Are you planning a trip to Portugal from South Africa? Would you like to spend your holidays on the Western coast of the European continent? Or maybe you have a business meeting to attend?
As a South African citizen, you need a visa to visit Portugal and you can apply online for one from the comfort of your home via VisaHQ. Keep reading to learn more about Portugal tourist visa requirements, applicable visa fee, required documents, Portugal Schengen visa application as well as supporting documents required by immigration and border services you need to know of to enter Portugal smoothly.
Traveling To Portugal For South African Citizens
Portugal is a lovely country with a rich culture and friendly people. The Schengen nation in Western Europe is blessed with nice weather, lovely cities and beaches, and countless historical landmarks. Visitors can enjoy the amazing nightlife and local cuisine; furthermore, the weather is pleasant for the most part of the year. South Africans who want to enjoy different scenery can spend their holidays in Portugal.
The Azores, in particular, is a hotspot for tourists who wish to e joy a wonderful time by the beaches. It will also interest you to know that Portugal is one of the top business destinations in Europe and is ranked high on the ease of doing business scale. So whether you are coming for business or pleasure, this is a country that will welcome you with open arms.
Visas Available For Portugal
Most of the visas issued by the Portuguese authorities are short-stay visas that are valid for 180 days and allow the holder to stay for 90 days maximum. There are also long stay visas too that allow for a longer stay of 180 days and expire in 1 year or more. Here are the types of visas South Africans may apply for.
Tourist Visa: This is a short stay visa that is valid for 180 days. It is issued to South Africans who want to come for the holidays or to explore the pleasures the country has to offer. Those who wish to visit family members in the country may also apply for this visa.
Business Visa: This one is for those coming for business meetings, events, or any business-related engagement.
Work Visa: This is a long term visa issued to South Africans who have secured employment in any company or organization in Portugal. The holder is issued a work permit once they arrive in Portugal so they can work legally.
Medical Treatment Visa: A medical treatment visa is for patients seeking medical care in Portuguese hospitals.
Portugal Schengen Visa
Another special visa South African passport holders may apply for is a Schengen visa. This visa allows the holder to visit any other European Schengen country after spending time in Portugal. It is valid for 180 days and allows for a 90-day stay. The only difference between this visa and the normal Portuguese visa is the freedom it offers holders to visit multiple Schengen countries as long as the visa remains valid.
Portugal Visa Processing Time
If you apply for any visa, you may have to wait 15 working days to obtain the visa. Several factors determine the processing time. However, short stay visas such as the tourist visa take less time and can be applied for online via platforms like VisaHQ.
Portugal Visa Fee
The processing cost will depend on the type of visa you apply for and the validity. But expect to pay between R500-R1000 for the visa. Kindly note that visa fee is determined by the exchange rate.
Portugal Visa Requirements
The visa application requirements are as follows:
Application form: You must complete the visa application form with your details. Only accurate details will be accepted.
Valid passport: The South African passport is required. The one you use must be valid for three months after the visa expires. Passports older than 10 years are not accepted. Furthermore, it must have at least 2 blank pages.
Photograph: A colored photograph on a white background showing your face clearly.
Return ticket: Return flight ticket to South Africa
Medical insurance: Medical travel insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000.
Proof of funds and proof of accommodation may also be required.
How To Apply For A Visa To Portugal From South Africa
For long-stay visas, you will need to visit the Portuguese embassy or consulate in Pretoria, Cape Town, or Johannesburg. However, for short-stay business or tourist visas, you can apply from home by doing the following.
Visit VisaHQ. Select Portugal as your destination
Select South Africa as your country
Choose the visa you want
Fill out the application form
Scan and upload the necessary documents
Pay the visa application fee with a bank card
Submit for approval
The visa to Portugal from South Africa will be forwarded to your registered email address.