The Embassy and its role
The Embassy of Ukraine in Lisbon is a diplomatic, cultural, and humanitarian link between Ukraine and Portugal. It is located at Avenida das Descobertas, nº18, in Lisbon’s Restelo district, and provides consular support while promoting Ukrainian culture and awareness of current affairs.
The embassy supports the Ukrainian diaspora and refugees, including through passport and visa processing, emergency documentation, legal assistance, and information about temporary protection and integration programs. It also organizes exhibitions, debates, and community events. Its work includes public diplomacy campaigns and business forums, and support for Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations (Embassy of Ukraine in Lisbon Cultural Initiatives).
History and relations
Portugal was among the first Western European countries to recognize Ukraine’s independence, formally doing so on January 7, 1992. Full diplomatic relations followed later that month (Wikipedia: Portugal–Ukraine relations). The Embassy of Ukraine in Lisbon opened in March 2000 (Wikipedia: Embassy of Ukraine, Lisbon).
Since 2000, the embassy’s role has grown to include diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. It expanded particularly after 2014 in response to geopolitical developments and the needs of Ukraine’s diaspora (ICMPD Diaspora Report).
Portugal supports Ukraine’s sovereignty in international forums and has provided humanitarian and military aid, particularly since 2022 (Portugal Resident Interview). The embassy also supports cultural and educational exchanges and provides legal and community support to the Ukrainian diaspora and refugees (ICMPD Diaspora Report). It has coordinated humanitarian aid and legal support for refugees, especially after 2022.
As of 2023, Ambassador Maryna Mykhailenko leads the embassy, prioritizing military, cultural, and educational cooperation (Portugal Resident Interview). Ukraine also maintains a consulate in Porto (Embassies.net).
What to see and cultural events
The embassy hosts art exhibitions, debates, and other events about Ukraine’s heritage and current affairs. In February 2025, it and Nova SBE presented the “Art for Freedom: Unseen Civilians” exhibition, featuring works by Ukrainian, Portuguese, and French artists. The exhibition focused on healing for children affected by war and highlighted the plight of Ukrainian civilian prisoners.
On February 24, 2025, the embassy co-hosted a debate at Nova SBE marking the third anniversary of the full-scale war. Ambassador Maryna Mykhailenko and guests discussed justice and humanitarian issues, with public Q&A participation.
Visitors can attend cultural events, educational workshops, and lectures, or volunteer or donate to humanitarian projects. Public events may require advance registration. They are free, but registration is required. Events are held in English, with occasional Portuguese or Ukrainian translation. Guided tours are not routinely offered, though some events include guided elements.
Practical visiting information
Address and hours
The address is given as Avenida das Descobertas, nº18, Restelo, 1400-092 Lisbon (Embassies.info) and also as Avenida das Descobertas 18, 1400-092 Lisboa, Portugal. Restelo is a diplomatic and residential district near major embassies and historical attractions.
Visiting hours are listed as Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. A second schedule specifies Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00 PM–5:00 PM. The embassy is closed on weekends and Portuguese public holidays.
Admission to the embassy and its public events is free. Some consular services may require fees.
Appointments and consular services
Most consular services require an advance appointment through the eConsul system, which uses digital verification by BankID or Diia. Appointments can also be booked through the embassy’s website or by phone. Walk-ins are reserved for emergencies (embassy-worldwide.com). Appointment information is available on the official website.
Services include:
- Passports New, renewal, and biometric passports for Ukrainian citizens (ukraineishome.org)
- Visas Assistance for foreign nationals
- Emergency travel certificates Issued within 5 days, though airline acceptance is not guaranteed
- Military documentation Men aged 18–60 must have an updated electronic military ticket through the Reserve+ app
- Notarial services Document certification, powers of attorney, and affidavits
- Civil status registration Births, marriages, and deaths
- Emergency services
For passport renewal, the listed documents are a current passport, ID, proof of residence, and military documentation if required.
Refugee and temporary protection support
Portugal has granted temporary protection status to over 60,000 Ukrainian refugees, enabling access to residence, healthcare, and education (VisitUkraine.today blog on Portugal rules for refugees). The embassy assists with paperwork and referrals to support centers. Assistance centers are located in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores. Refugees with temporary protection status can access social services.
Getting there, accessibility, and security
- Bus Carris lines 727, 728, and 729
- Train Belém station, a 15-minute walk
- Tram 15E to Belém
- Taxi and ride-sharing Widely available
- Parking Limited street parking, with public lots nearby
The embassy is wheelchair accessible and provides services for visitors with disabilities. Features include a step-free entrance, accessible restrooms and elevators, multilingual signage, and assistance available by request. The embassy and Nova SBE venues are accessible and welcome visitors with disabilities.
Visitors should expect ID and bag checks on entry. Photography is prohibited inside. As of June 2024, COVID-19 restrictions were mostly lifted, though masks may still be required indoors; check the embassy’s website for updates.
Visitor tips
Bring identification, proof of residence, and a military booklet if applicable. Languages used at the embassy include Ukrainian, Portuguese, and some English. Register early for popular events, bring ID, and expect security checks. Visitors to sensitive events are asked to participate respectfully.
For community connections, visitors can join groups such as InterNations (internations.org). Support is also available for school and university enrollment. Those traveling with pets should comply with EU veterinary rules.
Follow the embassy online for updates on services and events through its website and social channels. The Audiala app is also listed as a source of event alerts and cultural information.
Nearby places
Nearby attractions include:
- Jerónimos Monastery A UNESCO World Heritage site known for Manueline architecture
- Belém Tower An icon of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries
- Monument to the Discoveries Celebrates Portuguese explorers
- Pastéis de Belém bakery
- MAAT Museum
- Riverside promenade
FAQ
What are the embassy’s visiting hours?
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; the separately listed schedule is 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00 PM–5:00 PM. The embassy is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, for consular services. Use eConsul; emergencies are handled without an appointment. Public events may require advance registration.
How do I schedule a visa appointment?
Book online or call the consular section.
Is the embassy accessible?
Yes. It has wheelchair access and facilities for visitors with disabilities.
Are there fees?
Entry is free; consular services may have fees. Public events are free, but registration is required.
Can I visit the embassy as a tourist?
Public events are open to visitors with advance registration. Guided tours are not routinely offered, though some events include guided elements.
Is the embassy accessible by public transport?
Yes, via metro and bus. Listed options also include Carris buses 727, 728, and 729, Belém train station, and tram 15E to Belém.
How do I get emergency assistance?
A 24/7 emergency contact is available on the embassy’s website.
What documents are needed for passport renewal?
A current passport, ID, proof of residence, and military documentation if required.
What if I lose my travel documents?
Contact the embassy for a return certificate.
Can refugees access social services?
Yes, with temporary protection status.
What can I see nearby?
Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, Pastéis de Belém bakery, MAAT Museum, and the riverside promenade.
How can I stay informed about events?
Follow the embassy’s website and social channels.
