Last updated: May 8, 2023
VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
Portuguese citizens wishing to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without requesting a visa, may apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization, ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program.
However, if you wish/need to apply for a visa, please note that we are accepting appointment requests for most visa categories (including B1/B2s) and we are currently accepting both Portuguese passport holders and permanent residents of Portugal, as well as non-resident third country nationals.
Appointments are limited. To book an appointment please visit https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-pt/niv/information/niv.
If you are unable to pay/book an appointment for your visa category, it means that we have no more available appointments at this time.
Appointments are opened six months in advance, but more slots are added regularly depending on availability. Please continue to check the website for available interview dates.
For general questions, including how to book an appointment, class of visa required or document delivery, please contact weeac_contactus+pt+mrv+en@visaops.net.
Update to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for nonimmigrant travel
Effective May 12, 2023, air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. This policy will apply to ALL INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS including U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, immigrant visa holders*, non-immigrant visa holders and ESTA travelers.
*Some vaccination requirements remain for Immigrant-visa applicants, please consult with the panel physician handling your medical examination.
For further information, please consult Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for nonimmigrant travel (state.gov).
MRV Fee – Visa Application Processing Fee
All nonimmigrant visa application fee (also known as the MRV fee) payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date a receipt is issued for payment of the MRV fee. Applicants must schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application during this 365-day period.
Please note applicants must only schedule their interview or submit their waiver application within the 365-day period. There is no requirement the interview must occur during the 365-day period. All receipts for payment of MRV fees issued before October 1, 2022, were extended until September 30, 2023, and remain valid until this date.
Return Courier Services
Per the new agreement with CTT, you can collect your passport at several post offices around CONTINENTAL Portugal.
If you would like to have your passport mailed back to the Azores or Madeira, please continue to bring a CTT “Correio Verde” pre-paid, pre-addressed envelope with an additional 2€ in stamps (not currency), as per the instructions below. This envelope will be used by the consular section to return your passport.
For applicants wishing to have their passport mailed back to the Azores or Madeira and you will attend an in-person visa interview, please visit the following link for detailed instructions: https://pt.usembassy.gov/visas/return-courier-services-by-the-local-post-office-ctt-in-person-interview/.
If you qualify for an interview waiver and want your passport returned to the Azores or Madeira, please see the instructions here: https://pt.usembassy.gov/visas/return-courier-services-by-the-local-post-office-ctt-interview-waiver/.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon is responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States.
Please visit our Global Support Services (GSS) website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa, including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories.
Contact Us
To contact a customer service representative, please visit the GSS Contact Us page for full information or use contact information below:
- Email: To reach a customer service representative via email, please write to visaslisbon@state.gov.
- Telephone: Please contact a customer service representative using one of these telephone numbers:
- Callers in Portugal: +351 308 803 811
- Callers in the United States: Call 1 703-831-3424.
- Skype : usvisaportugal
Visiting the Embassy or Consulate
All visitors to the Consular Section are screened by security personnel prior to entry. Electronics are not allowed inside the U.S. Embassy, so please bring hard copies of all documents with you to your interview.
DO NOT bring large backpacks, laptop computers, or large cameras. There is no storage available for large items, and you will be required to store them offsite. You may deposit small tourist cameras and cellular phones with the security guards until your departure.
Only applicants with a scheduled appointment are permitted into the Consular Section. Parents or Guardians of minors, caregivers of disabled applicants, and translators may be allowed to accompany the applicant if needed. Applicants will only be admitted to the Embassy 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment time.
Student Visas
F-1 and M-1
STUDENT VISAS
ELIGIBILITY:
You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa.
For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa may be appropriate
Your school will determine your duration of study and will send you Form I-20. You must bring the original to your visa interview.
FAMILY:
Your spouse and/or minor children may accompany you during your studies.
They must apply for an F-2 or M-2 visa.
Derivatives require their own I-20 form, but do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.
Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.
NOTE:
- You must pay a SEVIS fee before your interview. The SEVIS fee is in addition to the visa application fee.
- Employment on F or M visa is very restricted. See our website for more information.
- Students cannot study on the Visa Waiver Program or on a Visitor Visa.
- There are restrictions on student F-1 visa holders attending public school in the United States. See our website for more information.
- You may hold more than one valid type of U.S. visa, depending on your purposes of travel.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
See our Directory of Visa Categories on usvisas.state.gov to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States.
