Portugal

Petty crime

Bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars does occur, especially in tourist areas.

Pay particular attention to your belongings at:

• tourist attractions and museums
• railway stations and cruise terminals
• public transport, especially on trams in heavily frequented tourist areas
• restaurants and hotel foyers
• beaches

Criminals target cruise ship passengers at the terminals. When leaving cruise ships or transferring to buses and local transport, pay attention to your belongings.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

To keep your valuables safe:

• keep your passport and other identity documents separate
• use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres, not on the street
• don't leave your bag on the back of the chair or at your feet in restaurants or cafes

Put a card with your contact details in your wallet. Tourist police will contact you if someone hands in your lost or stolen property.

Theft from vehicles 

Thieves target vehicles with foreign licence plates and rental car stickers. 

To protect your belongings in your vehicle:

• keep car doors locked and luggage out of sight at all times
• use a secure parking facility, especially overnight
• don't leave your vehicle unattended for long periods
• avoid hiring cars with rental company stickers. 

Violent crime

Robberies and assaults on foreigners occur, particularly in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve area at popular tourist locations and nightclubs/bars. Incidents of pickpocketing and physical assault have been reported to the police. 

To reduce your risk of violent crime:

• avoid walking in quiet and poorly lit streets, especially at night
• monitor the media for updates on safety and security risks

Scams and fraud

Accommodation scams, particularly in Lisbon and the Algarve, are on the rise. Book accommodation using secure payment platforms and trusted websites.

Don't agree to compensate drivers for alleged damage to their vehicles. Always contact the police.

Be wary of scams relating to ATM cards and the 'MB way' money transfer app.

More information:

• Scams

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Demonstrations and protests

Strikes and public demonstrations are common. These can cause street congestion, disrupt public services and affect transport services, including buses, trains, metro, ferries and flights.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
• check local sources for information on possible strikes or unrest
• follow the advice of local authorities
• contact your travel or tour operator about disruptions to travel

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Portugal, they can still happen.

The national terrorism alert for Portugal has been raised from 'moderate' to 'significant' (level 3 out of 5) as a precaution due to the situation in the Middle East and several security incidents in other European countries.

In recent years, terrorists have staged attacks in several European cities.

Targets have included:

• public transport
• transport hubs
• public places popular with foreigners.

European security services have disrupted some planned attacks.

To protect yourself from terrorist threats:

• be alert to possible threats in public places
• exercise caution in locations that could be terrorist targets
• report suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor local news for new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information

• Terrorism

Beach and river safety

Deaths by drowning occur regularly at Portuguese beaches, including riverside beaches, and in swimming pools. If you disobey lifeguard warnings or flags, you could be fined.

Take coloured warning flags on beaches seriously:

• red - danger, don't enter the water
• yellow - you may paddle at the water's edge but not swim
• green flag - safe to swim
• chequered - lifeguards not present

Seas can be rough, particularly during the winter months. Beaches aren't patrolled during this period. Exercise caution if entering the water. 

Pay attention to signs about cliff erosion. Remain behind the barriers at viewing spots. Falling rocks are a hazard, particularly in the Algarve. You can be fined if you ignore warning signs.

Follow local advice if jellyfish are present. They can cause serious injury.

Never leave belongings unattended on the beach or in vehicles parked at beach car parks. Youth gangs meet along the beaches between Lisbon and Cascais and have robbed beach-goers.

Portugal experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including earthquakes, fires and localised flooding.

During a natural disaster or severe weather, monitor the media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System, and follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Floods and fires
• Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (Portuguese)
• Portuguese National Civil Protection Authority 

Earthquakes

Portugal is in an active earthquake zone and experiences regular seismic activity, particularly on the islands of the Azores.

Bushfires and forest fires

High temperatures and bushfires are common in the warmer months, including near coastal and tourist areas.

Large forest fires have caused many deaths and injuries in recent years. As well as the immediate risk posed by forest fires, the smoke produced may affect those with sensitive respiratory systems. 

Causing a bushfire is an offence, even if it's an accident.

Check the Portuguese Meteorological Service and Portuguese National Civil Protection Authority for warnings and updates.

Localised flooding

Localised flooding can occur in Portugal during winter, particularly in urban areas. Exercise caution around affected areas and don't attempt to cross flooded areas. 

Check the Portuguese Meteorological Service and Portuguese National Civil Protection Authority for warnings and updates.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away (including stopovers on the way to your destination)

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Many public hospitals in Portugal are full and under strain.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Portugal. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

You can carry prescription medicines for personal use into Portugal.

To receive medications by post, you may require an import permit.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Portuguese pharmacies usually carry similar medications to Australia. They may be a different brand or dosage. You may need a prescription from a local doctor.

More information:

• Medication

Health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Medical facilities

The Portuguese health system is experiencing ongoing staffing shortages. You may experience delays in accessing health care services, particularly for non-urgent care.

Large private medical facilities in major cities are comparable to Australia's standards.

The standards of public facilities vary and are generally lower than in Australia, even in major cities. 

Treatment costs are high, especially at private facilities.

You may need to pay before doctors and hospitals treat you.

You may need to confirm insurance or guarantee payment before a private hospital will admit you.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Possession and use of illegal drugs is an administrative offence and can attract large fines.

Selling or trafficking illegal drugs is a criminal offence. Penalties are severe and can include jail sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Gambling

Gambling is legal in venues licensed by the government, such as official casinos.

Gambling is illegal in unlicensed venues. Organisers, players and anyone on the premises may be charged, fined or jailed.

Check you're entering a licensed gambling venue.

Other laws

You must carry photo ID in Portugal.

You can be fined if you ride an e-scooter or e-bike under the influence of alcohol.

You may be required to pay IVA (VAT/GST) and/or customs fees to receive international parcels via mail in Portugal, including online shopping and gifts. Fees may seem high relative to the value of goods, and you may be asked to attend a customs facility or pay an agent to release goods. 

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Portugal recognises dual nationality.

Authorities consider a dual citizen living in Portugal to be Portuguese.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

Portugal is part of the Schengen area. This allows you to enter Portugal without a visa in some circumstances. In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Get a clear entry stamp on your passport when you first enter the Schengen area, including Portugal.

Airlines might refuse boarding if you don't have proof of entry or have overstayed your Schengen visa.

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements, contact:

• the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service
• an embassy or consulate of Portugal

Entry into Portugal

If you enter Portugal on a non-Australian passport, consult that country's website, embassy or consulate.

If you're arriving from a non-European Union country, you may be subject to longer than expected delays for entry processing, particularly at Lisbon airport.

Requirements for arriving in mainland Portugal may vary from Madeira and the Azores. Check the rules for each of these autonomous regions before entry.

Check the rules online, but be aware that Portuguese Government websites, including the official Tourism Agency (Visit Portugal), Border Agency (SEF) and COVID response ('Estamos On'), particularly English-language versions, are often out of date or inaccurate.

Departure from Portugal

Check the re-entry or quarantine arrangements of any country you're travelling to or transiting through, and be aware that requirements can change at short notice. Contact your airline, travel agent or insurance company.

Travelling with children

Under Portuguese law, foreign minors under 18 years of age entering or exiting Portugal must have an authorisation letter of parental consent to travel if travelling without their parent/s or legal guardian/s. Check the legal requirements for a letter.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Carry copies of the photograph page of your passport, in case you're stopped by local authorities.

Lost or stolen passports

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible and obtain a local police report.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The local currency is the euro (EUR).

Declare amounts over 10,000 euros or the same amount in another foreign currency. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

This applies if you're travelling between Portugal and any non-European Union country. You don't need to declare currency if you're travelling to or from another European Union country.

You'll be fined if you don't declare or give incorrect information.

Foreign bank cards may not be accepted in smaller shops, restaurants, towns or rural areas. You can use Australian credit cards at larger hotels and shopping centres.

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.

Check border conditions through local news sources and transport providers.

Driving permit

You can drive in Portugal using a valid Australian driver's licence. 

If you hold a residence permit for Portugal, you can continue to use your valid Australian driver's license as long as you meet certain conditions. 

More information:

• Portugal
• Driving or riding
• Visit Portugal

Road travel

Portugal has a high rate of motor vehicle accidents and road fatalities.

Dangers include:

• unpredictable local driving habits
• driving under the influence of substances
• vehicles travelling at excessive speed on motorways
• poorly marked secondary roads and narrow cobblestone streets
• blind corners
• poor lighting
• livestock in rural areas, including in the Azores

Occasional rock falls occur on regional coastal roads.

You must report traffic accidents to the police.

There are large on-the-spot fines for:

• drink-driving
• speeding
• using a mobile phone while driving

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Taxis are usually reliable. However, there are reports of taxi drivers overcharging, threatening and harassing passengers at Lisbon airport. There are no fixed taxi transfer fees at airports.

Ride-sharing services are available and legal.

Official taxis are usually identifiable as black and green. 

To stay safe in taxis:

• ask the taxi driver to use the meter
• ask for a receipt, which taxi drivers must provide if requested

There are no taxi meters in the Azores. Confirm the fare before your trip starts.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are common in popular tourist areas.

Check your insurance covers you in the event of an accident in a tuk-tuk.

Always use a seatbelt.

Thieves may try to snatch your possessions when travelling by tuk-tuk, particularly in tourist areas.

Public transport

Public transport is usually safe and reliable.

You can top up rechargeable tickets at metro stations. Use these tickets on most public buses, ferries, trams, trains and the metro.

Strikes and public demonstrations are common. These can cause street congestion and affect transport services, including buses, trains, metro, ferries and flights.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

If you arrive via sea, including on a cruise, visa and other entry requirements, including Schengen, apply. This applies regardless of how long you stay. See the information on visas above. 

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Portugal's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

For non-urgent criminal issues, contact the nearest police station.

To contact tourist police stations in Lisbon, Porto, Portimão and Cascais:

• call 342 1634 or 342 1623.
• email lsbetur@psp.pt

You can email to ask for a police report after leaving Portugal.

Support for victims of crime

If you are a victim of crime, get support from Portugal's Victims of Crime support unit, APAV. English support services are available.

Rua José Estévão, 135 A, Pisos 1/2
1150-201 Lisbon
Phone: 21 358 7900
Email: apav.sede@apav.pt
Website: APAV Victim Support

Free Phone Victim Support Helpline:  116 006

Infovictims (a European platform to support victims of crime) has information about criminal proceedings, victim’s rights and support services available.

The National Immigrant Support Centre (CNAI) supports expats.

Website: APAV Victim Support

The National Immigrant Support Centre (CNAI) supports expats.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Lisbon.

Australian Embassy, Lisbon

Victoria Building
Avenida da Liberdade 200 – 2nd Floor
1250-147 Lisbon
Phone: (+351 21) 310 1500
Fax: (+351 21) 310 1555
Email: austemb.lisbon@dfat.gov.au
Website: portugal.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Portugal

Twitter: @AusAmbPT

Instagram: @ausembpt

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

You need an appointment for passport and notarial services. Book via the Embassy website or Facebook page.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia