A Guide for the Portugal Tourist Visa from Dubai

Are you considering a trip to Portugal and require a Portugal Tourist Visa from Dubai? Portugal is one of the 27 European countries forming the Schengen area that eliminated border controls to use a standard visa policy known as the Schengen Visa. This means that when you obtain a Tourist Visa to Portugal, you can freely travel to any Schengen country without any limitation. Likewise, you can visit Portugal with a visa issued by another Schengen country.

Portugal is one of the countries in Europe that allows visa-free entry for UAE citizens. UAE residents must, however, apply for a Portugal Schengen visa in Dubai to be permitted entry to the country.

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01 Who is required to apply for a Finland visa from Dubai?

You are required to apply for a Finland visa from Dubai if you are a national of a third-world country and there is no visa liberalization agreement with Schengen zone countries. Also, you must apply for a Finland visa from Dubai if you are a national with a liberalization agreement with the Schengen countries; however, you are not allowed to enter countries in the Schengen zone or Finland.

02 Portugal Tourist Visa

The Portugal Tourist Visa is an official document issued by the Portuguese government to foreign travelers entering the country for a specific period and tourism purpose. The short-stay visa, valid for three months, permits you to vacation, go sightseeing, attend private events, or visit friends and family in Portugal. The Tourist Visa is one of the types of Portuguese Schengen visa.

A Portugal Tourist Visa is issued to you if:

You are only visiting Portugal and no other Schengen country
You are visiting other Schengen countries, but you intend to stay in Portugal the longest
You are visiting other Schengen countries, and you will spend the exact same number of days in each, but Portugal is your port of entry (Portugal is the first country in the Schengen area you will be visiting)

You must meet the qualification criteria to apply for the Portugal Tourist Visa. Provide documents like a valid passport, financial statements, accommodation reservations, and a travel itinerary to prove your viability of applying for a visa to Portugal. The visa demonstrates that you are entering this picturesque country and agree to comply with the country's immigration regulations.

03 Who is Required to Apply for A Portugal Tourist Visa from Dubai?

Portugal allows UAE passport holders to visit for a short stay of up to 90 days visa-free. However, they must produce documents clearly stating the purpose of visiting Portugal, proof of finances, and accommodation to be allowed to Portugal and any other Schengen country.

Residents of Dubai who do not belong to any of the Schengen visa-exempt countries must apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa to be allowed entry to Portugal.

For instance, Sri Lankan and Indian nationals residing in Dubai must obtain a Schengen Visa in order to visit Portugal or any country in the Schengen zone. In contrast, a Venezuelan passport holder in Dubai doesn't have to apply for a visa to go to Portugal because Venezuela is one of the several countries with visa-free travel arrangements in the Schengen Area.

Students or teachers on an educational trip to Portugal or researchers traveling for scientific research purposes don’t need a Portugal Tourist Visa to visit Portugal.

04 Validity of a Portugal Tourist Visa From Dubai

The Portugal Tourist Visa is issued for a maximum of three months within a 180-day period. The embassy, however, reserves the right to allocate your visa's validity period. The visa may be issued for a few days or only for the intended duration of your trip.

05 Types of Portugal Tourist Visa

There are two types of the Tourist Visa for Portugal, namely:

Single-Entry Visa – This tourist Visa is valid for one entry in Portugal and the Schengen zone. Once you exit the region, the visa automatically expires.
Multiple-Entry Visa – This visa permits you to enter Portugal and other Schengen area countries multiple times as long as the visa is valid. The total days spent in the region cannot exceed 90 days when added up. For instance, you may opt to visit Portugal for ten days, go back to Dubai, and then, after two weeks, return to Portugal and any other Schengen country.

06 Portugal Visa Center in Dubai

Portugal has no diplomatic missions in Dubai, so you have to submit papers to the designated visa centers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The closest Portuguese embassy is in Doha, Qatar, which is 387 kilometers from Dubai.

07 Documentation required for a Portugal Tourist Visa from Dubai

Visa Application Form

You must have a fully filled Portugal Tourist Visa application form. Ensure you fill it with the correct details, as any mistakes can result in your application being denied.

Passport

You need a passport valid for more than three months after the intended departure date from the Schengen area.

The passport should have your signature and at least two sequent blank pages.
The passport should have been issued within the last ten years

Copies of previous Schengen visas

UAE Residence Permit

UAE residents applying for the Portugal Tourist Visa must produce their residence permit, valid for at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen zone.

Cover Letter

Curate a cover letter indicating your personal information, the purpose of your visit to Portugal, and details of your travel itinerary.

Visa Fee

You must make a visa fee payment. The amount depends on the type of visa you are applying for and the age of the applicant.

