How to get a Portugal visa from Gambia

• Gambians looking to travel to Portugal for tourism and visitation purposes should apply for the Portuguese tourist visa.
• Since Portugal is part of the Schengen countries, you can also apply for a Schengen visa.
• Applicants are required to provide a Schengen travel insurance confirmation of a minimum of €30,000 coverage within Portugal and the entire Schengen area.
• Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card, if applicable) must be provided.
• Currency restriction for entry into and exit from Portugal is 10,000 Euros.
• You are required to register with the Portuguese Immigration Service (SEF) within three working days of entering Portugal.
• You must also present your passport. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in an administrative offense punishable with a fine from €60 to €160.
• Under Portuguese Immigration law, foreign minors under 18 years of age entering or exiting Portugal must possess an authorization letter of parental consent to travel, if travelling with adults other than their parent(s) or legal guardian.
• The document must be signed and dated, with the signature(s) certified by a notary. The letter of parental consent to travel must include the dates and reasons for travel and the details of an adult who will be responsible for the child.
• Safeguard your passport and identity documents when traveling throughout Portugal. Foreigners who arrive in Portugal without a valid passport will not be permitted to enter and will be returned to their point of origin.
• Consumption of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and others is not considered criminal in Portugal.
• Portugal is a safe country but you have to be careful because of petty crimes.
• Tourists that are going hiking should be careful because of cliff erosion.
• Always use a taxi from the queue or kiosk. Do not go with someone who walks up to you and offers a ride.
• If you have called a ride-sharing service such as Uber, confirm that the car information in the app matches the vehicle you are entering.
  

• Gambians intending to visit Portugal for medical treatment can apply for the Portuguese medical visa.
• Portugal has a state-funded universal healthcare system offered to all.
  
• Medical diagnosis from your local doctor should be provided. It should be accompanied by a document stating why the ailment is best treated in Portugal.
• If you are planning to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, you can ask for a certificate from your local council office. The certificate allows you to access Portugal’s public healthcare.
  
• A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Portugal, confirming the date of appointment as well as your medical situation is required.
• You are also required to provide proof of international health insurance when applying for your visa. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
• Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels -- otherwise, they won't make it through airport security. Also, bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out.
  
• If you are employed, a letter from your employer is required. Your employer should state in the letter that he is aware of your leave. Your position and how long you have been employed in the company should be clearly stated.
• Minors must ensure they possess the original copy of their birth certificate. If they are traveling alone or with one of their parents, a document of consent which is signed by both parents of the minor should be provided.

• The Portuguese business visa enables Gambians to visit Portugal to engage in business activities.
• This visa allows business travelers to meet up with business partners to negotiate and sign contracts. You can also attend trade fairs, conferences, and business summits while you are in the country.
• An invitation letter from the company you will be visiting in Portugal should be provided. The address of the company and the dates of your visit should be stated in the letter.
• If the company you are meeting with in Portugal will be responsible for your expenses while you are in the country, it should be stated in the letter.
• A letter from your employer in the Gambia stating awareness and allowance of your business travel for the duration of your time in the country.
• If there were previous trade relations between the two companies, proof of such events must be provided
• A business bank statement of the latest 6 months must also be provided.
• Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy (registered with joint-stock companies) Trade License (first issued and present renewal), Proprietorship/Partnership documents are to be provided.
• Regarding the applicant’s expenses during stay in the Schengen zone, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

You should apply for a Portugal Schengen visa 3 months before your planned trip. Depending on the nationality of the applicant, the processing time may take at least 15 days from the day of application.