Portugal tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Portugal tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Portugal consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Portugal tourist visa
VFS Global Portugal Visa Application Centre in the UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh), outsourcing partner of the Consulate General of Portugal in London.
Required documents
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages)
- Two recent ICAO-compliant passport photos
- Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 Schengen cover
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Proof of UK employment or student status
- UK residence permit or visa valid beyond the trip (non-British nationals)
- Cover letter setting out the purpose and itinerary of the trip
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Adult Schengen visa fee€90— Applicants aged 12 and over
- Child 6-11€45— Reduced Schengen fee
- Child under 6Free— Exempt
- EU/EEA/Swiss family member (Directive 2004/38/EC)Free— Also covers family of UK citizens with Withdrawal Agreement rights
- VFS UK service fee€33— Approx GBP 26-35, varies by centre
EUR 90 Schengen fee for applicants aged 12+, plus a VFS UK service fee of roughly GBP 26-35 charged separately in sterling.
Booking an appointment
Book online at visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/prt. Premium lounge and prime-time slots are sold as paid add-ons; London slots fill fastest in summer.
Practical tips
Apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before travel, and book the VFS slot as soon as the window opens - London summer appointments disappear quickly.
What is unusual about the Portugal process
British citizens are visa-exempt, so this route is used almost entirely by non-British UK residents, who must show a BRP or UK visa covering the whole trip.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — VFS Global — Portugal Visa Application Centre66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BTMain centre for Portuguese short-stay and national visas.
- Manchester — VFS Global — Portugal Visa Application CentreNorfolk House, Brown Street, Manchester M2 1DWRegional centre.
- Edinburgh — VFS Global — Portugal Visa Application CentreCargill House, 7 Hill Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JZServes Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Portugal consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Portugal tourist visa cost?
- For a Portugal tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult Schengen visa fee — €90; Child 6-11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; EU/EEA/Swiss family member (Directive 2004/38/EC) — free; VFS UK service fee — €33. EUR 90 Schengen fee for applicants aged 12+, plus a VFS UK service fee of roughly GBP 26-35 charged separately in sterling. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Portugal tourist visa take to process?
- A decision on a Portugal tourist visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Portugal tourist visa?
- VFS Global Portugal Visa Application Centre in the UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh), outsourcing partner of the Consulate General of Portugal in London. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Portugal tourist visa?
- The Portugal consular network lists: Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages); Two recent ICAO-compliant passport photos; Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 Schengen cover; Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter); Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary; Bank statements for the last 3 months; Proof of UK employment or student status; UK residence permit or visa valid beyond the trip (non-British nationals); Cover letter setting out the purpose and itinerary of the trip. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Portugal tourist visa?
- Appointment model: Outsourced center. Book online at visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/prt. Premium lounge and prime-time slots are sold as paid add-ons; London slots fill fastest in summer.
- Can I apply for a Portugal tourist visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Portugal, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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