Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Portugal?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Portugal
Third-country nationals not covered by a Schengen visa exemption must hold a valid national or short-stay visa to enter and remain in Portugal. A long-stay visa is required for any stay exceeding 90 days.
Checked 12 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Portugal does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Portugal embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Portugal government page →
Lisbon
The short answer
South African citizens need a visa arranged in advance to enter Portugal. A visa has to be obtained before travelling to Portugal. The fee is the general fee is EUR 90. A reduced fee of EUR 45 applies under EU visa facilitation agreements and under implementing decisions adopted by the Council for certain nationalities (as of September 2026). The fee pays for the analysis of the application and is not refunded if the visa is refused. Passport validity: an authentic and valid travel document, valid for over 3 months after the date of exit, together with a photocopy of any prior passport and visas. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. This was last checked on 12 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Portugal
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Passport validity
- An authentic and valid travel document, valid for over 3 months after the date of exit, together with a photocopy of any prior passport and visas.
- Fee
- The general fee is EUR 90. A reduced fee of EUR 45 applies under EU visa facilitation agreements and under implementing decisions adopted by the Council for certain nationalities (as of September 2026). The fee pays for the analysis of the application and is not refunded if the visa is refused.
- Documents
- Duly filled and signed application form, signed by the legal guardian for minors and incapacitated applicants
- Passport photograph
- Authentic and valid travel document, valid for over 3 months after the date of exit, plus a photocopy of prior passports and visas
- Certificate of being in a regular situation, where the applicant is of a different nationality to the country where the visa is requested
- Travel reservation showing a return ticket
- Travel medical insurance
- Proof of means of subsistence: a work and salary certificate plus the last three bank statements, covering the whole stay and the return
- Travel authorisation for minors, or a court decision, where applicable
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Portugal
Check where you should lodge a short-stay Schengen visa application
Complete and sign the application form
Gather the required documents, consulting the harmonised documents table for the country where you will lodge the application
Pay the visa fee, after which the application becomes admissible
Lodge the application and give your biometric identifiers at the competent consulate or external service provider
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
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Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Portugal
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Portugal. This was last checked on 12 September 2026.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Portugal uses EUR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 12 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →