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What are the Advantages?
Portugal Visa Guide
With its golden beaches, majestic historical landmarks, rich cuisine, and unique culture, Portugal is the best destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable journey. Situated on the Iberian Peninsula, the country is home to a distinct architecture and an exquisite atmosphere.
Portugal Visa
If you plan to visit Portugal for any reason, you must have questions about the country's visa process. With this comprehensive guide we prepared, you can figure out which visa type is the best for you and carry out a seamless application process.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Portugal?
Portugal is a member of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Schengen Area. Therefore, the country's visa requirements depend on these unions' and areas' regulations.
EU and EEA citizens have the right to stay in Portugal for up to three months as long as they hold a valid passport. For stays longer than that, a residence permit is required.
Besides EU and EEA citizens, passport holders of the following countries can enter Portugal and stay in the country for 90 days without any visa type or residence permit.
Citizens of the following countries can visit Portugal without a visa:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- United Kingdom
What Is the Schengen Area?
Before applying for a Portugal visa, one should understand what the Schengen area means, of which Portugal is a member state.
Simply put, the Schengen area is an area without internal border controls. So, within this area, residents can travel freely without encountering any border controls.
Dissolving the internal borders places responsibility on each member state. Countries within the Schengen area should carry out harmonized controls at their external borders and attentive visa processes to sustain the area's security.
Besides Portugal, there are 26 other countries in the Schengen area. Therefore, a Portuguese visa holder can travel through all these countries freely.
Portugal Visa Types
Portugal Work Visas
Portugal offers various types of work visa:
- Seasonal work visa: Seasonal workers can get this temporary visa type that allows them to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
- Independent work visa: A temporary visa type for independent workers.
- Highly qualified activity visa: Those who carry out scientific research, highly qualified activity, or work in higher education can apply for this temporary stay visa.
- Digital nomad visa: Those who exercise professional activity done remotely - also known as "digital nomads" - can apply for this visa type.
- Professorial activity visa: A temporary visa type for researchers and scholars carrying out a highly qualified activity.
- Amateur sports visa: Those involved in amateur sports can apply for this visa.
- Investigation visa: Another temporary visa for scientific research, higher education activities, or qualified activity purposes for less than a year.
Portugal Study Visa
Portugal offers a temporary visa type for those planning to stay in the country for study programs, student exchanges, unpaid internships, training, or volunteer work purposes. A study visa usually allows its holder to stay in the country for over a 3-month period.
Visa for Professional Training, Internship, or Volunteer Work
Usually, this visa type is for periods over three months. Workers and service providers coming to Portugal for professional training, exchange students, and those coming for training, unpaid internships, volunteer work purposes, and study programs can apply for this visa.
Visa for Medical Purposes
Those visiting Portugal for medical purposes and their accompanying family members can apply for this visa.
Youth Mobility Visa
Only the citizens of countries with whom Portugal signed a Memorandum of Understanding can get this visa. Youth Mobility Visa, also known as "Work and Holiday," allows its holder to remain in Portugal for over a 3-month period and work.
Currently, citizens of the following countries can get this visa:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Chile
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Republic of Korea
- United States of America
Passive Income Visa
Retired or those living on their own income can get a temporary visa for over three months in justified cases.
Visa for Religious Purposes
You can get this visa if you are going through training within a religious congregation or undertaking studies in a recognized institution for over three months.
Familiar Visa
If you hold a temporary stay visa, your accompanying family members can apply for a familiar visa.
Portugal Schengen Visas
Portugal has three different types of Schengen visas (also known as short-stay visas):
- Short-stay visa: Issued to allow for transit or short-term stay in the Schengen area, usually for up to 90 days.
- Seasonal work visa: Issued to allow for subordinate seasonal work for up to 90 days. Since this type of visa cannot be granted by Portugal by virtue of representing another Schengen member state, the worker should apply for a seasonal work visa through the consular post of the country where they wish to work.
- Airport transit visa: This visa is granted to allow a person to enter the international area of an airport.
Requirements and Necessary Documentation for Portugal Visa
Following is a list of general requirements to apply for a Portuguese visa.
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two passport-size pictures, taken per Portugal picture guidelines
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support your stay
- A Certificate of Criminal Records
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental contract, university dorm, or a letter of invitation from a family member/friend
- Proof of insurance coverage
- A visa application form
All of these documents must be either in English. Translations must be done by a certified translator and notarized. Besides, diplomas and civil documents must be legalized through an Apostille Stamp. Work visa:
- Permission to the SEF to check your criminal records in Portugal
- Proof of foreign worker health insurance coverage
- An employment contract
Those already in Portugal also must submit their proof of legal entry into Portuguese territory, such as a temporary visa. Plus, those applying from a place besides their country of origin must submit proof of legal stay, such as a residence permit. Student visa:
- Letter of Acceptance from a university
- Proof of paid tuition fees or a scholarship acceptance document
- Portugal student visa application form - often provided by the embassy
- A Certificate of Criminal Records
- Proof of Schengen travel health insurance
You can visit the official website of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see up-to-date and specific requirements for each visa type.
If traveling to Portugal to visit family or friends:
- Letter of Invitation from family or friends
Youth mobility visa: The general conditions for applying for a youth mobility visa are:
- Being older than 18 but younger than 31 years of age
- Tertiary qualifications or completion of two years of undergraduate study
- Not being accompanied by dependent children or family members
For Australians:
- Proof of having a functional level of proficiency in Portuguese
- A letter from the relevant ministry
- A signed statement
For Canadians, one of the additional documentations:
- Work offer
- Registration in a high education or post-secondary institution
- Declaration of intention to travel and work incidentally
For South Koreans:
- Statement of intention to travel and work only to consolidate financial resources.
