Checklist for U.S. Depositions in Portugal

The requirements for taking U.S. depositions in Portugal are straightforward and easy to follow using the Planet Depos checklist specific to Portugal.

Allowing enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions in Portugal is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes. However, with teams living on-the-ground throughout Europe, we are often able to cover last-minute requests.

Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can agree to stipulate the oath and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

Portugal is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention.  Prior approval for taking the deposition of a willing witness is required from the Portuguese Central Authority.   If you need assistance, contact the Planet Depos International Scheduling Department.

For specific information pertaining to taking depositions in Portugal, please consult the U.S. State Department for Judicial Assistance.

Select the deposition services needed for your deposition(s):

• U.S.-trained court reporter
• U.S.-trained legal videographer
• Any language interpreter

What is the location of the deposition in Portugal?

• Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
  • If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).
• Do you need a location in Portugal?

Will you need a location in the United States?

Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?

• Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!

Document Production

• Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
• Select your deposition date

Start time

End time

Visa Restrictions:

• There are no special visa requirements for travel to Portugal at this time; however, your passport must be valid for 90 days beyond your intended period of stay.  It is highly recommended that you have at least 6-months’ validity past the point of your return to the U.S. on your passport for travel to any European country.  For more information, please consult the U.S. State Department or contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.

Make travel arrangements

• Flight
• Lodging
  • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
• Car rental

Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)

Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:

Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)

Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript

The number of realtime laptops that are needed

Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)

• Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
• Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:

Notice of deposition

• Complaint
• Subpoena
• Previous transcript(s)
• Word index

Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives

Provide emergency contact information of counsel

Travel safely to Portugal and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Did you know?  The official name of Portugal is “Portuguese Republic.”

Planning for Deposition Travel to Portugal

With teams living on the ground in Europe, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in Portugal. Our teams have been covering depositions in Portugal for over 15 years, earning the reputation of one of the leading experts in the scheduling process, travel, and document assistance there. We would be more than happy to share our expertise and guide you through the logistical and procedural processes to ensure a successful deposition in Portugal.

Entry Requirements for Portugal

Portugal does not require a tourist visa for stays of less than 90 days. You will need a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned date of departure from Portugal, and Planet Depos strongly recommends traveling with a passport valid no less than 6 months post your departure date from Portugal. You will need at least 2 blank passport pages for your entry stamp. There are no direct flights from the U.S. to Portugal, so you will need to check any country or countries you pass through to determine if a separate transit visa is required.

For more information, you may also contact the Portuguese Embassy in the United States (2012 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20036):

Portuguese Embassy

Flying to Portugal

There are 3 major international airports in Portugal:

• Lisbon International Airport (LIS) – Lisbon (Lisbon Airport)
• Faro International Airport (FAO) – Faro (Faro Airport)
• Francisco Sa Carneiro International Airport/Porto Airport (OPO) – Porto (Porto Airport)

Airlines flying to Portugal include:

• Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com)
• United (www.unitedairlines.com)
• American Airlines (www.aa.com)
• US Airways (www.usairways.com)

Travel to Portugal

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage at:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/Portugal.html

You can also download the SmartTravel App for your smartphone created by the U.S. Department of State.

Staying in Portugal

There are many locations to take depositions in Portugal. For example, Lisbon offers many deluxe hotels to meet your conference room and lodging needs. Planet Depos has established relationships with many hotels throughout Europe, and we will gladly assist with your conference room needs and hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for Portugal

There are several English-friendly medical facilities in Portugal. For a list of these facilities, and additional medical/emergency information, please go to:

U.S. Embassy – Portugal

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit Portugal specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

CDC – Portugal

Money Matters

Like most of the rest of Europe, Portugal’s currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available, even in smaller towns. Major credit cards are also widely accepted. You will need to know your PIN code in order to authorize payments if using your credit card.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/, which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather

Portugal is one of Europe’s warmest countries, with summer temperatures in the south reaching over 100, and over 90 in the north. The northwest has mild, rainy winters, and short summers. The northeast has longer winters and hotter summers. The south sees very little rain except in the spring and autumn seasons.

Websites to visit

Embassy of the United States in Portugal

U.S. Embassy – Portugal

App Store for your iPhone:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/genre/ios-travel/id6003?mt=8

App Store for your Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps?hl=en

Interesting Fact about Portugal

Portugal was the first colonial power to abolish slavery in 1761.