Portugal! The land of culture, food, medieval castles, sunny beaches, and exquisite natural beauty beckons you in all its glory. These spectacular landscapes for body, soul, and spirit extend in every direction, from Algarve to Serra de Estrela, with several other marvelous destinations in between.

Portuguese Visa and US Residency Status

US citizens can visit Portugal without applying for a visa, provided it is for a period of only 90 days. Visa rules for stays of more than 90 days are slightly different.

However, non-US citizens and permanent US residents need to procure a designated Schengen Portuguese Visa depending upon period of stay and reason for visit. The purpose of visit could be education, work, internship, research medical, cultural / religious gatherings, or even permanent residency.

Applicable Covid-19 Restrictions

In view of the coronavirus pandemic, Portugal had imposed a multi-continental ban on travel into its borders in March 2020. However, due to improved medical protocols and overall pandemic control, the country is now open to residents of Australia, China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, and Uruguay.

Unfortunately, US does not fall in this list. The only exception is for US residents undertaking essential travel. Essential travel categorizes transit trips as well as entry and departure for persons who are citizens or family members of citizens belonging to EU states; citizens undergoing repatriation; and persons travelling for family reunions, studies, health, or humanitarian involvements.

For travelers in all the above-mentioned categories it is mandatory to produce a Covid-19 negative test 72 hours prior to boarding the flight.

NY Jurisdiction and Types of Schengen Visas for Portugal

The Portuguese Consulate located in NY processes Visa applications for the home-state as well as Connecticut, Michigan, American Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico.

You can apply for either of the two types of Visas offered by the Portuguese Consulate. Again, to reiterate, this will depend upon reason for visit and duration of trip. One of these is the Schengen Visa, which is issued for a period of 90 days. You can request for Single Entry, Double Entry, or Multiple Entry Visas, which means that in the stipulated 90-day period, you can enter the country once, twice, or multiple times. The other type of Visa is a Portugal or National Visa, which covers visits for employment, education, or permanent residence. The period of stay for this Visa typically exceeds 90 days and is offered in Single and Multiple Entry variations.

Schengen Visa Processing at the Consulate General of Portugal, NY

Schengen Visa processing for Portugal in NY can be initiated via snail mail or via walk-ins to the Consulate General. The same applies to National Visa processing too; however, the application procedure explained below covers the steps of only Schengen Visa processing.

1. Visit the official website  to download the Visa Application Form. Alternately visit https://www.vfsglobal.com/Portugal/USA/how-to-apply.html and click on the link posted under Step 2. The form is in Portuguese, so if you do not know the language you may need assistance in completing it. You can either fill the form on the computer and then take a printout or vice-versa.
2. Next, visit the official website. Register on the VFS / Consular website using the ‘New User’ link by submitting all requested data. Log into the Visa Application Portal using your newly created credentials. Click on ‘Schedule Appointment’. Follow the on-screen prompts to book your appointment.
3. Put together the original and duplicates of ALL documents required for Visa Processing including Visa Processing Fee. Documents include: Filled and signed Application Form, Passport-Size Photograph, Travel and Hotel Itineraries, Medical Insurance of €30,000, and Proof of Sufficient Funds. Depending upon reason for travel, certain other documents such as Invitation of Hosting Party, etc. may also be required.
4. On the day of appointment, visit the Portuguese Consulate in New York with the Visa Application Form and other documents. You might be interviewed to confirm the purpose of your trip; so, it is best to dress formally to create a positive impression on the Visa Officials. The officials will retain your Passport at the end of the process, for which you will also have to deposit a return courier fee.

Important Note:

You can also initiate the Portuguese Visa Processing via postal mail. So, instead of generating an appointment date online, all you must do is write to portugalpostalusa@vfsglobal.com to inform the officials of your travel intent. Do not make any payments now! Only when you receive confirmation from the officials, should you courier the documents and fees as per the credentials shared with you in the mail.

Supporting Documents

• Fully filled application form with attached documents.
• A Travel document or valid passport. It has been issued within the past 10 years.  The validity of Your Passport will be at least three months after the date of exit Italy or the Schengen Area.
• Should have valid U.S Permanent residence card (green card) or a valid US Visa.
• Duly valid application form signed by the applicant.
• Recent passport size (3.5 x 4.5 cm) photo must be glued on the application form and stapled photographs will be rejected.
• Credit Card and Bank Statements for the last 3 months.
• A Valid document to prove that you are a legal resident in US.
• Valid Proof of Travel Agreements or a Travel / Flight Itinerary for Schengen Visa. It is a duplicate air ticket which has designed especially for visa purposes.
• Should have Travel Insurance which is stating that you are saved in the case of medical emergency.
• Proof of accommodation such as dummy Hotel Conformation for Schengen Visa. These reservations are made without any payments.
• If you are employed, must have official letter from your employer and also get pay slips from the last 3 months.
• If you are student get an official letter from your school or university in the US.
• If you are self-employed, get a letter showing a self-employed regarding the financial status.
• Visit the official website to get the complete list of supporting documents.

Contact VFS

Address: 145 West 45th Street, Floor 4, New York, NY 10036
Submission of Applications: 09:00 – 15:00 (Monday – Friday except declared holidays)
Collection of Passports: 09:00 – 16:00 (Monday – Friday except declared holidays)
Email: info.portugalusa@vfsglobal.com

Phone: +1 305 704 2172

AREAS OF JURISDICTION

States of: Connecticut, Michigan and New York Territories of American Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Ric

Finalize your Trip!

If all goes well, your passport should arrive within 2 to 3 weeks with the Visa stamped. The only reasons that your Visa will not get stamped is if you handled the interview poorly or if the documentation was incomplete. In the latter case simply re-apply and give the application process a fresh start. Portugal is waiting!