If you’re a UK resident planning to explore Portugal’s stunning architecture, historic streets, and vibrant cities, understanding the Portugal Schengen visa process is essential. While the visa application may seem complex, don’t worry— we’re here to guide you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth and successful journey.
Who Needs a Visa to Travel to Portugal Schengen Visa UK?
UK citizens with a full UK passport or British Overseas Territories passports (BOTC, BOC, BPP, BS) can travel to Portugal visa-free, as it’s part of the Schengen Area. However, non-EU residents in the UK may need a Schengen visa, depending on their nationality. Use the Schengen visa eligibility checker to confirm the specific visa requirements based on your citizenship.
Who Can Apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa UK?
If you are a resident of the country that needs a Portugal Schengen visa and your residency in the UK was at least for three months, then you might be eligible to apply for your Schengen visa in the UK. Here are some key points to consider:
UK Visa Extension:
If you have a visa to the UK that’s valid for only 3 months, just an additional 3 months of it will be added to it. With this, you will understand that you are yet to leave the Schengen area to be eligible for a Portugal Portugal Schengen visa. The needful thing is to apply for this extension before your starting run-up with this UK visa finishes.
Main Destination Criteria:
When the destination country is Portugal, you should apply for the apt visa either in the local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center (VAC) in the UK where:
- Portugal rests within the selective borders of the Schengen Area and is your only stop during your travel.
- The first place you would like to go to is Portugal, which is where you plan to stay longer of all the places.
- You are beginning from Portugal, which is the first Schengen country you’ll be visiting and you’ll allocate equal time in each of the other Schengen countries you will be going on your itinerary.
Stay Exceeding 90 Days:
If however, Portugal is your intended destination and your stay there is expected to last three months, you’d go for a residency permit rather than the Portuguese Schengen visa you’re pursuing presently.
For those who aren’t resident in the UK, you have to make the necessary arrangements for acquiring a Portugal visa through the Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center (VAC) located in your resident country.
Portugal Visa Application Documents and Requirements for Portugal Schengen Visa UK
A complete Portugal Schengen visa application process done from the UK needs the submission of certain necessary papers. Here’s a comprehensive list of the required documents:
A Valid Passport or Travel Document for Portugal Schengen Visa UK
- A passport valid for more than 5 years is not sufficient, your passport should have been issued within the last 10 years.
- It should be twice the size of the passport, with one entire blank side for the stamp and another spare page.
- The goodness of your passport at least three months beyond the date of your exit Schengen Area should have maintained its validity.
Valid UK Residence Permit or Identity Card
- After receiving the residence permit from the UK, it is supposed to be stamped either in your passport or a new I.D..
- It should be kept valid for at least three months after the departure date you plan for your country of Portugal.
Completed Application Form for Portugal Schengen Visa UK
Complete the Portugal visa application form and make sure that all the details stated therein are correctly provided.
Passport Format Photo
- Please add your recent photographic ID to the application form, showing a light background.
- Please take a good picture, which should have bright colors and the whole face of yours.
- The original date is no more than three months ago, at which point it must have been attached to the form with glue (a staple is prohibited).
Biometric Data (Fingerprints)
- If they are not the decimal ID numbers that you used in the past 5 years and 3 months then biometric data need to be provided to you.
- For underage children with ages less than 12, parents or guardians are responsible for the vaccination of children.
- Please add a scanned version of the passport’s biometric page, where your photo has been placed as specified by our team.
Cover Letter
Write a letter of application, setting out your motive and the purpose behind your travel to Portugal.
Proof of Travel Arrangements
Submit a round-trip airline reservation or a travel itinerary that outlines your transportation needs and guides you through other Schengen nations.
Schengen Travel Insurance
See that you have travel insurance of €30,000 and beyond and that it includes medical aid and transport should the need arise during the entire Schengen territory.
Proof of Accommodation in Portugal
- Show of hotel rental agreement.
- Alternatively, if you ask your relative or a friend in Portugal to have your invitation faxed, also provide a copy of the passport, if there is one.
Proof of Financial Means
- Provide within the last three months, a UK bank statement issued in the given balance, at least €40 per day leading to your stay in Portugal.
- You could take bank statements which will prove your sponsorship and traveler’s cheques.
Additional Documents Based on Employment Status
Employees:
Present an employment contract, the previous 6 months’ bank statements, an employment leave permission letter from your employer, and an Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted from salary.
Self-employed:
Supply a copy of the company’s operations license, the company’s bank orders for the last 6 months as well as the income tax return.
Foreign students in the UK:
Provide your college registration papers and apply for a non-objection certificate from the college.
Retirees:
Provide documentation of your pension payments for the last six months, such as bank statements or official payment slips.
Unemployed:
Submit proof of income from the Department of Social Security (DSS), including recent federal benefits statements or other income verification.
Additional Documents for Specific Cases
Unemployed and married to an EU citizen: Provide a BoE notice from the spouse’s employer in the last few months, a valid passport of the spouse, and the marriage certificate in the translated version.
Requirements for Portugal Schengen Visa UK Children Under 18
- A minor child is not allowed to apply without a parent being described as their legal guardian.
- Travel permission of the notarized form of both parents; simultaneous execution of the notarized consent-of-PTA-parent from a different country.
A school attendance letter signed by the Head of School.
To avoid any unforeseen problems, please remember that the agreed documents must bear the original seals/stamps after legalization and the translation process into either English or Portuguese language (if applicable). Also, note that photocopies of the originals should not be older than one month.
How to Apply for a Portugal Visa from the UK?
