Portugal entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Portugal in 2026. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Portuguese embassy or consulate before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It also needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Border officers routinely ask for a confirmed return flight or onward ticket to a non-Schengen country. Have a printed or digital copy ready. This is checked at check-in and at passport control in Lisbon and Porto. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed letter from a host in Portugal. Have a printed copy or open it on your phone before reaching the officer. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash showing at least €75 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
Portuguese consulates in Saudi Arabia often have limited appointment slots, especially during summer and holiday seasons. Book your appointment at least 6–8 weeks in advance to avoid delays.
Schengen visa covers 27 countries
Once you have a Portugal visa, you can also visit other Schengen countries (like France, Spain, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just make sure Portugal is your main destination.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and the completed visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia (usually in Riyadh or Jeddah). Appointments can fill up weeks in advance, so book early.
3
Attend the visa interview
Go to your appointment with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee, and may be asked a few questions about your trip. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are taken.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days during peak season. Track your application online if the consulate provides a tracking number.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check that the dates and personal details are correct before leaving the consulate.
6
Arrive in Portugal
At the airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly and briefly.
Download Portugal Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
digital nomad visa
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
1 year, renewable up to 5 years
€90 (~$98 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold. Allows family reunification.
Apply retirement visa
Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa
1 year, renewable
€90 (~$98 USD) application fee
For retirees or those with passive income. Requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. Path to permanent residency.
Apply investor visa
Portugal Golden Visa (ARI)
1 year, renewable; leads to permanent residency after 5 years
€500,000 (~$545,000 USD) minimum investment
For investors in real estate, capital transfer, or job creation. Requires minimum investment and no minimum stay. Family included.
Apply work visa
Portugal Work Visa (D1)
1 year, renewable
€90 (~$98 USD) application fee
For employed workers with a Portuguese job offer. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship. Path to permanent residency.
Apply student visa
Portugal Student Visa (D4)
1 year, renewable for duration of studies
€90 (~$98 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Portuguese institutions. Allows part-time work. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$540 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Portugal
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Portuguese airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsLisbon Portela Airport (LIS) · Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) · Faro Airport (FAO)
Health & vaccines for Portugal
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in Portugal; risk mainly in rural/forested areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water safe in most areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Lisbon
Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) Lisbon
Rua Conselheiro José Silvestre Ribeiro, 1, 1600-503 Lisboa
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Porto
SEF Porto
Rua do Campo Alegre, 1055, 4150-181 Porto
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration services in northern Portugal.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalLisbon
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 185 days.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Lisbon and Porto have particularly good water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Portugal
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Portugal — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days if your application needs extra checks. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel date.
The visa fee is €80 for adults (about 330 SAR) and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are exempt. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
Yes, as long as Portugal is your main destination or you spend the most days there. If you're visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you'll stay the longest.
Yes, you need to provide a booked return or onward ticket as part of your application. It doesn't have to be fully paid — a reservation from a travel agency or airline usually works.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 30 days at the same consulate or reapply with corrected documents. Common reasons include insufficient funds or incomplete paperwork.
No, Schengen visas are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from the Schengen area.
Yes, fingerprints and a photo are taken at the consulate during your appointment. They are valid for 5 years — if you've given biometrics for a previous Schengen visa, you may not need to do it again.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.