Portuguese authorities have announced that member state licenses are now recognized, allowing visitors to drive freely while they enjoy their summer holidays in the Iberian country.

According to local media in Portugal, holders of driving licenses issued by member states of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will be able to drive in Portugal without changing their license , reports from SchengenVisaInfo.com.

In the amendment published recently in the Dario da Republica, the obligation to exchange driving licenses has been lifted, “allowing to drive on the national territory with titles issued in these States, thanks to the recognition of foreign driving titles.”

This measure applies to driving licenses in the countries mentioned in a bilateral agreement with the Portuguese State. Another requirement is that the traveler’s driver’s license be no more than 15 years old since issue or last renewal and provided that the holder is under 60 years of age.

The countries to which this measure applies are:

CPLC countries such as Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique, as well as OECD countries, which include EU member states as well as Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States.

The published decree-law emphasizes that these driving licenses only allow driving on national territory if their holders belong to the age group of the minimum age required by Portuguese law for the specific license and are valid and not arrested, suspended, expired, or revoked by force of a legal provision, an administrative authority or a court decision applied to its holder in Portugal or in other issuing States.

“Freedom of movement is an essential element for the full exercise of citizenship. Portugal has sought to strengthen the rights of foreign citizens who travel to our country, whether in terms of temporary travel accommodation for tourist purposes, whether traveling for work or investing in our country”, emphasizes the decree-law published.

In the document, the government reiterates its commitment to the successful integration of migrants, which includes improving their quality of life, stressing that it is essential to facilitate the obtaining of driving licenses for motor vehicles, an element that he considers “fundamental for guaranteeing mobility throughout the national territory.”

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