Photograph

Provide two colored photos of yourself that adhere to the International Civil Organization (ICAO) standards. These include:

The photo must have been taken within the past six months
The photo should be 35x45mm and should capture a close-up of your head and the top of your shoulders
The photo should be taken against a plain, light-colored background, preferably white, with uniform lighting, appropriate brightness, and contrast.
Ensure the contours of your face show clearly and that your eyes and other face features are not obstructed.
Look directly at the camera and avoid sunglasses, tinted glasses, or colored contact lenses.
Put on a neutral facial expression with a closed mouth and visibly opened eyes. Grinning or raising eyebrows is not allowed.

Travel Insurance

It's mandatory to have travel health insurance that covers medical emergencies for up to 30,000 Euros within Portugal and other Schengen countries.

Flight Itinerary

You must present proof of booked roundtrip flight tickets showing the exact entry and departure dates from the Schengen zone.

Proof of Accommodation

Present evidence of accommodation in Portugal, which may include a Hotel Reservation or an Invitation letter if you will be hosted by friends or relatives living in Portugal.

Proof of Finances

You must provide documents such as three months' bank statements to prove that you can afford your stay in Portugal and the Schengen zone.

Civil Status Documents

This may include the applicant's birth certificate, a marriage license, a ration card, or the death certificate of a spouse.

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for and for individual cases, you may be asked for additional supporting documents. Below are the additional documents required from certain applicants:

Employed:

Employment contract
NOC letter mentioning your salary, job title, and contract length
Bank statement for the last three months
Income tax return, if applicable
Original bank slips

Self-Employed:

Copy of business trade license
Company/Business bank statement for the last six months
Company's Income tax return
NOC from a business partner if it’s a partnership

Retired:

Proof of pension, such as a pension book or bank statement for the last six months

Student:

A certificate of enrollment from a university or school in Portugal.

Minor Applicants:

Birth certificate
Copies of travel documents for both parents
Portugal Tourist Visa application form with both parents' signatures
Family court authorization if one parent has custody of the kid
NOC Letter from both parents if the child is traveling alone

Note:

All documents submitted must be in English, and if they are in other languages, they must be translated into English. Attach the original papers and the translated copies, as well as the translator's details.
Documents like birth or marriage certificates must be legalized by an Apostille Stamp or the Portuguese Embassy in the UAE.

08 How to Apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa from Dubai

Visa applications may be quite challenging, but with the help of a reputable agent, the process can be seamless and successful.

Here are the steps to obtain a Portugal Tourist Visa from Dubai:

1

Reach out to the Arooha visa agency and send all the required documents to the visa consultant in charge.

2

The expert will look at your papers and help you determine if you qualify for the Portugal Tourist Visa. They will also answer any questions you have regarding the visa and the whole application process.

3

After that, they will help you download and fill out a visa application form and countercheck the papers to verify the details.

4

Arooha will then book you an appointment with the visa center in Dubai. The duly filled visa application form and the supporting documentation will be issued back to you to take them to the embassy on your appointment date.

5

Attend your appointment at the embassy to submit your documents and biometrics, pay the visa fee, and be interviewed.

6

After that, the embassy will assess your application and decide whether to accept it or reject it.

7

Visa processing will start, and you will get a message when your visa is ready.

8

Lastly, you will get your passport and a Portugal Tourist Visa signed back from the office.

09 Cost to Apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa

Portugal Tourist Visa Fees at a Glance

Portugal Tourist Visa Application	Visa Fee in Euro
Adult Travellers	80
children aged 6 – 12 years	40
children under six years	Free
Citizens of Azerbaijan and Russia ( adults and children over 12)	35

Note: The Portugal Tourist Visa fee is nonrefundable whether your application is successful or rejected.

10 How Long Does It Take to Get a Portugal Tourist Visa

Portugal Tourist Visa processing time varies in each case but typically takes 14 to 15 days. The visa may take longer, extending for 30 to 60 days for unique cases. If the embassy requires more information or documents, you may be contacted to submit them. This, and applications made during a peak season, may contribute to visa delays.

Apply for a visa a few weeks before your intended travel dates, at least two weeks in advance. The earliest recommended time is three months before your departure date.

11 Most Amazing Things About Portugal

Portugal is home to beautiful beaches, great food, impressive culture, and lovely weather. Below are some of the most amazing things to do in Portugal with a tourist visa:

1. Explore the Algarve Beaches

The Algarve beaches in the southernmost region of Portugal offer an unrivaled combination of refreshing weather, crystal clear waters, and shimmering sands. There are over 150 beaches in the Algarve where you can engage in water activities such as diving, surfing, swimming, lounging, and boat riding. There are several hidden caves to explore, including The Benagil Cave, The Zorreira Cave, The Arches of Marinha, The Captain’s Cave, and The Elephant Cave.

