20.3% of the 15,422 Schengen applications made to Portugal from India in 2025 were refused — high refusal by Schengen standards.
Portugal charms slowly — tile-clad hillside cities, yellow trams, dramatic clifftop coasts, and the wistful sound of fado. Add port wine, custard tarts, and some of Europe's best value, and it's easy to see why it keeps rising up wish-lists.
Applying from India · the real numbers
High refusal- 15,422
- Applications
- 79.7%
- Approved
- 20.3%
- Refused
Handled by VFS Global. Consulates in Goa, New Delhi.
2025 figures · European Commission DG HOME (applications made in India). Across all applicants — not a forecast for your file.
Don't-miss places
- Belem Tower & AlfamaLisbon
- Pena Palace & SintraSintra
- Ribeira & port cellarsPorto
- Beaches & cliffsAlgarve
- Douro Valley wine terracesDouro
- Obidos walled villageObidos
Things to do
- Ride Lisbon's Tram 28 through Alfama
- Visit fairytale Pena Palace in Sintra
- Tour the port cellars of Porto
- Cliff-walk the Algarve coast
What to eat
- Pastéis de nata
- Bacalhau (salt cod, 1,000 ways)
- Grilled sardines
- Francesinha sandwich
- Port wine
The culture
Bacalhau (salt cod), pastel de nata custard tarts, seafood, and port wine. Portuguese are warm, easygoing, and proud of their seafaring past. Fado music captures the national mood of saudade, a beautiful longing.
When to go
Mar–Jun and Sep–Oct for warm, pleasant weather; summer for full beach season in the Algarve.
Good to know
- Capital
- Lisbon
- Language
- Portuguese
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Flight from India
- ~11-13 hrs (1-2 stops)
- Ideal trip length
- 6-8 days
Did you know? Portugal is one of the oldest nation-states in Europe, with borders largely unchanged since the 13th century.
Portugal is a fast-rising favourite for Indian travellers, so demand keeps climbing. Check your readiness early to get ahead.
Photo: Belém Tower in Lisbon, Portugal · Lisbon Photoshoots · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons