SIBA Web Services: how to set it up and fix the common errors
SEF Web Services is what lets external tools like Chave AL submit guest bulletins directly to SIBA — no portal logins, no copy-paste. It also unlocks auto-submission as soon as your guests finish their forms. This page covers what it is, how to enable it, and the errors that trip people up.
Why most hosts get stuck
When you register on the SIBA portal you're asked to choose a submission method. Pick "Manual" and you'll spend the rest of the year typing data by hand. Pick "Web Services" and you'll see errors like "O método de envio selecionado no momento do registo não lhe permite esta operação" until SEF activates your account internally — which can take several working days even when the form says it's already done.
Then there's the matter of finding the right credentials: automatic submissions don't use your portal login at all — you need your tax number (NIPC), the establishment number assigned by the UCFE, and the access key (chave de acesso) that arrives by post in an official letter, usually within two weeks.
What Chave AL does once Web Services is on
One-click sends from the booking
Each booking has a Send to SIBA button that calls the SEF SOAP endpoint with all completed guests. The response is logged so you have an audit trail.
Auto-submit when the last guest finishes
Turn on auto-submit per property and Chave AL fires the bulletin the moment your guests complete their forms — no further action needed.
Bulk catch-up
Migrating from manual? Submit historical bookings in batches, filtered by date range and property.
Error decoding
SEF error messages are cryptic. Chave AL translates the common ones (account not activated, missing nationality code, invalid date format) into plain English and Portuguese.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does SEF take to activate Web Services?
- Usually 2–5 working days even when the registration form already shows Web Services as the selected method. SEF often has to flip an internal flag manually.
- What if I see 'método de envio... não lhe permite esta operação'?
- Your account is still on Manual on AIMA's side. Email siba@ssi.gov.pt with your establishment number and ask them to enable Web Services submission. Chave AL has a ready-made template you can copy.
- Where is my establishment ID?
- Log into the SIBA portal, open Entidades → Alojamento, and the ID is shown next to each registered AL property.
- Is auto-submission required?
- No. Auto-submit is opt-in per property. Manual one-click submission stays available for hosts who want to review every booking before it goes to SEF.
Related
Chave AL — SIBA, tourist tax and INE compliance for Alojamento Local. Pricing · Concierge · Guides · Guias (PT) · Glossary · iCal sync · Agencies · SIBA setup help · AL licence application