Overstaying Your Schengen Visa in Portugal? Here’s What You Need to Know &

Overstaying Your Schengen Visa in Portugal? Here’s What You Need to Know About Fines

If you’ve overstayed your welcome in Portugal, you might want to pay attention especially when it comes to fines.

Contrary to popular belief, getting caught isn’t going to cost you a jaw-dropping €700, according to a recent report by Publico. Instead, Portugal’s Public Security Police (PSP) are handing out fines ranging between €80 and €250 for visa overstays.

Why the confusion? Article 192 of the Foreigners Law does, in fact, allow for fines up to €700, but that hefty penalty is only reserved for serious cases like fraud. The good news is, if you’ve overstayed your visa, you’re unlikely to face the maximum fine unless something more sinister is involved.

How Much Will It Really Cost You?

Tourists who are staying in Portugal beyond the permitted limit for short stays, which is a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period, are fined for overstaying.

The fines depend on just how long you’ve lingered beyond your allowed time:

€80 to €160: If you’ve overstayed by up to 30 days.
€260 to €320: For those who’ve overstayed between 30 and 90 days.
€320 to €500: If your overstay stretches beyond 90 days but is less than 180 days.
€500 to €700: For those who’ve stayed more than 180 days beyond their visa’s limit.

These fines apply not only to tourists who extend their stay beyond the standard 90 days (or the additional 90-day extension) but also to individuals who have engaged in activities requiring a specific visa without having obtained one.

Understanding the Risks

While the fines might not be as high as €700 in most cases, overstaying a visa can still have consequences. Repeated violations could lead to a ban from re-entering Portugal or other Schengen Area countries, and depending on the circumstances, you might find yourself facing stricter immigration checks next time you travel.

So, while a €80 fine might not break the bank, overstaying in Portugal could end up costing more than you bargained for in the long run. If you're unsure about your visa status or need more time in Portugal, it's always a good idea to check your options for extending legally and avoid any costly surprises.

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