Portugal boasts the oldest bookshop in the world. It’s called Livraria Bertrand and you can find it in Lisbon. This special bookstore has a beautiful exterior covered in traditional blue tiles, known as azulejos, and it has been around since the 18th century. If you’re thinking about visiting this historic library, keep in mind that you might need a Portugal Tourist Visa.
This type of visa is part of the Portuguese Schengen Visas, which are meant for short stays, typically up to three months. It’s issued to travelers who want to explore Portugal as tourists but are from countries that don’t have visa-free agreements with Portugal. Once you have a Portugal Tourist Visa, you not only get to explore Portugal, but you can also travel to other countries in the Schengen Area. This includes popular destinations like Italy and France, making it a great choice for a European adventure.
Using Your Portugal Tourist Visa to Visit Other Countries
If you get a Tourist Visa for Portugal, it allows you to travel throughout all the other countries within the Schengen Area. This is because Portugal is part of the Schengen Agreement, a collective agreement among 26 European countries that simplifies travel with a unified Tourist Visa known as the Schengen Visa.
It would be fair to say that this Visa is synonymous with a Portugal Tourist Visa. Generally, regardless of which Schengen country issues your visa, you have the freedom to visit other Schengen countries as well. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if your visa specifies “Schengen States,” it indicates that your travel is restricted solely to Portugal.
Important Documents Required for Portugal Tourist Visa
When applying for a Portugal Tourist Visa, you’ll need to gather several important documents:
Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Portugal or any other Schengen Area country. Your Visa should also have 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
Portugal Visa Application Form
This form is available for downloading on the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The applicants must print it out and sign it. For minors, the form can be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Copies of Previous Visas
Make sure to include copies of any previous visas you’ve obtained.
Travel Itinerary
Include your travel plans, such as booked flight tickets or a detailed itinerary of your trip.
Payment of Visa Fee
Applicants must make sure to pay the Portugal Tourist Visa fee as required.
Travel Health Insurance
This insurance must meet Schengen Area requirements.
Passport-size Photographs
You’ll need passport-size pictures that meet Portugal’s visa photo specifications.
What is the Visa Application Processing Time?
The processing time for your Portugal Tourist Visa application typically takes around fifteen calendar days from the date the Embassy receives all your documents. However, this timeframe can vary. If all required documents are not submitted or during peak times like holidays when there is a higher volume of applications, processing may take longer. It’s important to plan and ensure you have all the necessary documents to avoid delays in processing your visa application.
When Is the Ideal Time to Apply for a Portuguese Tourist Visa?
When preparing to apply for a Tourist Visa for Portugal, it’s wise to start the process well in advance, ideally around a month before your planned departure date. This timeframe allows for any unexpected delays that may occur during the application process. It’s important to note that you can submit your visa application as early as three months prior to your intended travel date. This flexibility gives you plenty of time to gather all required documents and complete the application accurately.
If you’re applying through the mail, remember to factor in the time it takes for your documents to reach the embassy or consulate and for them to be processed and returned. This can vary depending on your location and the embassy’s procedures, so it’s advisable to check their specific requirements and processing times.
By planning ahead and allowing sufficient time for processing and potential delays, you can ensure that your Visa application is submitted smoothly and in a timely manner, allowing you to focus on preparing for your upcoming travel experience.
A Look at the Validity of Portuguese Tourist Visa
More often than not, the Portugal Tourist Visa is granted for a maximum period of 3 months. That being said, the exact validity is at the discretion of the Portuguese Embassy. In some cases, the visa may be issued for a shorter duration, aligned with the specifics of your travel plans. For instance, it might be issued to cover only the dates of your hotel reservation or the intended length of your stay.
It’s crucial to note that the total number of days you spend in Portugal and the entire Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. This calculation is essential to ensure compliance with Schengen visa regulations, which aim to manage the duration of stays within the region.
What are the Two Types of Portuguese Tourist Visas?
Portugal Tourist Visas also come in two types based on their entry allowances:
Single-Entry Visa
This type permits a single entry into Portugal and the Schengen Area. Once you exit, even if the visa remains valid, you cannot re-enter.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
With this visa, you can enter Portugal and other Schengen Zone countries multiple times during its validity period. However, the total combined days you spend in Portugal and the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days within any 180 days.
Choosing the appropriate visa type depends on your travel plans and how frequently you intend to enter and exit the Schengen Area. Understanding these distinctions helps in planning your travels effectively while adhering to visa regulations.
While this guide lays out all the important details you need to know about the Portuguese tourist Visa, you may still have some questions. If that is the case, please contact us or CLICK HERE and our team will be right there to guide you.
