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Portugal Visas, Permits and Immigration

Portugal or the Portuguese Republic is along the Iberian Peninsula and is situated on Europe’s southwestern portion. It is also mainland Europe’s westernmost country.  The vast Atlantic Ocean lies on its southern and western area while Spain borders it by the eastern and northern portions. Other parts of Portugal include the Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and Azores. 

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate. It is considered as one of Europe’s warmest countries. Meanwhile, Azores and Madeira areas have more narrow temperature ranges.

Tagus is the main river that splits mainland Portugal. Portugal’s northern areas are mountainous and have interior areas with plateaus enclosed in river valleys. Rolling plains  between the Algavre and Tagusare are sights to remember.

Occasional snow is expected along its northern portion, mostly from October to May. This is a climate experienced along its southern portion. Its coastal areas experience snow fall once every 5 or 6 years.

Portugal’s Economy

The economy of Portugal is based on the industry and services it offers, which include its automotive industry and software services. The business sectors are geared toward traditional industries such as clothing, textiles, and cork along with footwear products, beverages and wood products. Beverages produced by factories in this country include juice, beer, soft drinks and wine among others.

The country currently focuses on private investments, exports and even on the development of their high-tech sectors. Their exportation of technology has downsized their importations.

The Immigration Policy of Portugal

The Prime Minister of Portugal, Jose Socrates, has requested for a common immigration policy with that of the European Union due to Europe’s growing number of illegal immigrants.

The proposed common policy aims to involve the harmonization of laws with regards to the entry of the immigrants. It aims to improve “border” cooperation and to provide joint aids towards other nations.

Around 25 members of the European Union are currently framing this immigration policy. As of now, discussions about this joint policy are well underway.  This is due to the complex issue of aligning various national rules as well as solutions to the growing number of illegal immigrants.

This is considered as politically urgent. With Portugal counting 450,000 illegal immigrants, its population of about 10.5 million has already escalated to serious conditions such as high unemployment rates and low GDP just by the 2nd half of last year (2007).

Visa Applications

European citizens only need an ID to enter Portugal. Other nationals have 2 options for entering Portugal, which include:
 
1.    Securing a visa through a private company offering visa services. Some of these companies have online communication options, which means  they can be contacted through email among other digital communication protocols. However, it is still best to check their accreditation status supposedly granted by embassies.
2.    Applying in person at a Portugal embassy in your locality. Those living in London need to secure an application from the embassy of Portugal in London. The areas it caters to include:

•    Berkshire;
•    Bedfordshire;
•    Cambridgeshire;
•    Buckinghamshire;
•    Channel Islands;
•    Cornwall;
•    Dorset;
•    Devon;
•    Gloucestershire;
•    Essex;
•    Hampshire;
•    Greater London;
•    Isles of Sicily;
•    Hertfordshire;
•    Kent;
•    Isle of Wight;
•    Somerset;
•    Oxfordshire;
•    Surrey;
•    Suffolk;
•    Wiltshire; and
•    Sussex (West and East).
 
The premium rate appt. number of the London Consulate is 09065 540789. 1.00 GBP is charged per minute, and only those who have an appointment will be entertained in person. Otherwise, you will not be admitted at the said Portuguese Consulate. Those in other countries need to contact the Portugal Embassy of Manchester.

Tourist Visa

An applicant for a Portugal tourist visa needs to initially make a booking prior to submitting the completed visa application. Here is the list of nationalities required to personally apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa:

•    Albania
•    Afghanistan
•    Bahrain
•    Algeria
•    Belarus
•    Bangladesh
•    China
•    Burundi
•    Democratic Republic of Congo
•    Colombia
•    Egypt
•    Ecuador
•    CID
•    Hong Kong
•    Indonesia
•    Frandesspas Document
•    Iraq
•    Iran
•    Kazakstan
•    Jordan
•    Kuwait
•    Kosovo
•    Libya
•    Lebanon
•    North Korea
•    Nigeria
•    Pakistan
•    Oman
•    Philippines
•    Palestine
•    Travel Document Holders
•    Qatar
•    Rwanda
•    Tunisia
•    Siera Leone
•    Saudi Arabia
•    Sri Lanka
•    Somalia
•    Surinam
•    Sudan
•    United Arab Emirates
•    Syria
•    Yemen
•    Vietnam
•    Zimbabwe
•    Zambia

Applicants are also required to attach the following documents to their visa application:

•    a completely blank visa page for the Portugal visa,  your passport, and your UK visa that should satisfy the requirements of the Portugal Embassy in London (if you are applying from London)
•    a stamp on your present passport for UK visas
•    a copy of your “fully” paid travel receipts as well as the originals
•    a copy of your accommodation details while in Portugal together with the originals
•    a copy of your Bank Statement together with the original (the minimum balance should be no less than £50 each day you plan to travel in this country)
•    an original and a copy of your College or Employment Letter
•    an original and a copy of your last 3 Payslips
•    travel Insurance
•    three Colored Passport Pictures (should have white background and visible shoulders)
•    completed and signed Visa Application for Portugal
•    completed and signed Private office case sheet along with their terms and Conditions (if you will secure this through a private company)
•    money to pay for Office Handling Fee and Portugal Embassy Fees  

For family members or for a spouse of an EU national, marriage certificates as well as birth certificates should be notarized by the noted embassy of the foreign national.

VISA Fees

The standard visa fee for private companies ranges from £46 to £48 while an office service charge is from £94.00 to £100.00. The total cost ranges from £140.00 to £160.00. This already includes the £60 embassy fee. You need to pay an additional fee of £6.00 if you want to be informed regularly.

Important

Delays and even rejection may happen if incorrect and insufficient documentation of your visa application was presented. Make sure you seek the advice of accredited travel offices. Better yet, transact only with the Portuguese embassy.
 
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