US B1/B2 tourist visa from Portugal: interview, fees and documents in 2026
How non-EU residents of Portugal apply for a US visitor visa: the DS-160, the $185 fee, the new $250 visa integrity fee, the Lisbon interview rule and the documents to bring.
In this article
Short answer: most non-EU nationals living in Portugal (for example Brazilian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepali and Pakistani citizens) need a B1/B2 visa to visit the USA. You fill in the DS-160 online, pay the $185 application fee and attend an interview at the US Embassy in Lisbon. Since September 2025 interviews must take place in your country of nationality or residence, so your Portuguese TRC is what allows you to apply in Lisbon. A new $250 visa integrity fee created by a 2025 US law also applies to issued visas; check the embassy page for how it is being collected.
Information as of October 2026.
B1/B2 or ESTA?
The ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) is only for citizens of participating countries, such as Portugal and most EU states. Your residence in Portugal does not make you eligible. If your passport is not on the list, you need a B1/B2 visa.
Step by step
- Complete the DS-160 on the State Department’s consular website. Answer every question honestly, including previous refusals and travel history. Upload a recent photo that meets US rules.
- Pay the application fee ($185) through the appointment system for Portugal.
- Book your interview at the US Embassy in Lisbon. Wait times vary; book early.
- Attend the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter and supporting documents.
- Collect your passport with the visa if approved.
The interview rule since September 2025
The State Department now asks non-immigrant visa applicants to apply in their country of nationality or residence. If you apply elsewhere, you may be refused and the fee is not refunded. For a TRC holder in Portugal, this means:
- apply in Lisbon, using your Portuguese address
- bring your valid TRC to prove legal residence
- interview waivers ("dropbox") are now much more limited, so expect an interview
Documents to bring
The officer may not ask for papers, but have them ready:
- passport, with old passports if they show US or other visas
- Portuguese TRC
- employment letter with salary and approved leave, plus recent payslips
- bank statements for the last three to six months
- self-employed: activity registration, invoices and IRS returns
- a simple trip plan: dates, places, where you will stay
- ties to Portugal: rental contract, family, studies
How officers decide
US law presumes every visitor intends to immigrate until they show otherwise (section 214(b)). Your job in the interview is to show, in clear short answers, that you have a real life in Portugal and a short, affordable trip. Be ready to explain your work, your income, who you will visit and when you will return.
Costs at a glance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application (MRV) fee | $185 |
| Visa integrity fee (on issuance) | $250, check current collection rules |
| Reciprocity fee | Depends on nationality |
Frequently asked questions
Can a Brazilian living in Portugal use ESTA?
No. ESTA depends on nationality. Brazilian citizens need a B1/B2 visa, which they can apply for in Lisbon if they live in Portugal.
Can I do my US visa interview in Spain or France?
Since September 2025, only if you are a national or legal resident of that country. Otherwise apply in Lisbon.
How long is a B1/B2 visa valid?
Validity depends on your nationality and the officer’s decision. It can range from a few months to ten years, but each stay is decided at the border.
What happens if I am refused under 214(b)?
You can reapply when your situation is stronger. There is no waiting period, but a new application with the same facts usually gets the same answer.
Sources
This article is general information. Rules change: before you apply, our team confirms what applies to you.
