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Visa Information
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to Portugal.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.

Tourist Visa

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Consulate

Johannesburg:

Cape Town:

Embassy

Embassy of Portugal in Pretoria:

  • Address: 599, Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002
  • Phone: +27 12 341 2340
  • Email:
    • pretoria@mne.pt
    • pretoria@mne.pt
  • Website: Portuguese Embassy

VFS Application Centre:

Johannesburg:

  • Address: 1st Floor Rivonia Village Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road Sandton, Johannesburg, 2128

Pretoria:

  • Address: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181

Cape Town:

  • Address: 8th Floor 2 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001

Durban:

  • Address: Unit 409, 4th Floor 91 -123 Cowey Road, Essenwood, Durban, 4000

WEATHER

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas enjoy moderating Atlantic breezes.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in Portugal is delightful, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The countryside comes alive with blooming flowers, especially in regions like the Douro Valley and Alentejo. Lisbon and Porto enjoy sunny days and crisp evenings, while the Algarve begins to warm up, making it ideal for early beachgoers and outdoor sightseeing.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer is hot and dry, particularly in the south, where temperatures can reach up to 35°C. Coastal areas benefit from Atlantic breezes, keeping places like Lisbon and the Algarve pleasant. Inland areas such as Évora and the Alentejo region can get very warm. This is the peak tourist season, perfect for beach holidays and festivals.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees mild weather and fewer crowds. Temperatures range from 17°C to 27°C in early autumn, gradually cooling as winter approaches. The harvest season in the wine regions makes it a great time for culinary tourism. The sea remains warm enough for swimming through much of September.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are generally mild, especially in coastal areas, with highs around 12°C to 17°C. Rain is more frequent, particularly in the north. The Algarve remains relatively sunny and is popular with off-season visitors. Snowfall is rare but possible in the Serra da Estrela mountains, which offer skiing opportunities.
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for city tours, cultural experiences, and nature trips. Summer is best for beach holidays, while winter appeals to those seeking quieter escapes or mild-weather getaways.
  • .

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Portugal
Capital City: Lisbon
International Airports: – Faro Airport
– Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport – Porto
– João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada – Azores
– Lisbon Portela Airport
– Madeira Airport
Area: 92,212 km²
Population: 10,223,349 (2024 est.)
Time Zone: GMT (Azores is GMT-1).
Daylight saving time is observed from late March to late October.
Religion: Majority Roman Catholic
Other communities include Protestant, Latter-day Saint, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian Orthodox, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baha’i, Buddhist, Jewish, and Spiritist.
Language: Official language: Portuguese
English is widely spoken in tourist and business areas.
Currency: Euro
Exchange Rate: Consult your local bank for current rates.
Credit Card Payment Availability: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted.
Petrol stations usually accept credit cards and cash.
ATM Accessibility: Easily accessible.
Dialling Code: +351

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Voltage is typically 220V AC, 50Hz.
Some areas have 110V, and southern regions may use 230V DC.
Continental two-pin plugs are standard.
Water: Tap water is safe to drink in major cities.
In small villages, bottled water is recommended.
Business Hours: Post Offices: 09:00 – 18:00
Pharmacies: 09:00 – 19:00 (some close for lunch from 13:00 – 15:00), 09:00 – 13:00 on Saturdays
Shops: 09:00/10:00 – 19:00
Shopping Centres: 10:00 – 24:00
Banking Hours: 08:30 – 15:00.
Photography Restrictions: No general restrictions, but some museums or churches may prohibit photography. Look for notices clearly displayed.
Tipping: – Customary to tip waiters, porters, guides, and drivers.
– Service charge is usually not included unless specified in some upscale restaurants.
– For snacks at bars, bakeries, or cafés, a small amount of loose change is sufficient.
– Taxi drivers typically receive a 10% tip; petrol station attendants appreciate around €0.50.
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations required. Consult with your medical practitioner or travel clinic.
Dress Code Restrictions: No specific dress code restrictions.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: – Being a few minutes late is generally acceptable as Portuguese are often a bit late themselves.
– English speakers may be modest and hesitant, so they might wait to switch to English if they sense you’re struggling with Portuguese.

FESTIVALS

  • Carnival: February
  • Semana Santa/Holy Week: March-April
  • International Sand Sculpture Festival (Pera): March–August
  • Festa das Cruzes (Barcelos): May
  • Fátima Pilgrimage: 13 May
  • Santo Cristo dos Milagres (São Miguel, Azores): May
  • Serralves em Festa (Porto): June
  • Rock in Rio-Lisboa (Lisbon): June
  • Feast Day of St Anthony (Lisbon): June
  • Arraial Pride: June
  • Festa de São João (Porto): June
  • Sintra Music Festival: June–July
  • Festa do Colete Encarnado (Vila Franca de Xira): July
  • Festa da Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem (Peniche): August
  • São Martinho: 11 November
  • New Year’s Eve: Madeira

MAP

“I have got two places I like to be. Portugal is one.”

– Cliff Richard