Are you a South African citizen planning to visit Portugal for tourism purposes? Then you need to apply for a Portuguese tourist visa. Portugal is a great tourist destination with its sunny beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, so applying for a visa is worthwhile
Determine Your Visa Type
The first step in applying for a Schengen visa is to determine which type of visa you need. If planning a short-term trip (up to 90 days), you must apply for a Schengen visa. If planning a more extended trip (more than 90 days), you must apply for a National visa.
Fill out the application
You must follow a few steps to apply for a Portuguese tourist visa. First, you need to download and fill out the visa application form, which is available for free on the consular website. Make sure you fill out the form accurately and completely, as any mistakes or omissions could result in delays or even rejection of your application.
Pay the visa fee
After filling out the application form, you must pay the visa fee. As of March 2023, the visa fee for short-stay visas is €80, equivalent to approximately ZAR 1400. However, please note that the visa fee is subject to change, so check the latest fees before applying. The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
You can pay the visa fee at any South Africa VFS Global Visa application Centres. The fee can be paid in cash or by debit or credit card. In addition to the visa fee, there is a mandatory courier facility fee of ZAR 180 for application delivery, including VAT.
Book your visa appointment
After paying the visa fee, you must book an appointment at a VFS Visa Application Centre to submit your application and biometric information (fingerprints and photo). You will receive an appointment confirmation email and letter of appointment, which you must bring to the application centre.
Ensure you bring all the required documents to the appointment, including:
● A completed visa application form in either English or German
● Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area
● A recent passport-sized photograph
● Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight reservations
● Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations
● Evidence of financial means, such as bank statements
● Proof of travel health insurance (Certificate of Insurance)
The required documents will vary depending on the purpose of your trip. For a complete document list, visit the consular website or contact the VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Visa processing time
Once you submit your application and biometric information, the processing time for a Portuguese tourist visa is up to 15 working days, although it could take longer if additional documentation or scrutiny is needed. You can track the status of your application online or by contacting the VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Where to buy your travel health insurance ?
To ensure that you have adequate travel insurance coverage for your trip, consider purchasing our Travel Schengen insurance, which provides the mandatory insurance certificate required for your Schengen visa application. Buying our Travel Schengen Insurance will provide you with complete peace of mind with up to R 500,000 in emergency medical expenses in case of accident, sickness, illness or injury. Unlike other Schengen Travel Insurance, we also include up to R 1,000 if you lose or have stolen your Travel Documents. Buy online today with prices starting from R 128* per person.
Applying for a Portuguese tourist visa as a South African citizen is straightforward as long as you follow the steps and provide all the required documents. With a valid visa, you can enjoy all the beauty and charm Portugal offers.