If you are a non-EU national living legally in the UK and your nationality requires a Schengen visa, you will normally need to book a Portugal tourist visa appointment before travelling.
The appointment process:
- First, check that Portugal is the correct country for your Schengen visa application based on your travel plans.
- Complete the Portugal Schengen visa application form and prepare your supporting documents.
- Book an appointment through the Portugal VFS Global appointment portal in the UK. Appointments can fill up quickly, especially during busy travel periods, so it is better to book as early as possible.
- Attend the visa application centre on your appointment date with your documents and complete the required biometric process.
- Your application is then forwarded for processing and a decision.
For the appointment, you should normally prepare documents such as:
- Valid passport
- UK residence proof/eVisa or share code
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-size photographs
- Travel insurance with at least €30,000 medical coverage
- Hotel/accommodation confirmation
- Return flight reservation/travel itinerary
- Recent financial statements
- Employment or student evidence, where applicable
- Cover letter explaining your trip
The Portugal visa information page recommends starting the process around 6–8 weeks before travelling, rather than waiting until the last minute.
Also, make sure you select the correct visa category. A tourist visa is generally intended for holidays and sightseeing, while visiting relatives may require you to provide different supporting information depending on the purpose of the trip.
Tip: Appointment availability changes frequently, so check the official Portugal VFS Global booking portal regularly and prepare your documents beforehand so you are ready when a suitable slot becomes available.
