A Portugal visa for green card holders is required from legal residents in the US who are not citizens. One common misconception about visa processing in Schengen countries and other countries from the US is the belief that a permanent resident of the US can enjoy the same visa-free privileges as US citizens, but that is not the case. Even with a green card, you will still need a Schengen visa and get it before you are allowed into Portugal or any other country in the zone for that matter.
The rule is only chances if you are from a visa-free country with a valid passport. For instance, if you are Canadian, Japanese, or Australian with an IS green card, your passport qualifies you for free entry because your country is already on the visa-exempt list. However, if your nationality does not qualify you for such privileges, the only way to enter Portugal is to return to your country of origin to apply for a visa.
Documentary Requirements For Schengen Visa
You cannot apply for a Schengen visa online; the only way is to visit the Portuguese Embassy to file your application. The Embassy will require the following documents.
Valid Passport: You will need a valid passport that meets some conditions. For instance, the passport must have a minimum of three months' validity beyond the day you plan to depart Portugal. Its expiry date must not be close to the date of your trip, and it must not be older than 10 years. Furthermore, the passport must have at least two blank pages.
Proof of Purpose: The consular officer will want to know why you want to enter Portugal. To prove purpose, you can attach an invitation letter if a host, a ticket reservation for a show, booked tours, a hotel reservation, etc., has invited you.
Any document that will prove your intention will suffice.
Proof of Financial Sufficiency: A bank statement to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Portugal is mandatory. The minimum daily expenses are €45, which should be multiplied by the days you intend to stay in the country. Your account balance must cover the total number of days.
Travel Insurance: In case of medical emergencies or death, travel medical insurance is required.
The medical insurance must have a guaranteed minimum coverage of €30,000.
Travel Itinerary: Details of your trip, such as your arrival and departure date, number of days you plan to stay, and places of interest.
Return Ticket: A return flight ticket back to the US or your destination should be provided.
Visa Fee: The visa application fee should be paid, and the receipt attached to the application as evidence.
Any other document the Embassy may consider necessary should be included in the application.
Things To Bear In Mind
Once you arrive in Lisbon or Oporto, you will be directed to the immigration checkout stand, where the officers will go through your passport and visa. They will also ask you questions about your visit and if you have enough funds to cover your trip.
You are expected to answer their inquiries and provide documents to back your claims. Once they are satisfied with your feedback, your passport will be stamped, and you can enter Portugal.
While these questions may not be asked, having the right documents with you is important, just in case. Also, note that immigration officers are empowered by law to deny a visitor entry into the country even if they have a visa if they discover that they have ulterior motives or obtained the visa using false information.
Portugal Schengen Visa Application Fee
The application fee varies depends on the age. 12-79-year-olds pay €80 while 6-11 pay €40. Minors under 6 and elderly above 80 pay no fees.
Visa Processing Time
The visa processing time is 15-45 days, depending on how fast the Embassy can process your application. Sometimes, it may take up to 60 days or more, so consider applying at least two months before your trip.
Travel Restrictions
Portugal doesn't have any travel restriction for visitors as all COVID-19 mandates for entry has been dropped. However, there are some health requirements all visitors must meet, and they are as follows.
Vaccinated individuals must provide a COVID-19 vaccination certificate as proof. It must have a complete schedule for a booster shot
Persons not vaccinated must provide a valid COVID-19 test result called a negative RT-PCR test like the NAAR test. The test must have been taken at least 72 hours before boarding the flight
Those without a negative RT-PCR test should have a negative lab Antigen test result done at least 24 hours before boarding the flight.
A Portugal visa for green card holders is available at Portuguese embassies and foreign missions for visa applicants.