Portugal played a key role in the European age of Discovery. Thanks to the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama, his explorations allowed Portugal to create sea routes to Asia, ultimately establishing Portuguese presence in countries such as India and Africa. Situated on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, the country is characterized by its charming villages, beautiful beaches, and stunning scenery. And it also houses the largest cork forest in the world, spread across an area of 700,000 hectares.
Portugal’s economy is ranked 34th in the World Economic Forum, and that is primarily because the country’s economic status has largely been steady since 2014. A large part of the nation’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) depends on the services sector, followed by the industrial and agricultural sectors. Tourism is also one of Portugal’s main socio-economic activities. If you are planning to get a glimpse of Portuguese culture or are looking to visit the country for your professional needs, then an official visa is a must-have. And if you have already applied for one, then our guide can assist you in tracking the status.
Here is How to Check Visa Status
According to the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are two primary ways to apply for a Portuguese visa in India. The primary process involves the use of a third-party service provider, known as VFS Global, while the secondary process involves the use of the new official e-visa portal, created and established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal. Additionally, visas can also be applied for via the Consulate General of Portugal, but only if you are in Goa, India, since the consulate general’s office is only in that respective state.
If you have applied through VFS Global, then your visa application status can only be tracked by VFS Global’s official website. However, if you have applied through the official e-visa portal, then the tracking process should be carried out by the e-visa portal only. To track your visa application in either of the above-mentioned ways, follow the recommended steps provided below.
Tracking Visa Status via VFS Global
- Start the visa status-checking process by visiting the official website here. On the landing page, click on “Apply For A Visa > Start Now”.
- You will then be redirected to a new website. Proceed to scroll down and then click on the embedded link present under “Track Your Application > View More”.
- In the next step, you need to state your reference number and your date of birth. Once done, click on “Submit”.
- After that, your current visa status will be showcased directly on your screen.
Tracking Visa Status via Official E-Visa Website
- Begin the process by heading over to the official e-visa website of Portugal here.
- Proceed to select the “Login” button on the top-right corner of your screen and then sign in with your registered user ID and password.
- After signing in, head over to your submitted applications section and then click on the recent one that you have applied for.
- Once done, the online e-visa portal will showcase your current e-visa status.
How to Contact For Help?
If you have applied via VFS Global, then you can get in touch with their customer care via phone at 022-67866070. Phone lines are open from Monday to Friday, between 8 AM and 5 PM. You can also contact them via email at infonorth.ptin@vfshelpline.com.
On the other hand, if you have applied for an e-visa via the official website of Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then you can contact them here. Do state your name, email address, subject matter, and your query in detail.
Overview of Visas
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal offers two primary types of visas: Short-Stay Visas or Schengen Visas, and National Visas or Long-Term Visas. Short-stay visas allow the applicant to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a maximum 180-day period.
Alternatively, national or long-stay visas are offered for more than 180 days, and the duration depends on the type of visa that is applied for. To learn more about the different types of visas, be sure to go through the below-mentioned list properly.
Schengen visas are of three types.
Short-Stay Visa: With this visa, individuals are allowed to transit or stay for a short time within the Schengen area. These visas typically have a validity of 90 days within a maximum period of 180 days.
Seasonal Work Visa: Applicants who wish to engage in subordinate seasonal work in Portugal for a period that is less than or equal to 90 days should apply for this type of visa.
Airport Transit Visa: With this visa, individuals are allowed to transit within the international area of an airport when traveling from one flight to another without having to enter the Schengen area.
Similarly, national visas are of three types as well, all of which have been mentioned below.
Temporary Stay Visa: Individuals who are looking to enter and stay in Portugal for less than a year, for educational, work, medical, or any other purpose, should apply for this type of visa.
Residency Visa: With residency visas, entries are allowed for two applicants and are valid for up to four months. During these four months, the holder of the residency visa must apply for a residency permit with the Immigration and Border Services of Portugal.
Job Seeker Visa: Applicants who wish to enter and stay in Portugal only to find job opportunities should apply for this visa. The visa granted will only be valid for up to 120 days, with an additional 60-day renewable option. During this aforementioned period, the applicant can also apply for a residence permit, if required.
