Do you need a Schengen visa for Portugal? Depending on your nationality and a few other factors, you may or may not need a Schengen visa for Portugal. If you are interested in visiting Portugal in the coming weeks, you should read this post to get all the required information at your fingertips.
Traveling can be an exciting experience, but everything can unravel if you don’t have the required documents or encounter problems on the road. The information here will help you avoid all that.
Do You Need A Schengen Visa For Portugal?
You may or may not need a Schengen visa for Portugal for two reasons.
Your Nationality
Your nationality is the number determinant regarding the need for a Portuguese Schengen visa. For starters, persons not from visa-exempt countries need Schengen visas to be granted access to Schengen visas; if you are not from any of the 63 countries that are currently on the visa-free list of countries, you need to show a visa to the border agents at the airport or border crossing.
The visa-free countries are mostly first and second-world countries like Argentina, the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, etc. However, there are some first-world countries like China and Russia where citizens need a visa to enter Portugal. So before making your plans, check to see if your country is on the visa free list; if not, commence your application for the visa as quickly as possible.
Your Purpose
Another thing to consider when it comes to the need for visas is your purpose. Schengen visas are strictly for non economical purposes like tourism, social visits, medical care, etc.
Engaging in any paid activity with a Schengen visa is a crime. The same is true for persons from visa-exempt countries who don’t need visas. Only persons with work visas are allowed to work in Portugal; a Schengen visa doesn’t grant the holder a work permit; only a work visa does. So your purpose for traveling is another factor that will determine whether you need a visa or not.
Duration of Stay
Last but not least is the duration of stay. A Schengen visa is only meant for short visits, not long ones. If the activity you are coming for will last more than 90 days as a visitor from a nonvisa-exempt country, you don’t need a Schengen visa. You need a Portuguese national visa with one year and above long-term validity. Even visitors from visa-free countries who don’t need to enter Portugal with Schengen visas will need to apply for a national visa if they plan to stay for a longer time.
Portugal Schengen Visa Validity
A Schengen visa is valid 180 days from the day the embassy in your country issues it. How many times you use it will depend on whether it is a single entry visa or a double or multiple entry visa. Holders are not allowed to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days. If they choose to visit other countries in the zone, the number of days they spend in the zone will be counted concurrently from the first day they enter European borders.
Portugal
Portugal is a Western European country in the South of Europe, bordering Spain to the East and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. The country has an extended coastline with lovely beaches and islands like the Azores and Madeira, which attracts millions of visitors annually. The official language is Portuguese, called the Kingdom of Spain. The country has a rich history, and landmarks are scattered across the country. The capital, Lisbon, is the country's most populated city and the economic and political seat of power.
Another populated and developed cities are Oporto which is home to the famous Football club, FC Porto. The visa has 13. UNESCO world heritage sites and other side attractions. Portugal became a Schengen country in 1995 after signing the Schengen Agreement in 1991.
Who Is Eligible For Schengen Visa?
Schengen visas are only issued to persons who are coming for short-term visits, meet the financial requirements, and will not pose any security risk to the citizens and residents of Portugal.
Schengen Portugal Visa Requirements
Applicants must complete the visa application form in English, Portuguese, French, or other international languages. Attached to the form should be the following
Valid passport
Travel medical insurance
Visa fee receipt
Cover letter
Proof of funds
Proof of financial means
Civil status certificate
Round trip flight Itinerary
Additional documents based on your nationality and visa type
Do you need a Schengen visa for Portugal? You need a visa if you are not from a visa-free country, but the other factors mentioned in this article may also determine what your need will be.