Portugal Visa for Indians: How to Apply for Portugal Tourist Visa from India

Portugal boasts one of its charming Europe’s destinations. It offers scenic coastlines, historical cities, and delicious cuisine, not to forget vibrant culture. For Indian travellers, like most countries, a trip to Portugal offers a wide range of tourist attractions but securing the correct Portugal visa demands proper planning.

This comprehensive document outlines details pertinent to the Portugal visa for Indians, like a Portugal tourist visa application from India, necessary documents, processing duration, fees, and other pertinent queries.

1. Is a visa required for Indians to travel to Portugal?

A visa is a necessity, and holders of Indian passports need to apply for one to enter Portugal. As Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, Indians need to apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) for short stays like tourism, family visits, or even business for purpose.

2. Visa Categories of Portugal for Indians

Indian nationals can obtain different types of Portugal visas based on the purpose of travel:

1. Portugal Tourist Visa: Schengen Type C Visa

• For tourism, recreation, or visiting relatives and friends
• Permits travel for a duration of 90 days.

1. Portugal Business Visa

• Attending meetings, conferences or trade fairs, and other professional activities.

1. Portugal Transit Visa

• For individuals traveling on to another destination and making a stopover in Portugal.

1. Portugal National Visa Type D

• For long term stays in the country over 90 days for purposes such as work, study or residency.

For the most Indian nationals, the Portugal tourist visa is the most applicable and suitable.

3. Portugal Visa Application for Indian Citizens

Indian nationals may apply for a visa at the Portugal Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate General of Portugal in Goa. However, all applications are submitted via the VFS Global hubs in India.

VFS Global has visa application centers in:

• New Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kochi
• Kolkata
• Pune
• Ahemadabad
• Goa

Note: It is essential you submit the application at the center corresponding to the jurisdiction which is usually tied to the home address.

4. Steps to Apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa from India

This is the process you should follow to obtain a Portugal tourist visa if you are an Indian citizen:

Step 1: Determine the Correct Visa Category

For travel purposes such as sightseeing and leisure, you should apply for a Portugal tourist visa (Type C).

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

– Access the Portugal Online Visa Portal (SEF or E-Visa) or the VFS site. 

– Obtain and fill the Schengen Visa Application Form. 

– You can also fill it by hand, print the form, and then fill it out. 

Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Interview at VFS

– Go to the portal for VFS Portugal India. 

– Choose your region and book your Portugal visa interview. 

– Ensure you print the confirmation of your appointment. 

Step 4: Collect Necessary Documents

Assemble your visa documents (checklist provided below) and structure them according to the embassy’s requirements.

Section 4: Visit Your Appointment

– Go to the VFS center on the specified date.

– Submit your application along with the required documents and biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

– Pay the relevant visa and service fees.

Section 5: Wait For Processing

– You can track your visa application status online with your reference number.

– You can either collect your passport in person once it is ready or choose to have it delivered via courier.

4. Required Documents for Indian Citizens Applying for Portugal Tourist Visa

In this section, I will provide the detailed documents to be submitted by Portuguese Tourist Visa applicants based in India:

– Visa application form: Schengen visa application form filled and signed.

– Passport: Valid passport within the last 10 years, to have a minimum validity of 3 months post intended return and have 2 blank pages.

– Photographs: 2 passport sized photos, 35mm x 45mm with a white background.

– Cover letter: Outlining the purpose, itinerary as well as the plans for returning back.

– Flight details: To include a round-trip ticket.

– Accommodation details: Proof of accommodation to include hotel bookings or an invitation letter from the host.

– Insurance: Travel insurance with the minimum of €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies valid in all Schengen countries.

– Financial: Bank statement for the last 3 to 6 months.

– Income statement: Income tax returns (ITR) or a form 16.

– Employment/Business: Proof of employment or business as described below.

– Employment letter along with leave approval for employed individuals and business registration documents for the self-employed.

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer (optional, but suggested)
• Travel history (previous visas, if relevant)
• Photocopies of all documents (passport, visas, etc.)

Note: All translations issued must either be in English, Portuguese, or officially translated to one of the two.

6. Portugal Tourist Visa Fees for Indians (2025)

Here is the breakdown of Portugal visa fees for Indian applicants:

All visa fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the time of submission.

7. Portugal Visa Processing Time in India

The average processing time for a Portugal tourist visa is 15 to 20 working days after submission.

However, it may take longer during:

• Holiday seasons
• High travel periods (e.g., summer or Christmas)
• If additional documents or interviews are required

Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned travel date to avoid delays.

8. Validity and Duration of Stay on Visa for Portugal

A Portugal tourist visa permits holders to: 

• Stay for 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Travel to every Schengen country.
• Use the visa for single, double, or multiple entries.

The visa officer will have the final say on the duration permitted and the type of entry allowed based on your travel history. 

9. Common Reasons for Rejection of Portugal Visa

Although the Portugal Schengen visa acceptance rate is high, there are instances of rejection. Common reasons are: 

• Missing or improperly submitted documentation.
• Unclear or vague travel plans.
• Deficient financial resources.
• Invalid travel insurance for the period covered.
• Insufficient ties to the country of application (no employment, family, home, etc.).
• Previous immigration infractions.

Upon rejection, a refusal letter detailing the reason will be provided. In response, you may appeal the rejection or reapply with improved documentation.

10. Best Places of Interest in Portugal for Indian Travellers

When your visa for Portugal is cleared, you can start planning for the stunning sights Portugal has to offer. Here is Portugal’s must-visit tourism hotspots:

• Lisbon – The capital city is known for its historical districts, trams, and Belem Tower.
• Porto – Famous for its wine cellars, the riverside districts, and medieval architecture.
• Sintra – A dreamy town with stunning gardens, palaces, and castles.
• Algarve Coast – Picturesque towns, splendid beaches, charming coastal towns, and sea caves.
• Madeira Islands – Ideal for short vacations with its beautiful green mountains and volcanic lands, the island is bursting with breathtaking, diverse landscapes.
• Fatima – A Catholic pilgrimage heavyweight town.

Along with stunning landscapes, Portugal also offers its mouth watering food with excellent prices, making it a go to destination for Indian tourists.