I heard that in order to apply for Portugal visa while living in Scotland, I have to do it via the consulate in Manchester, even though the consulate in London is easier to reach. However I cannot find any information to confirm this on the Internet. I tried to call the consulate but they didn't pick up the phone. Hence I wonder if anyone can confirm that information for me.
I'm Vietnamese citizen currently living in the UK on a student visa.
The Portuguese system works a bit differently...
All visa applications lodged in the UK need to made online at their Application Portal.
As part of the procedure you will have the opportunity to schedule your appointment request and the site will tell you which locations and dates are available. Edinburgh, being an honorary consulate, does not have the credentials to issue visas. The choices in England are London and Manchester.
You should study their guidance (linked from the portal site) and be sure to take your original documents plus a copy of each (also your photographs).
They have an background information page here.
In researching this answer I spoke with the Vice Consul at The Consulate-General of Portugal in London. She emphasized in the most emphatic terms that you should not purchase travel tickets until AFTER your interview.
In the event you have further questions you can contact the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) at sef@sef.pt
Apparently, I have to apply for the visa in Manchester as I'm living in Scotland. I am sure about it now as they (i.e. the London office) refused to receive my application based on my address.
Even though they have an online booking system, it allowed me to select either Manchester or London office regardless my address, but when I went to the London office, the person, who was in charge of processing the application, told me that I had to go to the Manchester one.
I've emailed the Portuguese consulate in Manchester and received the following reply:
The Consulate General of Portugal in Manchester jurisdiction areas are:
East Midlands — Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire
West Midlands — Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire
North East England — Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, Teeside, Wearside, and Tyneside
North West England — Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire
Yorkshire and the Humber — Yorkshire, Humberside
Isle of Man
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
If you live outside of these areas please contact the Consulate General of Portugal in London.
Therefore you must apply in Manchester, unfortunately, as correctly indicated by the consulate employee.
