Portugal Schengen Visa: Application process in 2023

Last updated: June 2023

Apply today for the Portugal Schengen Visa with us!

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

This magical destination and all other European countries are closer than ever since you can now apply online for the Portugal Schengen Visa with our help! Our simplified Schengen Visa application form offers you a hassle-free experience and our team iVisa Experts is ready to answer any questions you may have.

Keep reading to find out more or apply online now on our website, or by downloading our user-friendly iVisa app!

What is the Portugal Schengen Visa?

The Portugal Schengen Visa is highly desired by 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 the following 27 Schengen states: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

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

Start your application now!

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?

With this visa, you can’t do remunerated business (paid work) or live in Portugal for an extended period.

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

Start your application now!

Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Schengen Visa?

To be eligible for a Portuguese Schengen Visa, you need to fulfill certain criteria. The eligibility criteria 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 go through all the requirements and interview procedures to get a Schengen Visa.

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

To find out if you need the Portugal Schengen Visa, use our Visa Checker Tool, and apply instantly online!

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 may be necessary, such as a birth certificate. You can apply together on our website by clicking ‘Add another person’ during the online process.

How long is the Portugal Schengen Visa valid?

You can visit Portugal and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per entry. 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.

Please note: With us you can apply for a multiple-entry visa, but 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 between 180 days to 5 years.

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. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the Schengen Area and apply for a new Schengen Visa.

Apply online now!

Portugal Schengen Visa required documents

When applying for the Portugal Schengen Visa with us, you only need your passport.

However, 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: If you don’t have one, use our affordable digital photo service from the comfort of your home.

• 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 spouse or children.

Start your Schengen Visa application today.

How to apply for the Portugal Schengen Visa with us

To get your Portugal Schengen Visa easily, follow the below steps:

• Step 1: Fill out your personal and travel details here. Alternatively, download our app and apply on your phone, from the comfort of your couch!

• Step 2: Double-check all info and pay the iVisa service fee with a debit, credit card, or PayPal. The government fee must be paid at the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country during your visa appointment.

• Step 3: Upload a passport scan and passport photo.

You’ll receive a complete step-by-step manual with how to fill out all information on the application form, and which required documents to bring to the mandatory visa interview.

We will make an appointment on your behalf and send you all the info of what you can expect and must bring on the day.

Complete your application now!

Portugal Schengen Visa costs and processing time

We currently offer one processing option for the Portugal Visa application:

• Standard processing: Takes up to 30 days and costs US$149.99 excluding government fee.

This iVisa processing fee includes round-the-clock support to guide you from start to finish, plus a step-by-step guide to help you fill out the application form and assistance to prepare for your interview.

• Government processing: The Portuguese authorities take between 15 and 45 days to give a decision on your application, but can take longer. It is 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 age of 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6 years old).

Start your application today!

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

A Portugal Airport Transit Visa is issued to certain 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, as we currently do not offer this travel document.

Benefits of getting your Portugal Schengen Visa with us

• 100% government-compliant: Our team of iVisa agents will review your information and make sure it is 100% compliant with government requirements.

• Unlimited access to the iVisa Expert Team: We give you exclusive access to our iVisa Expert Team to guide you from start to finish and answer any questions during the process.

• Simplified application form: Fill out a clear and short survey with 50% fewer questions instead of 60 confusing and tedious questions on the government website.

• Fill out at your own pace: Complete the application form at your own pace, make changes whenever you want, and save your progress.

• Step-by-step guide: Get an exclusive PDF manual with all the tips you need to answer complex questions and how to prepare for your interview.

Get your Schengen Visa for Portugal now!

COVID-19 entry requirements and restrictions in Portugal

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

Differences between the Portugal Schengen Visa and ETIAS

You might have heard of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Let’s check the differences between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa in more detail.

• ETIAS is an upcoming travel authorization system designed to enhance European security. Its purpose is to check whether visa-free travelers visiting the European Union and the Schengen Area pose any safety risks to the region.

Although the ETIAS system is not yet implemented, it will work similarly to the United States ESTA system. If you are fortunate enough to benefit from visa-free travel and are not required to obtain a Schengen Visa, you can apply for your ETIAS online through our platform once it becomes available by the end of 2023.

Stay tuned for updates on the availability and application process of ETIAS!

Where can I learn more about the Portugal Schengen Visa?

If you want to learn more about Schengen Visas or have questions about the application process, we’re here to help.

Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available via online chat, to assist with any questions you may have, or you can email them at [email protected].