Portugal (Schengen) Tourist Visa for Indian Passport Holders
90 days to wander Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Sintra, Madeira and the Azores
The official 2026 checklist of the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Goa, the VFS Global process in India, real costs in rupees, and the small mistakes that quietly sink applications.
IATA accredited · TICO registered · Helping travellers since 2013
Portugal is one of the kindest corners of Western Europe to your wallet, with warm weather most of the year and food that is generous rather than fussy. For travellers from Goa, Daman and Diu, it also feels strangely familiar.
Azulejo tiles, whitewashed churches and a few shared words: four centuries of Portuguese rule left traces along India's west coast, and you will spot the echoes from Lisbon to the Algarve.
Lisbon
Hilltop viewpoints, Tram 28 rattling through Alfama, fado drifting out of tiny taverns, and the Belem Tower at the mouth of the Tagus.
Porto and the Douro
Port wine lodges across the river in Gaia, terraced vineyards upstream, and a riverfront that looks painted at sunset.
Sintra
A short train ride from Lisbon to forested hills, the candy-coloured Pena Palace and the spiral wells of Quinta da Regaleira.
The Algarve
Golden sea cliffs, the sea cave at Benagil, and calm family beaches around Lagos, Albufeira and Tavira.
Madeira
Levada walks and flower markets on an Atlantic island. It is part of Portugal, so your Schengen visa covers it.
The Azores
Crater lakes, hot springs and whale watching in the middle of the Atlantic, also covered by the same visa.
Should you apply to Portugal, or another Schengen country?
A Schengen visa is applied for through the country that is the main destination of your trip. Getting this wrong is one of the most avoidable reasons for refusal. The EU Visa Code rule is simple:
Portugal only, or longest stay in Portugal
Apply to Portugal. Example: 6 nights in Portugal and 3 in Spain.
Equal nights in two or more countries
Apply to the country where you first enter the Schengen Area. A longer stay elsewhere means applying there instead.
Your hotel bookings, flight route and cover letter must tell the same story about where you spend the most nights. Plan the itinerary first, then choose the embassy.
Delhi or Goa: your state decides
Portugal has two visa-issuing posts in India. VFS Global runs the application centres for both, and each centre feeds one specific post. Booking at the wrong centre can get your file returned without assessment.
Consulate General of Portugal, Goa
For residents of Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
VFS centres: Mumbai, Pune, Goa
Embassy of Portugal, New Delhi
For residents of all other Indian states and Union Territories.
VFS centres: New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jalandhar, Kolkata
Your application goes to Goa. That post asks for 6 months of bank statements and 3 years of ITR acknowledgements, and does not accept photographs with spectacles. Our Thane office prepares files to the Goa standard by default.
What changed for Indian travellers, 2024 to 2026
Indians living in India who have lawfully used two Schengen visas in the previous three years can be issued a 2-year multiple-entry visa, then a 5-year one. Discretionary, but a clean record now pays off.
The adult Schengen fee goes from €80 to €90; children aged 6 to 11 pay €45. Many older guides online still quote €80.
The EU's digital Entry/Exit System starts replacing passport stamps at Schengen borders.
On first entry, Portuguese border officers scan your passport and record your face and fingerprints. Nothing to apply for in advance.
ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Indian passport holders still need a full Schengen visa, so ignore any site selling "ETIAS for Indians".
Master document checklist for the Portugal tourist visa
Arrange papers in this order, on A4 sheets, unstapled. Carry originals plus one photocopy set. Anything not in English or Portuguese needs a proper translation, or the consulate treats it as missing.
Form and photographs
- Schengen application form, completed and signed, every page included. One per person; a parent signs for a minor. For Goa, the form date should match your VFS appointment.
- Two colour photos, 35 x 45 mm, white background, under 6 months old, original prints, ICAO compliant, no spectacles.
Passport and travel history
- Passport issued in the last 10 years, valid 3 months after return, 2 blank visa pages. Handwritten passports are not accepted.
- Copies of first and last pages, passport office stamp page and all previous Schengen visas.
- All old passports, held with a rubber band, plus copies of valid US, UK or Canada visas.
- Any visa refusal in the last 2 years: attach the letter or an explanation. Never hide one.
Cover letter and employer letter
- Signed cover letter: who you are, trip purpose, dates, day-wise outline, where you stay, who travels with you.
- Employer letter on letterhead, signed and stamped: designation, joining date, salary, approved leave and return to work.
- Business owners: letter on company letterhead; a sole owner states there is no higher authority to sanction leave.
Flights and accommodation
- Round-trip flight reservation in your name. Buy confirmed tickets after the visa is issued.
- Intra-Schengen travel proof if you visit more than one country.
- Accommodation for every night. Goa asks for bookings made directly with the hotel or a recognised booking platform.
Travel medical insurance
- Original policy, minimum €30,000 (or USD 50,000) covering emergencies, hospitalisation and repatriation.
- Valid in all Schengen countries for the whole trip, from an insurer on the approved list. Delhi also asks for the Travel Health Declaration.
Finances and ties to India
- Bank statements, stamped and signed: 6 months (Goa) or 3 months (Delhi).
- ITR-V for 3 years (Goa) or 2 assessment years (Delhi), plus PAN copy.
- Salary slips for 3 months; birth certificate (Goa checklist).
Neither post publishes a fixed minimum balance. Consulates look for funds that comfortably cover your trip and a steady account history. A sudden large deposit before applying raises questions.
Extra papers by applicant profile
- Employer letter with leave approval, signed by HR or head of department
- Last 3 months' salary slips
- Salary account and personal account statements
- ITR-V for the years your jurisdiction requires
- Business proof: registration certificate, GST registration with annexures, partnership deed or Udyam certificate
- Personal and business bank statements, stamped by the bank
- Company and personal ITR-V for the required years
- Self-declaration letter on company letterhead
- Pension account statements
- Pension order or retirement letter
- Proof of income from rent, investments or business, if any
- ITR-V, if you file returns
- Students: bonafide certificate and no-objection letter from the institution
- Financial support letter from the parent or spouse paying, with their passport copy
- Sponsor's bank statements and ITR-V
- Proof of relationship: birth or marriage certificate
Sponsors, invitations and travelling minors
Invited by family or friends in Portugal
- Termo de Responsabilidade signed by your host, original, certified by a Portuguese notary or lawyer
- Host's Portuguese ID or passport, or residence permit
- Host's IRS tax declaration for 2 years, 3 months of payslips and bank statements
- Host's property deed or rental contract if you stay with them
Sponsored by someone in India
- Notarised sponsorship letter on ₹100 stamp paper with both passport details and trip details
- Notarised copy of the sponsor's passport
- Sponsor's bank statements and ITR-V, plus proof of relationship
Children under 18
- Separate form signed by a parent, birth certificate (apostilled per the checklist), school bonafide letter and parents' passport copies
- Travelling alone or with one parent: notarised NOC on ₹100 stamp paper from the non-travelling parent (or both), with passport numbers, addresses and stay details. The Goa checklist asks for MEA apostille.
- Sole custody: a court order or custody proof replaces the other parent's consent
Portugal visa fees for Indians, 2026
Three separate parts: the consular fee set by the EU, the VFS Global service charge, and our professional fee if you choose Beyond Travels. Government and VFS amounts are pass-through, so we list them on their own.
A. Consular visa fee
| Applicant | Fee in EUR | Approx. in INR* |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (12 years and above) | €90 | ≈ ₹9,500 |
| Child (6 to 11 years) | €45 | ≈ ₹4,750 |
| Child (under 6 years) | Free | ₹0 |
B. VFS Global charges
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VFS service charge | ₹3,384 | Per applicant, inclusive of GST. Charged even where the visa fee is waived. |
| Courier return of passport (optional) | ₹750 | Per application, for doorstep return from VFS. |
| SMS, photos, premium lounge (optional) | At VFS rates | Entirely optional. Skip them if you are using our team. |
C. Beyond Travels service charges
| Service | Charge | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal Schengen visa assistance | ₹3,750 per person (incl. GST) | Profile check, jurisdiction check, tailored checklist, form filling, cover letter, document review, VFS booking, file arrangement and tracking until passport return. |
| Flight reservation for visa (optional) | ₹1,550 per ticket | Round-trip itinerary in your name for submission. |
| Hotel booking confirmation (optional) | ₹1,550 per hotel | Booking proof for each hotel, arranged as per your jurisdiction's rules. |
Visa fee about ₹9,500 + VFS ₹3,384 + Beyond Travels ₹3,750 = about ₹16,634, before insurance and optional add-ons.
Applying from India, step by step
Lock the itinerary
Fix dates, cities and nights per country. This decides whether Portugal is the right embassy.
Confirm jurisdiction
Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli go to Goa. Everyone else goes to New Delhi.
Fill the form
Complete the Schengen form exactly as your passport reads, then print and sign it.
Book VFS
Register on the VFS Global Portugal (India) portal, pick a centre and slot, and pay online. Book early for April to July and December.
Build the file
Originals and copies in checklist order, unstapled, on A4. Insurance from an approved provider.
Give biometrics
Fingerprints and photo at VFS (no fingerprints for children under 12). Pay the visa fee there.
Processing
15 calendar days once the file reaches the consulate. First-time travellers may be called for an interview.
Check the sticker
Collect your passport and verify name, passport number, dates, entries and days allowed.
The embassy recommends applying at least one month ahead. We suggest 4 to 6 weeks in normal months and 8 weeks before summer or Christmas. You can apply up to 6 months before travel. A booked flight does not move your file up the queue.
Why files get refused, and how to avoid it
Common reasons we see
- Wrong embassy: most nights are actually in Spain, France or Italy
- Unexplained large deposits shortly before applying
- Bookings that miss nights, or dates that clash with the form
- Weak ties: no clear job, business or family reason to return
- Insurance below €30,000 or from a non-approved insurer
- Undeclared previous refusals
What strengthens a file
- Flights, hotels and cover letter that all agree
- Steady balance with regular salary or business credits
- ITR filed for every year the checklist asks for
- Previous Schengen, US, UK or Canada visas used correctly
- An honest cover letter written in your own words
- Enough time that nothing is rushed
A refusal comes with a standard form listing the reasons. You can appeal within the time stated on the letter or reapply with a corrected file. Fees are not refunded either way.
