Portugal is a beautiful country located in southwestern Europe. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Many people from all over the world visit Portugal every year to experience its beauty and charm. However, if you are a Bangladeshi citizen planning to visit Portugal, you will need to obtain a visa before you can enter the country.
To apply for a Portugal visa from Bangladesh, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documents. The visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, but with the right information and guidance, you can increase your chances of getting approved. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about getting a Portugal visa from Bangladesh.
Whether you are planning to visit Portugal for tourism, business, or study purposes, it is important to understand the visa requirements, types, application process, fees, and processing time. We will also cover possible reasons for visa rejection and how to appeal a visa rejection. Additionally, we will provide you with some tips on traveling to Portugal after receiving your visa. So, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Bangladeshi citizens need a visa to visit Portugal.
- There are different types of Portugal visas available for Bangladeshi citizens.
- To apply for a Portugal visa from Bangladesh, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documents.
Portugal Visa Eligibility for Bangladesh Citizens
Bangladesh citizens who intend to visit Portugal must obtain a Portugal Schengen visa. The Portugal Schengen visa is a mandatory travel permit for non-EU residents, including those from Bangladesh, intending to visit Portugal, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area.
To be eligible for a Portugal Schengen visa, Bangladeshi citizens must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Being an adult
- Meeting financial needs in Portugal
- Proving employment status
Applicants must also provide a valid Bangladeshi passport that is valid until at least three months after the intended stay in Portugal.
The visa application process must be done in person at the France embassy in Bangladesh as they are representing Portugal in the country. Visa fees for adult applicants are 80 euros. For 6-12 years old, the fee is 40 euros. Children below 6 years old have no visa fees.
It is important to note that having a visa does not guarantee entry into Portugal. Border officials have the final say on whether or not to grant entry into the country. It is recommended that travelers have all necessary documents and information readily available to present to border officials upon arrival.
Visa Types
Bangladeshi citizens who wish to visit Portugal must obtain a visa before traveling. There are three main types of Portuguese visas: Short Stay visas, Temporary Stay National visas, and Long Stay National visas.
Short Stay Visas (Schengen Visas)
A Short Stay visa, also known as a Schengen visa, applies for stays up to 90 days. This type of visa allows Bangladeshi citizens to visit Portugal and other Schengen countries for tourism, business, or family visits. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period and allows for multiple entries.
Temporary Stay National Visas
Temporary Stay National visas allow entry and stay in Portugal for less than a year. This type of visa is ideal for Bangladeshi citizens who intend to work, study, or engage in research or training programs in Portugal. Temporary Stay visas are valid during the entire stay and allow for multiple entries.
Long Stay National Visas
Long Stay National visas are for Bangladeshi citizens who wish to stay in Portugal for more than a year. This type of visa is ideal for those who intend to reside, work, or study in Portugal for an extended period. Long Stay visas are valid for a maximum of four months and allow for two entries.
It is important to note that Bangladeshi citizens must apply for the appropriate visa type based on their intended purpose of travel to Portugal. It is also recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of the intended travel date.
Documents Required
To apply for a Portugal visa from Bangladesh, the applicant must provide the following documents:
- Passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Portugal. It must also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Portugal Visa Application Form: The applicant must fill out and sign the Portugal visa application form. The form can be downloaded from the Portugal Embassy website or obtained from the visa application center.
- Passport-size Pictures: The applicant must provide two recent passport-size photographs with a white background. The photographs must be taken within the last three months.
- Travel Health Insurance: The applicant must provide proof of travel health insurance that covers the entire duration of stay in Portugal. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Travel Itinerary: The applicant must provide a detailed travel itinerary, including flight and hotel reservations.
- Means of Subsistence: The applicant must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the entire duration of stay in Portugal. The amount required varies depending on the length of stay and purpose of travel.
- Letter of Invitation: If the applicant is visiting Portugal for business or to visit family or friends, a letter of invitation from the inviting party in Portugal must be provided.
- Other Documents: Depending on the purpose of travel, the applicant may be required to provide additional documents such as employment letter, bank statements, and proof of accommodation.
It is important to note that the Portugal Embassy may request additional documents or information during the visa application process. The applicant should ensure that all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejection of the visa application.
