23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Call 112.
Do not travel to Portugal.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars occurs, especially in summer peak tourist season.
Pay attention to your belongings at:
Be alert to theft on public transport, especially on trams in heavily frequented tourist areas, for example:
To keep your valuables safe:
Put a card with your contact details in your wallet. Tourist police will contact you if someone hands in your lost or stolen property.
Thieves target vehicles with foreign licence plates and rental car stickers. They pretend you have a flat tyre or other problem to get drivers to pull over.
Thieves target parked cars:
To protect your belongings in your vehicle:
Robberies and assaults on foreigners occur in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve area, including at popular tourist locations.
To reduce your risk of violent crime:
Drink spiking
Foreigners have been robbed and sexually assaulted after having their drinks spiked at night clubs.
To avoid being a victim of drink spiking:
More information:
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:
Criminals target cruise ship passengers at the terminals.
Pay attention to your personal belongings when leaving cruise ships or transferring to buses and local transport.
More information:
Strikes and public demonstrations occur, mainly in Lisbon and Porto. These can 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:
More information:
While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Portugal, they can still happen.
In recent years, terrorists have staged attacks in a number of European cities.
Targets have included:
Some planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services.
To protect yourself from terrorist threats:
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. For further information visit: Terrorism
Deaths by drowning occur every year on Portuguese beaches and in swimming pools. If you disobey lifeguard warnings or flags, you could be fined.
Never leave belongings unattended on the beach or in vehicles parked at beach carparks. Youth gangs meet along the beaches between Lisbon and Cascais and have robbed beach-goers.
Take coloured warning flags on beaches seriously:
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.
Portugal experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including earthquakes and fires.
During a natural disaster or severe weather:
More information:
Portugal is in an active earthquake zone and experiences regular earthquakes.
Bushfires are common during summer (July to September), including near coastal and tourist areas.
Large forest fires have caused hundreds of deaths and injuries in recent years. In addition to the immediate risk posed by forest fires, they may also produce high levels of smoke in and around the impacted area, which may impact on those with sensitive respiratory systems.
Causing a bushfire is an offence, even if it's an accident.
Check the Portuguese Metereological Service and Portuguese National Civil Protection Authority for fire warnings and updates during bushfires.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19. Many hospitals in Portugal are full and under strain.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you need counselling services while overseas, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.
More information:
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 medicine 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:
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:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Portugal. A public health plan is in place. This may include restricted measures for some sectors (entry restrictions and modified operating hours for restaurants and supermarkets). Such measures can be announced at short notice. The rate of new COVID-19 infections is high in some municipalities. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities. Advice and information is available from the Directorate of Health (available in English by clicking on the globe symbol).
For information on Portugal's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to advice by Portugal's Ministry of Health. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. If you are temporarily residing in Portugal, you can register to receive the vaccine. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process. However, if you receive a COVID-19 Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine while overseas, you can register your vaccination on the Australian Immunisation Register when you return to Australia.
Other health risks are broadly similar to those in Australia.
The Portuguese health system, including hospitals, is focused on the COVID-19 response. Many hospitals were overwhelmed and are still dealing with a backlog. You may experience difficulties or delays in accessing non-emergency health care throughout 2021.
The standard of large private medical facilities in major cities is comparable to Australia.
The standards of public facilities in regional and rural areas vary.
Treatment costs are high, especially at private facilities.
You may need to pay before doctors and hospitals will 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 of illegal drugs is a criminal offence. Penalties are severe and can include jail sentences.
More information:
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.
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 (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 in order to release goods. From 1 July 2021 the IVA exemption on non-EU online purchases ends (previously exempt under 22 euros).
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Portugal recognises dual nationality.
Authorities consider a dual citizen living in Portugal to be Portuguese.
More information:
Under Portuguese law, foreign minors under 18 years of age entering or exiting Portugal must be in possession of 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.
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.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements, contact:
More information:
Australians are currently permitted to enter Portugal by air and sea. However, there are bans or restrictions on arrivals from certain countries, including the UK and several European countries.
To enter mainland Portugal you are required to obtain a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), including polymerase chain reaction test (PCR), or rapid antigen test (TRAg) taken in the 72 hours or 24 hours respectively before the flight’s departure. If you do not have a valid test you will be turned away. If you’re flying into Madeira or the Azores, whether from mainland Portugal or elsewhere overseas, you’ll need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test obtained in the 72 hours before the flight’s departure or undergo COVID-19 testing or quarantine on arrival.
Travel may be limited to only essential trips, and you may need to isolate for 14 days on arrival depending on where you enter from. If you enter Portugal from the UK you will be required to complete 14 days quarantine upon arrival (except for Madeira Island), unless you have been fully vaccinated 14 days prior to entry. Check the rules carefully. Portuguese Immigration (SEF) provide information in English on the current entry requirements. If you do need to quarantine, you can register your quarantine address online pre-departure to speed up entry procedures – if not, you will be asked to do so on arrival. The list of countries changes at least fortnightly and measures may change at short notice. If you have checked online and are not sure whether you need to quarantine, contact your airline or nearest embassy or consulate of Portugal or call the Australian Embassy in Lisbon.
Regulations are being interpreted inconsistently by airlines and border officials. Contact your airline or nearest embassy or consulate of Portugal for the latest information, including on travel exemptions, isolation and pre-flight COVID testing requirements. These measures may change at short notice.
The land border with Spain is open.
Depending on where you’re coming from, check to see if you need a special exemption to travel for a professional, study, family reunion, health or humanitarian reason, contact the closest embassy or consulate of Portugal.
The rules for transiting Portugal on an international flight connection depend on your point of departure and final destination. Check with your airline or travel agent. Contact the Australian Embassy in Lisbon if you need help.
Cruises have commenced operating in Portugal but there are bans and restrictions on arrivals from certain countries. To enter Portugal by sea, you'll be required to provide a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), including polymerase chain reaction test (PCR), or rapid antigen test (TRAg) taken within 72 hours or 48 hours respectively before disembarking.
If you want to rely on another (non-Australian) nationality or residency to enter Portugal, consult the website, embassy or consulate of that country.
EU Digital COVID Certificates
Portugal is accepting certificates issued by other EU member states under the EU Digital Certificate Scheme.
If you have been fully vaccinated in the EU and are able to provide proof that you received the final dose of an EU-approved COVID-19 vaccine 14 days prior to arrival, you may enter Portugal subject to having an EU Digital COVID Certificate.
If you are outside of the EU or Schengen Area please check the entry requirements for Portugal as entry is mostly permitted only for essential travel. More information is available here.
Departure from Portugal
Commercial connections to Australia are difficult at present. Seat bookings are very difficult to obtain at present due to the cap on international arrivals into Australia. If you're in Portugal and want to return to Australia, contact your airline, travel agent or insurance company. We also encourage you to register with the Australian Government at Smartraveller.
You should check carefully any re-entry or quarantine requirements in the country you're returning to after Portugal and be conscious these might change at short notice.
Staying in Portugal
The Portuguese Government has enacted a range of measures to address COVID-19.
A State of Calamity is in place across the country (excluding islands of the Azores). The Portuguese Government has announced a phased re-opening plan (Portuguese only). Consult local authorities and follow rules. Fines for non-compliance exist and may be enforced inconsistently. Circulation within and outside of certain municipalities may be restricted due to an increase in the number of infections. Hygiene and social distancing rules are in place, including gathering limits, and compulsory use of masks in public.
Social distancing and mask-wearing are compulsory in public spaces, including in shops, on public transport and outdoors whenever other people are around.
There are extra restrictions on drinking alcohol in public. Beach access is limited in areas and there are hygiene and social distancing rules in place this summer - even in the water. There are fines for non-compliance, so monitor and follow rules as they evolve.
The Portuguese High Commission for Migration website contains a helpful summary of restrictions in English, but it is not updated daily and you should confirm this advice is current.
If you're staying in Portugal:
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.
Get a clear entry stamp in your passport when you first enter the Schengen area, including Portugal.
If you don't have proof of entry or have overstayed your Schengen visa, airlines might refuse to transport you.
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.
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.
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 (EU) country. You don't need to declare currency if you're travelling to or from another EU country.
You'll be fined if you don't declare or you give incorrect information.
Foreign bank cards aren't widely accepted in smaller shops, restaurants, towns or rural areas. You can use Australian credit cards at larger hotels and shopping centres.
Most ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit of 200 euros.
Since 2015, there have been significant pressures on border controls in Europe due to the movement of asylum seekers.
While the impact in Portugal has been limited, carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.
Check border conditions through local news sources and transport providers.
You can drive for up to 6 months with a valid Australian driver's licence.
You also need either:
More information:
Portugal has a high rate of motor vehicle accidents and road fatalities.
Dangers include:
Occasional rock falls occur on regional coastal roads.
You must report traffic accidents to the police.
There are large on-the-spot fines for:
More information:
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 to Lisbon or Porto city.
Ride-sharing services are available and legal.
To stay safe in taxis:
There are no taxi meters in the Azores. Confirm the fare before your trip starts.
Tuktuks are common in large tourist areas.
Check your insurance covers you in the event of an accident in a tuktuk.
Always use a seatbelt.
Thieves may try to snatch your possessions when you're travelling by tuktuk, particularly in tourist areas.
Public transport is usually safe and reliable.
Queues for tickets can be long. Ticket machines in metro stations sometimes run out of paper.
You can top up rechargeable tickets at metro stations. Use these tickets on most public buses, ferries, trams, trains and the metro.
More information:
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.
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112.
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:
You can email to ask for a police report after leaving Portugal.
If you are a victim of crime, get support from Portugal's Victims of Crime support unit, APAV.
Rua José Estévão, 135 A, Pisos 1/2
1150-201 Lisbon
Phone: 21 358 7900
Email: apav.sede@apav.pt
Website: APAV Victim Support
The National Immigrant Support Centre (CNAI) supports expats.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
If you're not satisfied with the response, request the Complaints Book (Livro de Reclamacoes).
If the service provider refuses to provide the Complaints Book:
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.
Victoria Building
Avenida da Liberdade 200 – 2nd Floor
1250-147 Lisbon
Phone: (+351 21) 310 1500
Fax: (+351 21) 310 1555
Email: ausemb.lisbon@dfat.gov.au
Website: portugal.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Portugal
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.