--- title: United States visa for citizens of Portugal description: "Citizens of Portugal need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 3–21 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/portugal lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United States visa for citizens of Portugal Citizens of Portugal need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/b2.html ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · B-2 Tourist Visa - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 3–21 days - **Government fee:** $185 - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Required - **Onward or return ticket:** Not required - **Proof of funds:** Evidence of sufficient funds to cover stay ## How to apply 1. **Complete the DS-160 Form** — Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) on the CEAC website. 2. **Pay the Visa Application Fee** — Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) through the designated payment system. 3. **Schedule the Visa Interview** — Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Portugal for a visa interview. 4. **Attend the Visa Interview** — Appear in person at the embassy on the scheduled date with all required documents. 5. **Provide Biometrics** — Have your fingerprints and photograph taken during the interview. 6. **Wait for Processing** — Your application will be processed; this may take a few days to several weeks. 7. **Collect Your Passport** — If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned via courier or pickup. 8. **Check Visa Details** — Verify the visa validity, entry type, and any annotations on the visa sticker. 9. **Prepare for Travel** — Ensure you have all necessary documents for entry, including ESTA if transiting. 10. **Enter the United States** — Present your passport with visa to the CBP officer upon arrival. ## Documents checklist - **Valid Passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay - **DS-160 Confirmation Page** (Identity): Online nonimmigrant visa application confirmation - **Visa Application Fee Receipt** (Financial): Proof of payment of the MRV fee - **Passport-Style Photo** (Identity): Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements - **Interview Appointment Letter** (Supporting): Confirmation of scheduled visa interview - **Travel Itinerary** (Travel, optional): Details of planned travel to the U.S. - **Proof of Employment or Studies** (Employment, optional): Letter from employer or school confirming status - **Bank Statements** (Financial, optional): Recent statements showing sufficient funds - **Proof of Ties to Home Country** (Supporting, optional): Evidence of strong ties to Portugal (e.g., property, family) - **Previous U.S. Visas (if any)** (Identity, optional): Copies of any previous U.S. visas - **Criminal Record Certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested for certain applicants - **Medical Insurance (recommended)** (Supporting, optional): Proof of health insurance for the stay - **Cover Letter** (Supporting, optional): Optional letter explaining purpose of visit - **SEVIS Fee Receipt (if applicable)** (Financial, optional): Only for certain visa categories ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Sufficient funds to cover stay (no fixed amount) - Bank statements - Pay stubs - Tax returns - Sponsor letter You must demonstrate ability to pay for your trip without working in the U.S. ## Good to know - ESTA is not applicable for this visa type; you must apply for a B-2 visa. - The visa interview is mandatory for all applicants aged 14-79. - Processing times can vary significantly; apply well in advance of travel. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient ties to home country** — Provide strong evidence of employment, property, or family in Portugal. - **Incomplete or incorrect application** — Double-check all DS-160 entries and supporting documents. - **Previous visa violations** — Be honest about any past overstays or denials. - **Inadequate financial proof** — Submit recent bank statements and proof of income. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Portugal need a visa for the United States? Citizens of Portugal need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-2 Tourist Visa. ### How long can citizens of Portugal stay in the United States? Up to 180 days. ### How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Portugal? Government fee: $185. ### How long does United States visa processing take? Typically 3–21 days. ### What documents do citizens of Portugal need for the United States? Valid Passport; DS-160 Confirmation Page; Visa Application Fee Receipt; Passport-Style Photo; Interview Appointment Letter; Travel Itinerary; and 8 more depending on your situation. ### How long must my passport be valid for the United States? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/b2.html ## Sources - [travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/b2.html) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for Portugal passport holders](/visa/passport/portugal)