The Portuguese authorities have announced that the country is updating its online visa application platform in an attempt to avoid a limited number of applications and long waiting times for a spot.
Announcing the news and informing the Parliament of the changes, the Secretary of State of Portuguese Communities, Paulo Cafôfo, said that changes are necessary to make it easier for all those who intend to reach the country for all kinds of reasons, SchengenVisaInfo.com reported.
According to Portugal News, Cafôfo brought to the attention the claiming of available sports by intermediaries, calling this an illegitimate action and also identifying the reselling of spots as a major problem.
Cafôfo said that “despite the efforts taken to introduce limitations, this hoarding continues to happen”, and for this reason, the update of the current platform has been seen as a necessary measure to prevent all forms of abuse.
As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal explains, the new features of the visa portal include a single registration. Once registered, everyone will be able to change their password, edit their personal data, fill out a questionnaire to determine the type of visa they need and attach the required documents.
Regarding questions that deputies had on the difficulties that the Portuguese consulates abroad keep on facing, Cafôfo said that by the end of the year, the country plans on contracting an additional 100 new staff so that the processing of applications goes more smoothly and without any significant delays.
The same stressed that until better solutions are found, the authorities will keep on using temporary ones to avoid long waiting periods, especially in consulates receiving a high number of applications.
“It’s a momentary reinforcement so that we can better meet deadlines, give faster answers and provide services more efficiently,” Cafôfo emphasised.
Currently, all nationals of countries that have not reached a visa-free travel agreement with the EU need to obtain a visa in order to be permitted entry into Portugal and the other Schengen Area member states.
Everyone applying for a Portugal Schengen Visa must make sure to submit several documents. Portugal requires all Schengen visa applicants to fill out the visa applications form, submit two passport photos, their valid passports, and copies of previous visas.
Moreover, everyone must submit a roundtrip flight itinerary, proof of having booked accommodation, proof of financial means, a cover letter, proof of civil status, and proof of having purchased travel health insurance.
Additional documents, such as an employment contract and Income Tax Return, are required, too, depending on the status of applicants.
Source: SchengenVisaInfo
