Green card holders who are not citizens of the United States must obtain a Portugal visa. One prevalent myth about visa processing in Schengen nations and other countries from the US is that a permanent resident of the US has the same visa-free benefits as US citizens, which is not the case. Even if you have a green card, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa before entering Portugal or any other nation in the zone.
The restriction is that you can only apply if you are from a visa-free nation and have a valid passport.
For example, if you are a Canadian, Japanese, or Australian with an IS green card, your passport automatically qualifies you for visa-free admission because your country is already on the list. If your nationality does not qualify you for such benefits, the only way to enter Portugal is to return to your home country and apply for a visa.
Documentary requirements for a Schengen visa.
You cannot apply for a Schengen visa online; the only way is to go to the Portuguese Embassy and submit your application. The Embassy will want the following documents.
Valid Passport:
You will need a passport that meets certain requirements. For example, the passport must have at least three months validity beyond the day you intend to leave Portugal. Its expiry date must not be close to the date of your travel, and it cannot be more than ten years old. Furthermore, the passport must include at least two blank pages.
Proof of Purpose:
The consular officer will ask why you want to visit Portugal. If you have been invited by a host, a ticket reservation for a play, booked tours, a hotel reservation, or another party, you can attach an invitation letter to establish your attendance.
Any document that proves your intention would be sufficient.
Proof of Financial Sufficiency:
A bank statement demonstrating that you have enough finances to cover your costs in Portugal is required. The minimum daily expense is €45, which should be multiplied by the number of days you plan to spend in the nation. Your account balance must equal the whole number of days.
Travel insurance is necessary in the event of a medical emergency or death.
The medical insurance must have a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Travel Itinerary:
Information about your journey, such as your arrival and departure dates, the number of days you intend to stay, and points of interest.
Return Ticket:
Please supply a return airline ticket to the United States or your destination.
Visa Fee:
The visa application fee should be paid and a receipt attached to the application as proof.
Any other documents that the Embassy considers necessary should be included in the application.
Things To Keep In Mind
When you arrive in Lisbon or Oporto, you will be sent to the immigration checkout area, where authorities will review your passport and visa. They will also inquire about your visit and whether you have sufficient finances to support your trip.
You are expected to respond to their inquiries and give documentation to support your assertions. Once they are satisfied with your feedback, they will stamp your passport and allow you to enter Portugal.
While these questions may not be asked, having the necessary documents on hand is vital just in case. Also, immigration authorities are authorized by law to deny a person admission into the nation even if they have a visa if they determine that they have ulterior motivations or obtained the visa through false information.
Portugal Schengen Visa Application Fee
The application fee varies based on age. 12-79-year-olds pay €80, while those aged 6-11 pay €40. Minors under the age of six and the elderly over the age of eighty pay no fees.
Visa Processing Time
The visa processing period ranges from 15 to 45 days, depending on how quickly the Embassy can process your application. Sometimes it can take up to 60 days or longer, so apply at least two months before your travel.
Travel Restrictions
Portugal has no travel restrictions for visitors, as all COVID-19 rules for admission have been lifted. However, all visitors must meet the following health standards.
- Individuals who have been vaccinated must submit a certificate of vaccination for COVID-19.It must have a full schedule for a booster shot.
- Persons who have not been vaccinated must give a valid COVID-19 test result, known as a negative RT-PCR test, such as the NAAR test.The test must have been taken at least 72 hours prior to boarding the trip.
- Those who do not have a negative RT-PCR test should get a negative lab Antigen test at least 24 hours before their flight.
Green card holders can apply for a Portugal visa at Portuguese embassies and overseas missions.
FAQs
How Do I Apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa?
To apply for a Portugal tourist visa, contact the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate. Then you must:
- Download and fill out the Portugal Visa Application Form. The Portugal Schengen Visa application form is available on the Portuguese Ministry
- of Foreign Affairs’ website (here).
- Gather the required paperwork.
- Make an appointment to submit the documents to the Portuguese Embassy.
- Pay the Portugal Tourist Visa application cost.
- Bring your paperwork with you to your appointment on the scheduled day. You may need to attend a visa interview.
- Wait for your visa to be processed. This can take a few weeks, occasionally longer.
- The Portuguese Embassy will notify you of their decision. If it’s positive, you can go get the visa.
- Travel to Portugal between the dates specified on the visa.
What If There Is No Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in My Country?
If there is no Portuguese diplomatic representation in your country, you can send your application to any of the following locations:
- A Visa Application Centre. Embassies often outsource visa applications to private organizations. VACs will accept your application and transmit it to the Embassy for processing. The VAC serves as a middleman, but the decision is still made by the Portuguese Embassy.
- The Portuguese Embassy in a neighboring country. If there is a Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in a neighboring nation, you may need to travel there to submit your application. The Embassy may also allow you to apply by mail or online.
- An Embassy from another Schengen country. Even if there is no Portuguese Embassy in your country, you may be able to submit your application to the Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country (for example, the Spanish Embassy).
How Long Does it Take to Process a Portugal Tourist Visa Application?
The Embassy takes around 15 calendar days to process your application after receiving your documentation. It may take longer depending on whether you have all of the required paperwork or the time of year (more applications during the holiday season, therefore it takes longer).
When Should You Apply for a Portuguese Tourist Visa?
You should apply for a Tourist Visa to Portugal at least two weeks before your planned trip. The earliest you can apply is three months before your planned departure date. Ideally, plan to apply approximately a month in advance.
Additionally, if you must apply by mail, consider the time it takes to deliver the materials there and back.
Portugal Tourist Visa Fee
The fees for obtaining a Portugal Schengen/Tourist Visa are:
- For adults and children over 12 – €80.
- For youngsters aged 6 to 12 – €40
- For children under the age of six—free
- For nationals of Azerbaijan and Russia (adults and children over 12): €35
You are free from paying the Portugal Tourist Visa cost if:
- You’re traveling with or visiting a close family member who is an EU/EEA citizen.
- You’re a student or teacher on an educational excursion.
- You are a researcher traveling for scientific study.
How Long is a Portugal Tourist Visa Valid?
The Portugal Tourist Visa can be issued for a maximum of three months, however the Portuguese Embassy determines the validity. They may issue a Tourist Visa for only a few days or for the entire duration of your stay. For example, they may only issue your visa for the time you have a hotel reservation.