The procedure of applying for a Portuguese Schengen visa, which includes numerous important steps, may be perfectly divided into the following 6 specific parts. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth and successful application process:
Determine Visa Type
Know the exact kind of Portugal Schengen visa type that applies to the reason behind your travel. Consider factors such as business, tourism, transit, and long-stay visas.
Choose Application Venue
Choose to submit a direct application either through the Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, or VAC center. To make that easier for you, keep note of their business hours and days.
Book an Appointment
Set up an appointment at the one place where you want to apply. To ensure that you show up right on time and have all the materials you need, come ready and organized.
Attend the Interview
Make an appointment with all the necessary possessions for the interview that will take place at the specified hour. Present yourself professionally and honestly.
Pay Visa Fee
A vignette or a poster that is referred to in the text can be used to refer to the different types of visas that you may have to pay in UK Pounds or Euros. Also, remember that the exchange rates are determining the variability of the transfer charges.
Biometric Data Collection
Fill out the biometric form, such as fingerprints and scanned photos, if it is a must.
Track Application
Soon after submitting a paper application, you can follow its status on the website. Take your time when it is your turn to process.
Receive Visa
When receive an OK, then go and obtain a visa for your Portugal (Schengen visa) at the application centre. Just try to check your visa carefully, especially spelling and dates.
Portugal Schengen Visa UKApplication and Processing Time
When applying for a Portugal Schengen visa, timing is crucial. You can submit your application up to six months before your planned travel date, but it’s recommended to apply at least three weeks in advance to allow time for any issues with missing or incorrect documents.
The processing time for a Portugal Schengen visa is typically 15 working days from submission. However, processing times may vary based on your nationality and document completeness. Incomplete or unclear documents may lead to delays, so ensure everything is in order before submitting.
Portugal Visa Fees for Portugal Schengen Visa UK
Being Portuguese Schengen visa applicants from the UK, the costs will depend on the age category of the applicant. Here’s the fee structure:
- Adults: £73 or €80
- Children (6-12 years): Till £36.5 sterling pounds or 40 euro.
- Children (under 6 years): Found
Before we proceed, it might be advisable to inform the audience that visa fees are in UK Pounds and must be paid in cash or via debit/credit card. As for the visa fee, please note that even if your application is rejected, the corresponding fee won’t be refunded.
Visa Fee Exemptions and Discounts for Portugal Schengen Visa UK
Certain individuals are eligible for exemptions or discounts on Portugal Schengen visa fees:
Exemptions:
- Those children who are half a decade and below.
- Spouses and relatives of citizens of EU/ EEA.
Discounts:
The residents of the countries covered by visa facilitation agreements from time to time are eligible for the waiving of fees.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal Schengen Visa UK
On the roads leading to getting the Portuguese Schengen visa, you might find some answers to get out your basic questions. Let’s address a few of them:
Will Incomplete Documents Delay My Visa?
The Portuguese Embassy does not like some centers for visa applications since it doesn’t operate with unfulfilled applications. It is of important to include all documents or you may be expecting delays due to unavoidable complications.
Is a Visa Guaranteed Upon Payment?
The embassy, which has the last word in visa issuance is where applicants must apply. Payment of fees is not the determinant of winning the demand.
Can I Reapply After a Visa Refusal?
Absolutely. A refusal doesn’t disqualify you from applying again a bit later. Refusing reasons is a great way to ensure that your output becomes more accurate.
Same-Day Processing?
When a certificate of agency may be considered. But it never is a rule.
Can UK Citizens Apply for a Portugal Golden Visa?
Yes, as of today’s date, which is 1st January 2021, UK lives can invest in and go for Portugal’s Golden Visa.
Cost of the VFS service for booking a Portugal visa appointment
The cost of the VFS service fee for booking a Portugal visa appointment is £30 (approximately €35). This fee is charged in addition to the applicable visa fee for your application. Payment can typically be made via debit or credit card at the VFS center when you submit your application
Steps to Obtain a Letter of Consent for a minor traveling to Portugal
Draft the Letter:
The letter must include:
- Full name and date of birth of the minor.
- Details of the travel (dates, destination, and purpose).
- Identification details of the adult responsible for the minor during travel.
- Signatures of both parents or legal guardians.
Notarization:
The consent letter must be signed in the presence of a notary public to ensure its validity. This notarization confirms the authenticity of the signatures.
Include Identification:
Attach copies of both parents’ or guardians’ identification documents (e.g., passports) where their signatures are visible.
Additional Documentation (if applicable):
- If only one parent has legal custody, include documentation proving sole custody (e.g., a court order or death certificate if applicable).
- If the minor is traveling with a third party, ensure that the authorization specifies this arrangement.
Submission:
Depending on the situation, you may need to submit this letter to the relevant authorities or carry it during travel.
Important Considerations
- Validity: The letter should specify the duration for which it is valid; typically, it should not exceed one calendar year.
- Travelling Alone or with One Parent: If the minor is travelling alone or with only one parent, additional permissions may be required from the non-travelling parent, especially if the parents are divorced or separated.
- Contact Local Authorities: Always check with the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy for any specific requirements or forms they may have regarding travel consent letters for minors.
By following these steps and ensuring all requirements are met, you can successfully obtain a letter of consent for a minor traveling to Portugal.
The procedure of obtaining a Schengen Visa to Portugal might be very complex, and yet it is worth it when you do not forget about the details and you are prepared for it. This process will enable you to explore the wonders of Portugal.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your Portugal Schengen Visa from the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an Diplomatic Visa or a Tourist Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit Portugal. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
