note that bringing outside food into restaurants in Europe may not always be convenient. Many restaurants serve only the pre-arranged menu, and requests for hot water for instant noodles may not always be available.

Spanish Cuisine

Portuguese cuisine is rich, hearty, and closely connected to the sea. Common ingredients include fresh seafood, codfish, olive oil, bread, potatoes, soups, meats, cheeses, and traditional pastries. The food reflects Portugal's history of exploration, coastal life, and regional traditions.

During the journey, meals are not only a time to rest and regain energy, but also an opportunity to experience Portuguese culture, hospitality, and local daily life.

If there is an opportunity, travelers may try signature Portuguese foods such as Pastel de Nata, Bacalhau, Caldo Verde, Bifana, Southeast Asian Seafood, Presunto, Serra da Estrela cheese, Port wine, and Vinho Verde.

Wine may also be part of the local dining culture when appropriate. However, travelers are always encouraged to drink responsibly, moderately, and according to their personal health condition.

Mean Notes

Travelers should inform Carnival US in advance if they have food allergies, dietary restrictions, vegetarian needs, or any special meal requests, so the team can assist within the limits of what is available.

Due to restaurant conditions, pre-arranged menus, and differences in food culture, not all special requests can be fully guaranteed. Travelers are encouraged to keep an open and flexible mindset while experiencing local cuisine.

Portuguese meals are often enjoyed in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. A meal is not only for eating, but also a time to rest, talk, and connect with others. During this pilgrimage, each meal can be seen as a quiet pause to relax, recover, and prepare for the next sacred destination.

This pilgrimage is designed to be more than a journey from one destination to another. It is a spiritual experience that invites travelers to step away from daily routines, open their hearts to God's presence, and walk together in faith, prayer, and reflection. Throughout the journey, pilgrims will visit sacred churches, historic religious sites, and meaningful cultural landmarks that help deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and the spiritual heritage of each destination.

Each day offers an opportunity to pray, attend Mass when available, reflect on the lives of the saints, and experience the beauty of local traditions, history, and culture. Whether visiting streets a famous shrine, walking through ancient times, or sharing a meal with fellow pilgrims, every moment is part of a greater journey of faith and renewal.

This pilgrimage is also a time for fellowship. Travelers are encouraged to support one another, remain flexible, and approach every day with patience, gratitude, and an open spirit. Some days may include early departures, walking, crowds, security checks, or schedule adjustments, but these moments are also part of the pilgrimage experience.

Above all, this journey is an invitation to encounter God more deeply, to give thanks, to seek peace, and to return home spiritually refreshed. May this pilgrimage bring blessings, new friendships, and lasting memories to every pilgrim.