Portugal is one of the most popular Schengen destinations for UK residents: Lisbon city breaks, the Algarve coast, Porto’s wine cellars and Madeira’s mountains. If you live in the UK on a non-EU passport, you will usually need a Schengen visa (type C) before you go. This guide covers exactly what to prepare so your application goes through first time.
Do you need a visa for Portugal?
British citizens don’t need a visa for short stays. You need a Schengen visa if your passport is from a country on the EU’s visa-required list (for example India, Pakistan, Nigeria, China, Ghana or the Philippines) and you live legally in the UK. You apply in the UK as long as you are resident here.
Portugal is the right country to apply to when it is your main destination, meaning where you spend the most nights. If you are splitting your trip equally between two or more countries, apply to the one you enter first. Not sure? Use our “Which country do I apply to?” checker.
When to apply
You can apply up to six months before you travel and no later than 15 calendar days before. In practice, aim for six to eight weeks ahead. Appointments at UK visa centres fill quickly before summer and Christmas, and a decision normally takes about 15 calendar days but can take up to 45.
Portugal visa documents checklist
Bring originals and a set of photocopies. Every document should match the dates on your application form.
- Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months after you leave the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages.
- Previous passports if they contain earlier Schengen visas.
- Completed application form, signed.
- One recent passport photo, 35mm × 45mm, white background.
- Proof of UK residence – your eVisa share code or a valid UK visa. It should stay valid for at least three months after your return date.
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for your whole stay, valid in every Schengen country. See our travel insurance guide.
- Return flight reservation showing your dates in and out.
- Accommodation – hotel bookings, or an invitation letter and ID copy from the person you’re staying with.
- Bank statements for the last three months, showing regular income and enough money for the trip.
- Employment proof – a letter from your employer confirming your role, salary and approved leave, plus recent payslips. Self-employed? Bring company registration and recent tax returns. Students need a letter from their university.
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip and a day-by-day outline of your plans.
How much does it cost?
The Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 11, paid in pounds at the current rate. Children under 6 are free. The visa centre also charges a service fee. Our visa fees page sets out the full cost, including our appointment service.
Common reasons applications are refused
- Bank statements with a large unexplained deposit just before applying.
- Travel insurance with the wrong dates, or cover below €30,000.
- A UK visa that expires too soon after your trip.
- Hotel bookings that don’t match the itinerary in your cover letter.
- No clear evidence that you will return to the UK, such as a job, studies or family ties.
Booking your appointment
Portugal visa applications in the UK go through the official visa application centre, where you give your fingerprints and hand in your documents. We find the earliest available appointment, check your forms and documents before you go, and tell you what’s missing. See our Portugal visa page or start your application.