At the Portuguese border, keep these handy
A visa lets you request entry; the border officer makes the final call. Keep these in your hand luggage, printed or on your phone:
- Return ticket and hotel confirmations
- Travel insurance policy
- Proof of funds: recent bank statement or an international debit or forex card
- Day-by-day itinerary and any invitation letter
The 90/180 rule covers every Schengen country together, and EES now logs each entry and exit electronically. Overstaying even a day or two can mean fines, an entry ban and trouble on future applications.
Your Portugal file, handled by people who do this every day
Beyond Travels has helped Indian travellers with visas since 2013, from offices in Thane (Mumbai) and Scarborough, Toronto. IATA accredited, TICO registered, and careful with every file.
Jurisdiction-ready files
Prepared to the Goa or Delhi checklist that applies to you, so no surprise document requests.
Doorstep convenience
Document pickup and return through Porter, DTDC and Blue Dart. You only step out for biometrics.
Honest guidance
If your profile needs work, or another embassy suits your route better, we tell you before you pay any fees.
Accredited in India, registered in Canada
Visa paperwork involves your passport, your money and your travel plans, so it matters who handles it. These are the two industry bodies that recognise Beyond Travels.
IATA Accredited Agency
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the global trade body for airlines. Accreditation is given to travel agencies that meet its financial and professional standards for selling airline tickets.
- Airline tickets issued through IATA-approved systems
- Meets IATA's financial and operating standards
- Flights, holidays and visa support from one accredited team
TICO Registered
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) regulates travel agents and websites selling travel in Ontario, Canada. Our Toronto office is registered with TICO under Ontario's travel industry rules.
- Registered under Ontario's travel regulator
- Follows TICO's standards for selling travel
- Supports travellers in Canada and India from one team
Portugal tourist visa: frequently asked questions
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Portugal?
Yes. Indian citizens need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Portugal for tourism. There is no visa on arrival and no e-visa option.
How much does a Portugal tourist visa cost from India in 2026?
The consular fee is €90 for adults (about ₹9,500), €45 for children aged 6 to 11 and free under 6. VFS Global adds ₹3,384 per applicant including GST. Beyond Travels' assistance is ₹3,750 per person including GST.
How long does Portugal visa processing take?
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date the application reaches the consulate. It can take longer in peak months or if extra documents or an interview are requested, so apply 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
I live in Thane / Mumbai. Where do I apply?
Residents of Maharashtra apply under the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa, submitting at the VFS centre in Mumbai, Pune or Goa.
Can I visit Spain, France or Italy on a Portugal visa?
Yes, a Portuguese Schengen visa covers all Schengen countries within its validity. Portugal must be your main destination: the longest stay or, with equal stays, the country of first entry.
Is there a minimum bank balance for a Portugal visa?
The official checklists do not set a fixed figure. The consulate looks for funds that comfortably cover your trip and a consistent account history.
Is an interview compulsory?
Not for everyone. First-time Schengen applicants, or those without a Schengen visit in the last 3 years, may be called for a personal interview.
Can I get a multiple-entry or long-validity visa?
Under the EU's India cascade rules, applicants who have lawfully used two Schengen visas in the previous three years can be considered for a 2-year multiple-entry visa, then a 5-year visa. The consulate decides case by case.
Does the Portugal visa cover Madeira and the Azores?
Yes. Both are part of Portugal and inside the Schengen Area.
Is the visa fee refunded if my application is refused?
No. Consular, VFS and service fees are non-refundable whatever the outcome, or if you withdraw the application.
Tell us your dates. We'll handle the rest.
One call is enough to confirm whether Portugal is the right embassy for your route, which checklist applies to you, and how soon we can book your VFS slot.
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer from Beyond Travels
The information on this page is provided in good faith for general guidance, based on the checklists of the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi, the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa, VFS Global Portugal (India) and EU sources as reviewed in November 2026. Visa rules, fees, exchange rates and document requirements can change without notice. Please confirm the latest position with VFS Global or the relevant Portuguese mission before you apply.
Beyond Travels is an independent, private travel and visa consultancy. We are not affiliated with the Government of Portugal, the European Union or VFS Global. The decision to grant, refuse or set the validity of a visa rests solely with the Embassy or Consulate of Portugal, and entry is at the discretion of border authorities. Our role is limited to guidance, documentation support and application facilitation, and we do not guarantee any visa outcome or processing time.
Beyond Travels shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense of any kind, including flight or hotel cancellation charges, non-refundable visa or VFS fees, missed travel or consequential loss, arising from visa refusal, delay in processing, changes in government rules, incomplete or inaccurate information supplied by the applicant, or any decision of the consulate, VFS Global or immigration authorities. We strongly advise guests not to purchase non-refundable tickets or bookings until the visa is issued.
All Beyond Travels service charges are professional fees and are non-refundable once work on the application has started. Government, VFS, courier and stationery charges are payable at actuals and are separate from our service fee.
"Visa Success Wall: Where Dreams Take Flight!"
