Portugal ends postal visa applications for Brazilians from April

Portugal ends postal visa applications for Brazilians from Apr 17, 2026

Portugal is ending postal visa applications for Brazilian nationals. According to The Portugal News, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on March 6, 2026, that from April 17, 2026, all Brazilian applicants seeking a Schengen short-stay visa or national long-stay visa must submit their applications in person at one of nine VFS Global visa centers in Brazil or at a Portuguese embassy or consulate.

The change brings an end to the postal submission channel introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, which had been credited with reducing average processing times by around a third.

Why Portugal is making this change

Portuguese officials say the move is primarily intended to strengthen security checks. Incomplete files currently delay more than 30 percent of Brazilian visa requests. By requiring applicants to appear in person, consular staff can verify original documentation and collect biometric data directly, reducing fraud and the number of incomplete applications.

In 2025, nearly 105,000 visa applications were submitted by Brazilian nationals seeking travel to Portugal, making Brazil the second-largest source of visa applications after India. About 40 percent of those applications were filed by courier under the postal system.

Impact on applicants and businesses

The new requirements are expected to affect businesses that regularly transfer staff to Portugal, as companies may need to account for additional travel costs and time away from work for employees attending in-person appointments.

Applicants living far from visa centers, including those in cities such as Manaus and Fortaleza, may need to budget for domestic flights to attend appointments. Applicants are advised to book group appointments where possible, prepare documentation in advance, and consider premium appointment services available in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to reduce waiting times.

Who is not affected

Brazilian nationals with dual EU citizenship can continue to travel freely. Short-term visitors who qualify for the EU's visa-free 90-day stay for Brazilian citizens will not require a visa and are unaffected by the change.

Alignment with other Schengen countries

The policy brings Portugal in line with other Schengen countries such as Spain and Italy, which have long required visa applications to be submitted in person. Immigration lawyers expect other Schengen states to monitor the results closely, and similar measures could be introduced elsewhere if the approach reduces fraud and administrative delays.