Portugal Tourist Visa Guide
Portugal stands as one of Europe’s top-rated tourist destinations, celebrated for its diverse natural beauty. From lush green mountains and rugged cliffs to mesmerizing waterfalls and breathtaking beaches, Portugal’s allure is undeniable. The Portugal tourist visa becomes pivotal for those seeking to explore this captivating country.
Understanding Portugal Tourist Visa
What is Portugal Tourist Visa?
The Portugal Tourist Visa, also referred to as the Portugal Schengen tourist visa, grants entry to Portugal for the purpose of tourism and leisure activities. It falls under the category of Schengen short-term permits, allowing a stay of fewer than 90 days within a 180-day period. Depending on the necessity for multiple entries into the Schengen zone, this visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry permit.
How to Apply for Portugal Tourist Visa?
The application process for a Portugal tourist visa from India depends on your jurisdiction, with much of it outsourced to Visa Application Centres (VACs). Here is a step-by-step guide:
For Residents of Goa, Maharashtra, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli:
- Visit the online visa application portal of the Portuguese Republic.
- In the application form, select the consular post as the ‘Consulate General of Portugal in Goa.’
- Complete the Portugal tourist visa application form with all relevant details, specifying the purpose of the visit as ‘tourism.’
- Choose your preferred consulate appointment date and time within the same application form. If you reside in Maharashtra, you can schedule an appointment at a VAC in Mumbai or Pune through their website, ensuring that the date matches the one mentioned in your online application.
- Visit the designated appointment centre with a printed copy of the completed application form, booking confirmation, required documents, biometrics, and payment of fees.
For Residents of Other States and UTs:
- Visit the website of the Embassy of Portugal and download the Schengen application form.
- Complete the form with all necessary details, specifying the purpose of the visit as ‘tourism.’
- Book your appointment at one of the VACs located across India through their website.
- Attend the appointment centre with the application form, appointment confirmation, required documents, biometrics, and payment of fees.
If you’ve submitted biometrics for any Schengen visa in the past five years, there’s no need to resubmit them. It’s crucial to avoid submitting fake documents or false information, as this could lead to a Schengen visa rejection.
Eligibility for Portugal Tourist Visa
To be eligible for a tourist permit, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must reside in the country where you are submitting the application. If you hold a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may apply through the corresponding visa authority in that country.
- You must possess a valid passport that adheres to all regulations.
- The sole purpose of your visit must be tourism and related activities.
- You must have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your entire stay in Portugal.
- You should apply for the permit if Portugal is your sole destination, one of your multiple Schengen destinations where you’ll spend the majority of your time, or your port of entry into the Schengen region.
Documents Required for Portugal Tourist Visa
In line with the Portugal tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following documents are typically necessary:
Valid Passport:
- Must have a minimum of 2 blank pages.
- Should not be older than 10 years.
- Must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
- Attach any old passports, if applicable.
Covering Letter:
- Must include the applicant’s details.
- Clearly mention the source of funds.
- Clearly state the purpose of tourism and the duration of the visit.
- Should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy/consulate of Portugal.
Flight Reservation for Round Trip.
Proof of Accommodation:
- Hotel bookings, invitation to stay, residence bookings, etc.
Medical Travel Insurance Coverage:
- Coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
Copies of Previous Schengen, UK, US Visa, if any.
Proof of Occupation:
- Proof of occupation such as an employment letter, copy of a business license, etc.
Financial Documents:
- Bank statements from the past 3 months, passbook copies, income tax returns (ITR), etc.
Photo Specification for Portugal Tourist Visa
- Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
- Color: Colored
- Head must occupy the central position
- Photo must be taken within the last 3 months
- Background: Solid, plain white or grey
- 80% face coverage
- Neutral expression
- Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses allowed
- Headgears – only for religious reasons
- Facial hair – permitted
Processing Time for Portugal Tourist Visa
The processing time for a Portugal Tourist Visa application depends on several factors, including visa validity, the number of applications at the embassy, and your previous travel history. Typically, it takes around 15 working days to process your application. However, this can sometimes take much longer, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.
Portugal Tourist Visa Fees
The application fees for this tourist permit are subject to currency exchange rates and embassy decisions. Additionally, there may be biometric charges, delivery charges, and service charges imposed by the VAC. It is crucial to verify the exact fee amount before initiating the application.
Sample fee details for multiple-entry normal tourist visas (90 days, 3 months validity) include:
- Multiple entry Normal Tourist Visa: ₹6,806.0
- Multiple entry Normal Tourist Visa: ₹6,806.0
- Multiple entry Normal Tourist Visa: ₹9,355.0
- Multiple entry Normal Tourist Visa: ₹9,355.0
After Submission
Once you have submitted an application, it is then processed. If you have submitted at a VAC, they will then forward it to the respective diplomatic mission. Note that the VAC has no control over the processing; they are simply handling the administrative part.
Once approved, you can collect your passport directly from the VAC or embassy/consulate, or you can have the VAC deliver it to you for an additional delivery charge.
How to Check Visa Status?
You can track the status of your Portugal Tourist Visa by visiting the online portal of the Portuguese embassy and logging in using the provided username and password if you applied to the consulate in Goa. If you applied at a VAC or the embassy in New Delhi, you can check your status by entering your reference number and date of birth on the relevant website.
While You Have This Visa
After receiving your permit, consider the following to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
- Note the visa’s expiry date, duration of stay, and number of entries as indicated on the visa sticker, and strictly adhere to these conditions.
- Carry all necessary travel documents during your trip to avoid entry issues into Portugal.
- Travel to Portugal within 6 months of the visa issue date or as specified on the Schengen sticker; after this date, your permit becomes invalid.
- While in the country, keep copies of your travel documents with you.
- Avoid engaging in paid work for a Portuguese company or establishment while on a tourist permit; unpaid voluntary work may be permitted.
- Understand that tourist visas typically cannot be extended under normal conditions.
- Enjoy free movement within the Schengen zone with your tourist visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Portugal Tourist Permits are typically short-term Schengen category visas and cannot be extended under normal circumstances. Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases, such as Force Majeure or humanitarian reasons. In most cases, leaving the country before the visa’s expiry date is advisable.
There is no grace period allowed after your Portugal Tourist Visa expires. You must leave the country before the visa’s expiration date. Overstaying is considered an offense and can lead to deportation and potential bans from re-entering the Schengen region.
Short-term Portugal Tourist Permits, issued for stays of fewer than 90 days, typically do not require mandatory medical tests. Long-term visa categories may have specific medical test requirements. Nevertheless, it is advisable to undergo a health checkup before traveling to a foreign country.
Portugal Tourist Visas cannot be converted into other visa types. Additionally, engaging in paid work while holding this visa is generally not allowed, although unpaid voluntary work may be permissible. If you intend to work in Portugal, you must apply for a different visa once you return to your home country.
Yes, Portugal, as a Schengen country, allows visa-free travel to other Schengen member countries. However, your travel is generally limited to other European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement. There are exceptions, as some non-European countries also accept Schengen visas for entry, such as Croatia.
While the typical processing time for a Portugal Tourist Visa is approximately 15 working days, it is advisable to apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date. However, applications cannot be submitted more than three months in advance of your travel date.
