A southern European country and a member of the Schengen Zone, Portugal is known for many things, including its port wine, culinary supremacy and pristine beaches. The country, owing to its rich history and stunning architecture, is frequented by a large number of tourists every year. And with the latest update in its online visa application platform, more people will be able to apply for a Portugal visa now.
This move by the Portuguese authorities is in lieu of doing away with the limited number of visa applications that they can receive as well as taking care of the longer waiting time to get a spot.
The online visa application process is extremely user-friendly. One of the new features of this update includes a single registration. Once the applicant registers, they have to fill out a questionnaire which tells the type of visa the applicant needs to file. The method also allows you to change the password, edit your personal information, get access to the history of all your previous visa requests and the possibility of attaching necessary documents to the application.
The country even plans to hire 100 new staff members to smoothen the process and according to various sources, the authorities have decided to keep taking temporary measures to tackle the long waiting periods in those consulates that receive more applications comparatively.
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All you need to know about Portugal’s e-visa application process
People belonging to countries that do not have a visa-free travel agreement with the EU have to get a visa to enter Portugal and other places that are a part of the Schengen area. You can find out more about this here.
After determining the type of visa required, you need to follow specific steps for the online application. Here is a step-by-step explanation
- Create an account to complete the one-time registration.
- Once that is done, enter your identification data in the connection area.
- After the authentication is complete, you will be able to submit your visa application in the menu.
- Complete all the required details and submit the form.
* The application form is available free of cost
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What are the requirements to apply for a Portugal visa online?
The mandatory documents required for applying for a Portugal visa include a properly filled visa application form, two passport photos, a valid passport as well as copies of previous visas if any.
You also need to provide a cover letter explaining the purpose, your flight itinerary (roundtrip), accommodation proof, financial documents, civil status proof such as a marriage or a birth certificate and proof of health insurance for not just Portugal but the whole of the Schengen area.
What is the validity of a Portugal visa?
The Schengen area is a border-free zone between 27 countries in Europe, which issues one visa for people visiting from overseas. And, to keep a check on the visits, the 90/180 rule has been put in place.
According to Schengen Visa Info, “The 90/180-day rule states that any foreign national who enters the Schengen zone (any country within the area) can stay for up to 90 days within any 180 days.” Although this looks simple, people often misunderstand and overstay which results in penalties. Hence it is important to keep a check on your stay and calculate your stay duration with the help of the Schengen Visa Calculator.
(Hero and featured image credit: Mylo Kaye/Unsplash)
Related: 8 Schengen Countries You Can Easily Obtain A Visa For
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with ..Read More
