Portugal Schengen Visa guide: Application process & requirements

Last updated: April 2024

We currently don't offer this visa, but you can find more information on the Portugal Embassy website.

Join our waitlist to be notified as soon as we offer this visa.

Welcome to Portugal, a captivating destination that enchants visitors with its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Keep reading to find out more about the application guide.

What is the Portugal Schengen Visa?

The Portugal Schengen Visa is a popular visa for foreign travelers wishing to visit the Schengen area, as it grants them the freedom to explore not only Portugal but also other member countries without needing individual visas.

With the Portugal Schengen Visa, you’re able to visit all Schengen member countries.

However, to be eligible for this visa, Portugal must be where you will spend the most time during your visit in the Schengen Zone.

What can I do with the Portuguese Schengen Visa?

With this visa, you can:

• Visit Portugal and other Schengen countries for tourism and visiting family and friends

• Make stopovers at an airport in the Schengen Zone

• Attend business meetings, conferences, or conduct other business activities

• Do a short-term recreational course or training placement

• Play sports and attend cultural events

• Travel to Portugal for health reasons

What can’t I do with the Portuguese Schengen Visa?

• Do remunerated business (paid work)

• Live and/or study in Portugal long-term

For information about long-term visas, such as residency permits, check the Portuguese government website.

Eligibility criteria to apply for the Portugal Schengen Visa

To be eligible for a Portuguese Schengen Visa, you must fulfill certain criteria. These include:

• Purpose of visit: You must have a valid reason for visiting Portugal, such as tourism, business, education, medical treatment, or family visit.

• Duration of stay: Your intended stay in Portugal should be within the maximum allowed period as stated on your visa.

• Intention to leave: You must prove your intention to leave Portugal and the Schengen area before your visa expires. This can be established through ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership, schooling, or family responsibilities.

• Financial means: You should show that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Portugal through bank statements, proof of employment, or sponsorship letters.

• Travel medical insurance: It is mandatory to have travel medical insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation. The insurance should be valid in the entire Schengen Zone and have a minimum coverage of €30,000.

• Genuine documentation: All documents submitted with your visa application must be genuine, accurate, and consistent.

Which nationalities must apply for the Portugal Schengen Visa?

Except for European residents and nationals of Schengen countries, most other foreign visitors must apply.

Who is visa-exempt for Portugal?

As mentioned, European and Schengen nationals don’t need a visa for Portugal.

Additionally, passport holders from the below countries can visit the Schengen zone without a visa:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada

Do children/minors need a Schengen Visa for Portugal?

Yes, kids and minors are also required to have a Schengen Visa to visit Portugal if they are from an eligible country.

Both parents must sign the application form, and additional documents, such as a birth certificate, may be necessary.

How long is the Portugal Schengen Visa valid?

You can visit Portugal and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per entry within every 180 days. This means you can enter and travel between any Schengen country as often as you like, as long as you do not exceed the cumulative 90 days.

The Portuguese authorities ultimately decide if you receive a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa. Multiple-entry visas can be issued for a period of 180 days to 5 years (with a max. stay of 90 days per entry).

Can I extend the Portuguese Visa?

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to extend a Schengen Visa while on your trip.

Only in exceptional circumstances an extension is possible, such as a medical emergency (for which you must provide proof). If you want to stay longer, you must leave the Schengen Area and apply for a new Schengen Visa.

Portugal Schengen Visa: Required documents

You must gather the following Portugal Visa requirements before your appointment:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date and have two blank pages. Also include copies of your previous Schengen Visas, if applicable

• Proof of your travel plans: This can be a return ticket to your home country or confirmed hotel reservation(s)

• Proof of sufficient funds: Show evidence that you can support yourself during your stay in Europe. You can do this by providing bank statements or a letter from your employer stating your income

• Travel/medical insurance: This travel health insurance must cover medical expenses up to €30,000 in the Schengen Zone and repatriation in case of an emergency

• A passport-size photo

• Visa application form: The official application form filled out, printed, and signed

• Additional documents: Proving your professional and social status (if applicable)

You may need to provide additional documents for any dependents traveling with you, such as your children.

How to apply for the Portugal Schengen Visa with us

To get your Portugal Schengen Visa, follow the steps on the website of the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

The government fee must be paid at the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country during your visa appointment.

Portugal Schengen Visa costs and processing time

The Portuguese authorities take between 15 and 45 days (after the interview) to give a decision on your application, but can take longer.

It's advised to apply at least two months in advance.

There is a government visa fee of about US$85 (may differ per nationality) that must be paid during your appointment (half-price for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6 years old).

Do I need a Portugal Schengen Visa if I’m transiting through the country?

A Portugal Airport Transit Visa is issued to eligible nationals who only want to enter the country to change transportation means.

There are two Schengen transit visa categories:

1. Airport Transit Schengen Visa

2. Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers

It’s best to check with your nearest Portuguese Embassy to find out if you need a transit visa.

Entry requirements and restrictions in Portugal

Great news! COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine are not required to enter the Schengen Zone and Portugal.

Where can I learn more about the Portugal Schengen Visa?

Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available via online chat or WhatsApp.