Pre-Trip Checklist: Sintra

Essential Preparations

Start planning well in advance, especially for international travel.

Months Before Departure

Secure major bookings and check travel documents.

Passport Validity

Check validity 6+ months beyond return.

Ensure your passport remains valid well beyond your planned return date.

Issued within last 10 years.

Verify your passport's issuance date for Schengen Area rules.

Verify Schengen Area requirements.

Be aware of any specific entry requirements for European travel.

Flights & Visas

Book international flights.

Purchase your flights early for favorable prices.

Research visa requirements.

Apply for a visa if your nationality requires one for Portugal.

Note ETIAS requirement mid-2025.

This applies to visa-exempt non-EU citizens for future travel.

Accommodation & Insurance

Secure main accommodation.

Popular properties book quickly, especially in high season.

Purchase Travel insurance.

A comprehensive policy covers medical emergencies and trip cancellation.

Research attractions & tours.

Begin outlining major sites and tours you wish to experience.

Required Advance Bookings

Confirm these items early to avoid disappointment.

Travel Essentials

Flights.
Accommodation in Sintra and Lisbon.
Entry tickets for major palaces (Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira).
Specific time slots for palace entry.

Pre-Trip Research & Home Prep

Gather information and make arrangements for your home.

Home Preparation

Notify trusted contacts of your itinerary and emergency info.
Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
Arrange for plant watering or pet care.
Secure your home (lock all doors and windows, set alarms).

Research Recommendations

Thorough preparation enhances your travel experience.

Climate & Packing

Research Sintra's climate patterns.
Create your packing list accordingly.
Be ready for varied weather.
Sintra can be cooler and foggier than Lisbon.

Transport & Access

Understand transportation options within Sintra.
Know how to get to and from Sintra.
Plan your routes between attractions.

Attraction Details

Check current opening hours for all attractions.
Verify fees for all planned attractions.
Note that hours and fees can change seasonally.
Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases for interactions.

Timely Actions

Book palace tickets and popular tours well in advance, especially during peak season.

Arrival Checklist

These steps ensure a smooth transition upon arriving in Portugal.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Customs & Immigration:
Clear customs at Lisbon Airport (LIS). Have your passport ready.
2
Local Currency:
Withdraw Euros from an ATM (Multibanco) at the airport.
3
Mobile Data:
Purchase a local SIM card or activate your eSIM for local data.

Orientation Strategies

Train Platform:
Locate the train platform for Rossio or Oriente Station at Lisbon Airport.
Sintra Buses:
At Sintra train station, familiarize yourself with Scotturb bus routes, especially the 434.
Check-in:
Find your pre-booked accommodation and check in to settle into your stay.

Initial Purchases & Transport

Currency & Small Notes

Have smaller Euro denominations (€5, €10 notes, and coins).

Useful for initial purchases like bus tickets or small snacks.

Initial Supplies

Purchase bottled water or snacks if needed after your journey.

Stock up on essentials before exploring Sintra.

From Entry Point to Accommodation

Take the metro from Lisbon Airport to Rossio or Oriente Station.

From there, take the direct train to Sintra, then local transport to your stay.

Viva Viagem Card

Purchase a Viva Viagem card (€0.50) at the metro station in Lisbon Airport. Load it with "zapping" credit or purchase tickets for the metro and the train to Sintra.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure to ensure a stress-free journey home.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

Plan souvenir purchases to allow time for secure packing.
If purchasing larger items or wine, inquire about shipping services directly from the store.
Keep receipts for any potential VAT refunds (if applicable and you meet the minimum spend).
Look for "Tax Free" signs in stores and complete necessary forms.

Return Trip Preparation

Confirm your flight details (terminal, gate, departure time).
Recheck your luggage allowances with your airline to avoid unexpected fees.
Ensure all essential documents (passport, boarding pass) are easily accessible.
Have any remaining local currency for last-minute purchases or tipping.

VAT Refund Procedures

If you are a non-EU resident, you may be eligible for VAT refunds.

Refund Steps

Purchases over a certain amount are eligible.Step 1
Complete necessary forms at the time of purchase.Step 2
Present forms, passport, and items at airport customs.Step 3
Process before checking your luggage. Allow extra time.Step 4

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time for travel from Sintra back to Lisbon Airport.
The train ride to Lisbon is approximately 40 minutes.
Add time for metro or taxi transfer to the airport.
A safe estimate is 3-4 hours from Sintra town to being at your gate at LIS.

Smooth Departure

A detailed checklist reduces stress and ensures you do not forget important steps.

Enjoy your trip to Sintra!

Pre-Trip Checklist