If you are planning a trip to Portugal and want to avoid the hassle of queuing up at toll booths, then signing up for Via Verde can be a lifesaver. For the uninitiated, Via Verde, meaning ‘Green Way’, is the leading electronic toll payment system in Portugal and has been in use since 1991. And with its special monthly subscription program, people who are looking to explore the country are provided with the Via Verde Identifier.
In technical terms, an identifier (otherwise known as a transponder) is a small device that is mounted on the inside of a car’s windshield, allowing an individual driving a vehicle to seamlessly pass through toll booths without stopping while also making the requisite payment on the spot. By using the Via Verde system, you will be able to save time, enjoy better convenience, and obtain flexible payment options. Additionally, individuals can use the provided identifier across all Portuguese motorways, get access to exclusive discounts and services offered by Via Verde partners (such as refueling or vehicle insurance), obtain parking, ferry, and drive-thru services, and have the ability to charge their electric vehicle seamlessly.
Having said that, signing up for a new Via Verde account is a straightforward task, and the same can be achieved by simply following our comprehensive guide in its entirety.
What are the Eligibility Requirements
Before you sign up for Via Verde Visitors, keep in mind that the Via Verde system is only eligible for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 vehicles in Portugal. Class 1 vehicles should have a height that is below 1.10 meters (with or without a trailer), and motorcycles are considered Class 1 when manually collecting tolls or Class 5 when using Via Verde.
Class 2 vehicles are those with two axles and a height that is equal to or more than 1.10 meters. Likewise, Class 3 vehicles have three axles and a height that is equal to or above 1.10 meters. Lastly, Class 4 vehicles should have more than three axles and a height equal to or above 1.10 meters. For more information on the vehicle classes, visit here.
Additionally, you also need to have a valid payment solution in the form of debit or credit cards so that automatic deductions for your tolls can take place.
How to Apply and Activate
If you have an eligible vehicle class and are ready to sign up for Via Verde, then following the recommended steps below can be fruitful.
- Start the process by visiting the official website here.
- On the landing page, you will be required to select the type of subscription plan for your use-case scenario. There are three plans: Mobility, Light Mobility, and Highway. Additionally, if you just want to purchase the identifier (with free replacement for three years) and use only the toll service, then you have the ‘Highway Purchase’ option.
- Once you have made your selection, click on ‘Join’ and you will be redirected to a new web page, where you need to provide all the much-needed information.
- Start by first entering your registration data, such as your NIF (taxpayer identification number) and email address. Then you need to provide your name, billing address, and shipping address. Once done, head over to the next step.
- Then you will be required to state details regarding your vehicle(s), such as the vehicle registration number, make and model of the vehicle, its specific class, and so on.
- After providing information on your vehicle, you will need to confirm your choices, accept the terms and conditions, and then proceed to make the necessary payment online. Ensure that the credentials of the debit or credit card you will be using will be stored on Via Verde systems so that automatic deductions for tolls and monthly subscription payments can be carried out.
After successfully paying for your Via Verde membership, your account will be ready for use, and your identifier will be shipped to your doorstep within the subsequent 10 days. Once you receive the identifier, you can self-attach it to the inside part of the windshield of your vehicle and start using the services right away.
If you require any additional assistance, you can contact the Via Verde customer care team via phone at 210 730 300. Phone lines are available from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, on all weekdays.
More Useful Information
Via Verde has also launched a special program, known as Via Verde Visitors, for international tourists who are visiting Portugal and want to travel on all national motorways without having to stop for tolls. Individuals who are looking to sign up for the service will get to enjoy a lifetime warranty on their transponders and no expiration dates on their memberships.
In addition to that, there is no pressure to make any commitments from the beginning, since you will only pay for the months you will use the Via Verde Visitors service. However, ensure that you are using a non-Portuguese credit card (when signing up) as your payment method to be successfully identified as a Via Verde Visitor subscriber.
The cost is 4.99 euros for the first month and thereafter only 1.43 euros each month, for only the number of months you will use the service. To sign up, click here.
