If you live in the UK and have always wanted to discover the joys of alleys, with beautiful architecture and century-rich heritage, and the lovely cities that Portugal has to offer, you’re headed for an unbelievable journey. Nevertheless, it is essential to comprehend the complexities of making a Portugal Schengen Visa UK, before you undertake the journey. It would seem that visa application and all the related nuances excited you, however, do not get downhearted: we are here to help you and will tell you about the whole process, step-by-step, hoping that your trip goes smoothly from the beginning to the end.
Who Needs a Visa to Travel to Portugal Schengen Visa UK?
Britain experiences a Mediterranean climate and weather, to many of its citizens the charms of Portugal, sunny beaches, quaint towns, and thriving cities are irresistible. Nevertheless, if you hold a UK full passport or any of the British Overseas Territories passports (abbreviated: BOTC, BOC, BPP, or BS), you are exempted from getting a visa to enter the Portuguese territory. Portugal is one of the countries in the Schengen Area meaning a large number of nationalities can now travel without a visa.
For the case where you aren’t an EU citizen and you live in the UK, the regulations are varied. Although the common visa policy made more nationalities obtaining Europe travel visas easier, many UK ex-EU citizens still have to have Schengen visas for the first time to get to Portugal. To ascertain whether you will need a visa or not, it is recommended to make use of the Schengen visa eligibility checker tool that will determine the particular requirements for you.
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: The Guide: 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: Show me a picture of the pension payment from the last six months.
Unemployed: Supply DSS with income federal proof.
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
It is the timing that is essential when you submit your documents for a Portugal Schengen visa. In submission of the application, you can send the application document up to six months in advance before your selected date of travel. For that purpose, instead of waiting until the last moment, you should plan the submission at least three weeks before you need to leave so that you have enough time to solve any problems related to document admission or missing documents.
The processing duration for a Portugal Schengen visa will be at least 15 working days from the date the application form is submitted. While this plan should allow you to address most academic demands, consider that some elements may depend on your nationality and whether your documents are complete. The documents are usually on hand when they are asked for or there may be more work in the process in cases where clarification is needed.
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.
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.