Country guide
Portugal
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Schengen area
Yes
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time zones
No UTC / GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa). In Azores, time zone is UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa). Daylight savings from last Sunday March – last Sun in October: UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa). In Azores, DST is UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa).
Dialing code
+ 351
Best time to go
March – May and September – October (Spring and Autumn).
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns (in small villages), water may be contaminated. Bottled water is available.
Visa guide
Visa requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
Portugal is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Portugal, you must apply at the Embassy of Portugal / Visa Application Centre.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
Visa Applications through VFS Global. Visa information is available at: vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition:
NOTE: PLEASE ENSURE YOU MAKE COPIES OF ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
- Checklist (please note the applicable checklist for your jurisdiction). Available on VFS website.
- Passport must have at least 3 blank pages
- Proof of sufficient funds: R1000 per day, in addition to funds for accommodation and flights
- Copy of data page of passport
- All applicants must submit biometrics, unless exempt.
Visa application centre
VFS Global
Tel: 012 425 3003
Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/prt/
Mon - Fri: 08:00- 12:30, 13:30-16:00
NOTE: Residents of Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape and surrounding areas are required to submit their visa application at VFS Global in Cape Town.
CPT: 8th Floor, 2 Long Street, Cape Town. Closed Mondays.
DUR: Unit 409, 4th Floor, 91 -123 Cowey Road (Problem Mkhize), Essenwood, Durban
JNB: 1st Floor Rivonia Village, Corner Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Sandton
PTA: Brooklyn Pavilion, 316 Tram Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Brooklyn
Applications by appointment only.
Issuing authorities
Embassy of Portugal (Pretoria)
599 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0002.
Tel: 012 341 2340
Consular: 012 346 4285 (telephonic assistance: from 15:00 to 16:00)
Hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-13:00
E-mail: pretoria@mne.pt or sconsular.pretoria@mne.pt
Web: pretoria.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt
Visits by appointment only.
Consulate General of Portugal (Johannesburg)
Portuguese House, 15 Ernest Oppenheimer Boulevard, Bruma 2198.
Tel: 011 622 0645
E-mail: consulado.joanesburgo@mne.pt
Web: joanesburgo.consuladoportugal.mne.gov.pt
Visits by appointment only.
Consulate General of Portugal (Cape Town)
Main Tower, 10th Floor, Suite 1006, Standard Bank Centre, Hertzog Boulevard, Cape Town, 8000
Tel: 021 418 0080
Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00-13:00
E-mail: consulado.cabo@mne.pt
Visa Applications through VFS Global. Visa information is available at: vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/
Visa processing time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
VFS Service Fee: R642
The applicable visa fee in South African Rand to VFS as per the current exchange rate (check website). It is subject to change without notice. The fee is non-refundable.
SA representative
South African Embassy
Av Luis Bivar 10, Lisbon, 1069-024
Tel: +351 21 319 2200
E-mail: lisbon.consular@dirco.gov.za
Website: www.embaixada-africadosul.pt
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1; Apr 3, 5, 25; May 1; Jun 4, 10; Aug 15; Oct 5; Nov 1; Dec 1, 8, 25