Visa Application Process
The process of applying for a Portugal visa from Bangladesh is straightforward. Bangladeshi citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Portugal. The Portugal Schengen visa is a mandatory travel permit for non-EU residents, including those from Bangladesh, intending to visit Portugal, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area consists of 27 countries that have agreed to eliminate border controls at their mutual borders.
To apply for a Portugal Schengen visa, Bangladeshi citizens must submit their application to the France embassy in Bangladesh. The embassy collects the visa fees as they are representing Portugal in the country. Visa fees for adult applicants are 80 euros, and for 6-12 years old, the fee is 40 euros. Children below 6 years old have no visa fees.
Applicants are required to be present when applying for Portugal Schengen visa. They must also submit the following documents:
- A valid Bangladeshi passport that is valid until at least three months after the intended departure from Portugal.
- A Portugal visa application form.
- Passport-size photographs that meet Portugal requirements.
- Evidence of visa fee payment.
It is essential to note that the visa application process may take up to 15 days to process. Therefore, applicants should submit their application well in advance of their intended travel dates. Additionally, applicants must ensure that they provide accurate and complete information and meet all the requirements to increase their chances of obtaining a Portugal visa.
Visa Fees
To obtain a Portugal Schengen visa, Bangladeshi citizens must pay a fee. The general fee for a short-term Schengen visa is 80 Euros, which is equivalent to approximately BDT 9,432.48. Children between the ages of six and twelve pay a reduced Schengen visa fee of €40 (equivalent to BDT 4,716.24), while children under six are entirely exempt from the Schengen visa fee payment [1].
It’s important to note that the payment of the Schengen visa fee does not guarantee the granting of the visa, nor does it entail a refund in case of refusal. The request is considered admissible following the payment of the required visa fee [2].
For Bangladeshi citizens who plan to visit Portugal for less than 30 days in any 180-day period, they can apply for a Portugal tourist visa from the France embassy in Dhaka, as Portugal is represented by France Embassy in Bangladesh for short-term Schengen visas. The application process and requirements are the same as applying for a France visa.
In summary, the visa fee for a Portugal Schengen visa for Bangladeshi citizens is 80 Euros for adults, 40 Euros for children between the ages of six and twelve, and free for children under six. The payment of the visa fee does not guarantee the granting of the visa.
Processing Time
The processing time for a Portugal Schengen visa from Bangladesh depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the season. It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 15 working days before the intended travel date. However, it can take up to 45 days during peak travel seasons.
According to Visa Processing Center, the France Embassy in Dhaka processes short-term visa applications in 15 working days, which is the minimum processing time for a Portugal Schengen visa. However, the processing time may vary depending on the nationality of the applicant. For example, nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Congo, Egypt, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen may have to wait for at least three weeks to get their visa processed.
It is important to note that the processing time does not include the time required for the visa application to be delivered to and from the embassy or consulate. Therefore, applicants are advised to plan their travel accordingly and apply for the visa well in advance to avoid any delays or complications.
Possible Reasons for Visa Rejection
When applying for a Portugal visa from Bangladesh, it is important to be aware of the possible reasons for visa rejection. By avoiding these common pitfalls, applicants can increase their chances of a successful application.
One of the most common reasons for visa rejection is submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation. It is crucial to carefully review the visa requirements and ensure that all necessary documents are included before submitting the application. This includes a valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means to support the trip.
Another reason for visa rejection is insufficient financial proof. Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough funds to cover their stay in Portugal, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. It is recommended to provide bank statements or other evidence of financial stability.
Failure to demonstrate a legitimate purpose for the intended trip is also a common reason for visa rejection. Applicants must provide clear and convincing reasons for their visit, such as tourism, business, or education. It is important to provide relevant documentation to support the purpose of the trip.
False information and documentation can also lead to visa rejection. It is important to provide accurate and truthful information in the application, including personal details, travel plans, and purpose of the trip. Any false information or documentation can result in serious consequences, including denial of entry to Portugal and other Schengen countries.
Other possible reasons for visa rejection include a criminal record, unfavorable Schengen visa situation, inadequate travel purpose explanation, invalid letter of reference, lack of travel insurance, lack of proof of accommodation, and incomplete application.
Overall, by carefully reviewing the visa requirements and providing accurate and complete documentation, applicants can increase their chances of a successful Portugal visa application from Bangladesh.
Appealing a Visa Rejection
If a Bangladeshi citizen’s Portugal Schengen visa application is rejected, there are options available to appeal the decision. The first step is to review the rejection letter and determine the reason for the denial. It is important to note that not all visa rejections can be appealed, and the reasons for denial can vary.
According to Giambrone Law, one option for contesting a visa refusal in Portugal is to issue a criticism within 15 days following acknowledgement of denial, contrary to the refusal’s issuer (in compliance with article 191, Administrative Procedure Code (CPA)). Another option is to file an appeal with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) within 30 days of receiving the rejection. The appeal must be submitted in writing and include all relevant documentation and evidence to support the case.
It is important to note that appealing a visa rejection does not guarantee a reversal of the decision. However, if the appeal is successful, the applicant may be granted a visa or have their case reconsidered. It is recommended to seek legal advice and assistance from a qualified professional when appealing a visa rejection.
In any case, it is crucial to ensure that the visa application is complete and accurate, with all necessary documentation included. Providing false or incomplete information can result in a visa rejection and may harm future visa applications.
Traveling to Portugal After Receiving Visa
Once a Bangladeshi citizen has received their Portugal Schengen visa, they are ready to travel to Portugal. It is important to note that the visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Before departing, travelers should ensure that they have all of the necessary documents for their trip. This includes a valid passport, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation and return travel. It is also recommended to carry a copy of the visa and any other important documents in case of loss or theft.
Upon arrival in Portugal, Bangladeshi citizens will need to go through immigration and present their passport and visa. It is important to follow all immigration procedures to avoid any issues or delays.
While in Portugal, travelers can enjoy the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. From the historic city of Lisbon to the stunning beaches of the Algarve, there is no shortage of sights to see and experiences to have.
It is important to note that Portugal, like any country, has its own customs and laws. Travelers should familiarize themselves with local customs and laws to avoid any unintentional offenses.
Overall, with the proper preparation and knowledge, Bangladeshi citizens can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Portugal after receiving their Schengen visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process to apply for a Portugal visa from Bangladesh?
Bangladeshi citizens who wish to visit Portugal need to apply for a Schengen visa. The visa application process involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, and attending an interview at the Portugal Embassy in New Delhi or the France Embassy in Bangladesh, which represents Portugal for short-term Schengen visas. The visa application form can be downloaded from the embassy’s website or obtained in person.
How long does it take to get a Portugal visa from Bangladesh?
The processing time for a Portugal visa from Bangladesh can vary depending on the type of visa and the embassy’s workload. Typically, it takes around 15 days for a Schengen visa application to be processed, but it can take up to 30 days in some cases. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least three weeks before the intended travel date to allow enough time for processing.
What is the cost of a Portugal visa for Bangladeshi citizens?
The cost of a Portugal visa for Bangladeshi citizens depends on the type of visa and the duration of stay. A short-term Schengen visa for up to 90 days costs EUR 80, while a long-term visa costs EUR 99. The visa fee is non-refundable and must be paid in cash at the time of submitting the application.
What are the requirements for a Portugal national visa?
The requirements for a Portugal national visa vary depending on the purpose of the visit. However, some of the common requirements include a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a completed visa application form, two recent passport-sized photographs, proof of travel arrangements, travel medical insurance, and proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the stay.
How can I schedule an appointment at the Portugal Embassy in Bangladesh?
Applicants can schedule an appointment at the Portugal Embassy in Bangladesh by contacting the embassy via email or phone. The embassy also has an online appointment booking system that can be accessed through its website. It is recommended to schedule an appointment well in advance to avoid any delays.
What is the Portugal VFS Dhaka and how can it help with my visa application?
The Portugal VFS Dhaka is a visa application center that provides assistance to applicants in submitting their visa applications and supporting documents. The center also offers additional services such as courier service, SMS notification, and photocopying. However, it is important to note that the center does not make any decisions on visa applications and cannot guarantee the issuance of a visa.