The Portuguese Consulate situated in Maputo, Mozambique, serves as the central hub for processing visa applications from Kenyan citizens seeking to travel to Portugal especially since the Portuguese Embassy in Kenya right now can only help with the legalization of your documents such as the criminal record certificate. The comprehensive application process is available for completion either in person or through mail, ensuring flexibility for applicants.
The first step is to email the Embassy of Portugal in Mozambique so that they can send you a list of comprehensive documents depending on the type of Visa that you are applying for. Here is a LINK of their website with their relevant contacts.
Once they send you the list of the documents required, you can begin preparing for them and once they are ready, you can choose to do the application using either:
Photographic Precision: Submit two recent, color passport-sized photographs taken against a pristine white background.
Formal Application Submission: Access and download the requisite visa application form from the Portuguese Consulate website.
Lodging Assurance: Furnish proof of accommodation in Portugal, whether in the form of a hotel reservation or a substantiating letter from a host family.
Financial Viability: Demonstrate ample financial means to sustain yourself throughout your stay in Portugal. Acceptable proofs may include bank statements, employment contracts, or alternative income documentation.
Health Coverage: Obtain and present medical insurance coverage valid for the entire duration of your stay in Portugal.
Monetary Obligation: Fulfill the mandatory visa fee of 75 euros.
Documentary Ensemble: Compile all necessary documentation and bring it to the consulate on the designated appointment date.
Financial Transaction: Effect the payment of the visa fee during your visit.
Biometric Capture: Undergo fingerprinting as part of the application process.
Prompt Visa Issuance: Expect the return of your passport, adorned with the coveted visa sticker, within a span of 15 working days.
Postal Self-Addressing: Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the secure return of your passport.
Financial Transaction via Mail: Include a check or money order, payable to "Embaixada de Portugal," covering the visa fee. Normally, you need to deposit the amount in a bank in Kenya. You can use any bank that can do a foreign transaction. Some of the best ones are Standard Chartered, Cooperative Bank and so on.
Patient Awaiting: Anticipate the return of your passport, embellished with the visa sticker, within 30 to 90 working days.
Additional Insights:Early Action is Key: Initiate the application process well in advance, recognizing that the processing of a Portuguese visa may span up to 90 working days.
Web-Based Guidance: Stay abreast of the latest application requirements and procedures by regularly consulting the consulate's official website.
Purpose-Specific Documentation: Tailor your application to the specific purpose of your visit (e.g., work or study) by being prepared to provide additional documentation.
Legal Counsel Consideration: Should queries arise during the application process, seeking the advice of an immigration attorney can prove invaluable in ensuring a seamless experience.
Application Requirements:
Valid Passport: Ensure your passport remains valid for a minimum of three months beyond your intended stay in Portugal.
Photographic Precision: Submit two recent, color passport-sized photographs taken against a pristine white background.
Formal Application Submission: Access and download the requisite visa application form from the Portuguese Consulate website.
Lodging Assurance: Furnish proof of accommodation in Portugal, whether in the form of a hotel reservation or a substantiating letter from a host family.
Financial Viability: Demonstrate ample financial means to sustain yourself throughout your stay in Portugal. Acceptable proofs may include bank statements, employment contracts, or alternative income documentation.
Health Coverage: Obtain and present medical insurance coverage valid for the entire duration of your stay in Portugal.
Monetary Obligation: Fulfill the mandatory visa fee of 75 euros.
In-Person Application:
I highly recommend this route especially if you can manage to travel to Maputo instead, since it tends to be much faster, however, you have to foot for the cost of the flight to and from Maputo.
Strategic Appointment Setting: Schedule an appointment conveniently through the online platform, email or by phone.
Documentary Ensemble: Compile all necessary documentation and bring it to the consulate on the designated appointment date.
Financial Transaction: Effect the payment of the visa fee during your visit.
Biometric Capture: Undergo fingerprinting as part of the application process.
Prompt Visa Issuance: Expect the return of your passport, adorned with the coveted visa sticker, within a span of 15 working days.
Mail Application:
Remote Submission Protocol: Complete the visa application form meticulously and dispatch it, along with all requisite documentation, to the consulate via mail. These documents need to be sent via DHL in Kenya and are inclusive of all the documents that the consulate mentions to you when you first contact them.
Postal Self-Addressing: Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the secure return of your passport.
Financial Transaction via Mail: Include a check or money order, payable to "Embaixada de Portugal," covering the visa fee. Normally, you need to deposit the amount in a bank in Kenya. You can use any bank that can do a foreign transaction. Some of the best ones are Standard Chartered, Cooperative Bank and so on.
Patient Awaiting: Anticipate the return of your passport, embellished with the visa sticker, within 30 to 90 working days.
Additional Insights:Early Action is Key: Initiate the application process well in advance, recognizing that the processing of a Portuguese visa may span up to 90 working days.
Web-Based Guidance: Stay abreast of the latest application requirements and procedures by regularly consulting the consulate's official website.
Purpose-Specific Documentation: Tailor your application to the specific purpose of your visit (e.g., work or study) by being prepared to provide additional documentation.
Legal Counsel Consideration: Should queries arise during the application process, seeking the advice of an immigration attorney can prove invaluable in ensuring a seamless experience.
Overall, the Visa application process varies from one person to another and there is no way to tell how long it will take. Patience in this process will certainly go a long way!