For Americans:
- A declaration stating that the visa application is under the Memorandum of Understanding.
Portugal Visa Fees
When applying for a Portuguese visa, you must pay a visa fee. However, the payment of the visa fee neither guarantees the granting of the visa nor entails a refund in case of refusal.
- General fee: 80 Euros
- Reduced fee: 40 Euros
Facilitation Agreements
The visa fee for the following countries is €35:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia
- Bielorus (partial suspension)
- Georgia
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Russia (suspended)
- Serbia
- Ukraine
Citizens of Cabo Verde
- Adults: 60€
- Children (12-18 years): 30€
- Children (up to 12 years): Exempted
Citizens of Gambia (over 12 years old)*
- 120€
* Under an implementing decision by the Council to certain nationalities.
Fee Exemptions
The following persons can apply for a Portuguese visa without paying any fee:
- Children below the age of 6,
- Students, teachers, or professors traveling for training or study purposes,
- Researchers traveling for scientific research purposes,
- Representatives of non-profit organizations under 25 years of age attending seminars, conferences, cultural and sports events organized by non-profit organizations,
- Family members of EU Member States nationals, EEA countries, Swiss nationals, and UK nationals under the Withdrawal Agreement.
How to Apply for Portugal Visa
Follow these steps to apply for a Portuguese visa:
- Download and fill out the visa application form.
- Gather the required documents for your visa type.
- Submit the documents at the Portugal Embassy, Consulate, Visa Application Center, or through a visa service.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Wait for a response - This usually takes 15 calendar days yet might elongate due to various circumstances.
- Collect the visa - If your application is refused, start from scratch.
- Travel to Portugal and enjoy your stay!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I purchase a cheap flight ticket with Pegasus?
Buying cheap flight tickets with Pegasus Airlines is really simple. Just enter the destination you're travelling to at flypgs.com or on the mobile app to list available flights, then choose the cheapest flight on the date that suits you.
How do I find cheap flights?
If your travel dates are flexible and you want to find the cheapest ticket, follow these steps:
- Don't leave reservations to the last minute.
- Try to book your reservations as early as possible.
- If you're not sure about your travel dates, fix the price of cheap flight tickets you've found.
- Keep an eye on Pegasus' special offers.
- Keep an eye on seasonal introductory offers.
- Try not to travel at weekends and during public holidays.
- Travel outside of peak season.
Why choose Pegasus for cheap flight ticket reservation?
Pegasus Airlines is a low-cost airline based in Turkey that offers affordable flight options to a variety of destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Here are some reasons why you might choose Pegasus for your cheap flight ticket reservation:
Low fares: Pegasus offers some of the lowest fares available for air travel, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Extensive route network: Pegasus operates flights to more than 100 destinations in over 40 countries, making it a convenient choice for travelers who want to explore a variety of destinations.
Easy booking process: Pegasus offers an easy-to-use online booking system that allows you to search and compare fares, select your preferred flights, and complete your reservation quickly and easily.
Frequent Flyer Program: Pegasus has a frequent flyer program called Pegasus BolBol, which allows you to earn and redeem points for flights, seat upgrades, and other benefits.
Flexibility: Pegasus offers a range of fare options, including basic, standard, and flexible fares, to suit different travel needs and budgets.
While there may be other airlines that offer low fares and competitive pricing, Pegasus has built a strong reputation for its affordability and extensive route network, making it a popular choice for travelers looking for cheap flight ticket reservations.
How to reserve plane tickets online?
To make an online flight reservation over the internet, sign in at www.flypgs.com/en or download the Pegasus mobile app on your mobile device.
Then, create a list of available flights by entering your points of departure and arrival, and your travel dates. Select your flight, make any additional selections and enter your information. Then you can reserve your ticket securely.
What is the best day of the week to buy plane tickets?
There is no one best day of the week to buy plane tickets that applies universally to all airlines and routes. However, there are some general trends and tips that may be helpful in finding cheaper flights:
Book in advance: Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the more likely you are to get a better price.
Avoid peak travel times: Flights during holidays and weekends tend to be more expensive. Instead, consider traveling during off-peak times, such as midweek.
Be flexible with your travel dates: Sometimes, shifting your travel dates by a day or two can make a significant difference in price.
Set up price alerts: Many travel websites and airlines offer price alert services that will notify you when the price of a particular flight changes.
Consider alternative airports: Sometimes, flying into or out of a smaller airport near your destination can be less expensive.
Ultimately, the best day to buy plane tickets will vary based on the specific route, and timing of your travel plans. It's a good idea to do some research and compare prices across multiple dates to find the best deal for your specific needs.
Is it cheaper to book flights at the last minute?
Contrary to popular belief, booking flights at the last minute is not necessarily cheaper. In fact, it can often be more expensive, especially during peak travel times when demand for flights is high.
Pegasus Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means that the price of a flight can fluctuate based on factors such as demand, time of year, and available seats. When you book a flight at the last minute, you're often competing with other travelers who are also looking to book seats on the same flight. This increased demand can cause prices to rise.
In addition, Pegasus Airlines may sometimes offer discounts for booking in advance, as it helps them to better manage their capacity and plan for the number of passengers on a particular flight.
That being said, it's generally best to book your flight as far in advance as possible to secure the best price.