2. Visit the Oldest Operating Bookstore in the World

Livraria Bertrand in Lisbon is the world's oldest operating bookstore, and it has been operational for 280 years now. Writers, readers, and intellectuals should add this fascinating bookstore to their list of must-visit places in Portugal.

3. Surf at Nazare Beach

Thrill seekers can try surfing 100-foot-high waves of Nazare beaches. These serene beaches offer unique and breathtaking views of the surroundings. You may sit back at the Sitio da Nazare next to the lighthouse and admire the beaches or watch as surfers do their thing.

4. Tour the Medieval Monsaraz

Monsaraz, locally known as Ninho das Águias (Eagles’ Nest), is a tiny village nestled into fortified walls and perched high above the border plains near the Spanish border. This ancient village has a population of a few hundred people and only two streets, Rua Direita, and Rua de Santiago, that run parallel to each other.

Off the main square is the Igreja Matriz at the heart of the village, which is home to the 18th-century pillory. The village is adorned with art galleries, craft shops, and restaurants. The most iconic things in the village include the castle, higgledypiggledy streets, and breathtaking views from the walls.

5. Canoe at Furnas Lake

Canoeing at Furnas Lake is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Portugal. Walk or ride a bike on the 5-mile-long track surrounding the lake for spectacular views of bamboo forests, redwood forests, meadows, and extensive jungle vines. Pack your camera, board a canoe, and sail through the lake while capturing memorable moments.

6. Go to the Peneda-Gerês National Park

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is one of the most famous places in Portugal, known for its vast diversity of flora and fauna. This location is the perfect destination for nature, animal enthusiasts, and birders. If fortunate, you may spot a roe deer, several wild ponies in the forests, and birds such as goshawks, buzzards, golden eagles, and red kites. Hike the scenic trails in the park from the lowest point at Lima River to the highest point, Pico da Nervosa.

7. Party in Lisbon

As the days wear out in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, the city comes to life. Lisbon boasts of a vibrant nightlife that guarantees great fun and entertainment for party lovers. There are numerous bars and restaurants offering a wide array of dining, clubbing, entertainment, and exploration options.

8. Sunbathe at Matosinhos Beach

Matosinhos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Portugal, where both locals and visitors go to sunbathe. Lifeguards are available at the beach at all times, thus assuring your safety. You may also participate in water sports or enjoy a game of volleyball.

9. Tour Guimaraes

Guimaraes is a historic city that will take you on a path back in Portugal’s history. The first monarch of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, was born in 1110 in this city, and it became the first capital and court of the kingdom of Portucale. The city is arraigned with cobbled streets, marvelous squares, and honey-colored houses. This UNESCO World Heritage site retains both a grandeur and a tangible sense of history.

10. Stroll the Rota Vicentina

The Rota Vicentina is a 340-kilometer-long footpath from Santiago do Cacem in the Alentejo to Cabo de Sao Vicente in the Algarve. Hike the 115-kilometer-long Trilho dos Pescadores (Fisherman's Trail), which is part of the northern Alentejan path. The trail is well-marked with colored arrows and tracks through Milfontes, Almograve, Zambujeira, and into the Algarve at Odeceixe.

12Frequently asked Questions

Is the Portugal Tourist visa the same as the Schengen visa?

Yes! The Tourist visa for Portugal is also called the Schengen visa, which allows tourists to visit Portugal and the rest of the Schengen area countries.

Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Portugal Tourist Visa?

Absolutely! A tourist visa for Portugal allows you to visit all other countries in the Schengen zone. Portugal is part of the Schengen Agreement and, therefore, uses a joint Tourist Visa, also known as the Schengen Visa.

Can I extend my Portugal Tourist Visa?

It is possible to extend a Portugal tourist visa, but only in extreme circumstances like illness that prevents you from traveling or a political reason that prevents you from going back to your country. Contact the local offices of the Portuguese Immigration Services (SEF) if you want to extend your Tourist Visa.

How long can I stay in Portugal with a Portugal Tourist Visa?

The Portugal Tourist visa allows you to stay in Portugal and any other Schengen country for up to 90 days during 180 days. The visa should not expire while you are in the Schengen zone, so you are advised to exit the region a few days before the visa expires.

Can I work in Portugal with a Portugal Tourist Visa?

No! The Portugal Tourist Visa is strictly for tourist-related activities such as vacationing and sightseeing. If you wish to engage in money-making activities while seeking employment, please apply for a work visa in Portugal.