Portugal captivates visitors with its dramatic Atlantic coastline, historic cities adorned with colorful azulejo tiles, and a rich maritime heritage. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the port wine cellars of Porto, ancient castles of Sintra to the golden beaches of the Algarve, this sun-drenched country offers an irresistible blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty.
Portugal is one of Europe's safest countries and consistently ranks in the top 5 of the Global Peace Index. Violent crime against tourists is rare; the primary concerns are petty theft (pickpocketing) in crowded tourist areas of Lisbon and Porto, and road safety in rural areas.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions. Petty theft is the main risk in tourist areas; be vigilant with personal belongings on Tram 28, Baixa, and Alfama in Lisbon and Ribeira in Porto.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Portugal is a safe destination. Normal precautions apply. Be aware of petty theft in tourist areas.
No significant travel risk
Portugal is a safe country for travelers. Main risks are petty crime in tourist areas and road traffic accidents.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Watch for pickpockets in Lisbon's Baixa district, Porto's Ribeira, and crowded trams (especially Tram 28)
Avoid leaving valuables in rental cars, especially at beach parking lots in the Algarve
Be cautious in Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre late at night — excessive alcohol can make you a target
Keep copies of passport and important documents separate from originals; use hotel safe for valuables
Use official taxis (green and black) or licensed ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt) rather than unmarked vehicles
Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival for extended stays — the British FCDO, US STEP, etc.
Portugal requires E-111/GHIC for EU visitors and travel insurance for all others; private care costs are high
Sun protection is essential April–October; coastal winds make UV intensity deceptively high
Ocean rip currents are serious on Atlantic beaches — only swim where blue flags and lifeguards are present
Beware of fake charity petition scams in tourist areas, especially near major monuments in Lisbon
Carry small cash for markets and rural areas — many small tascas (taverns) are cash-only
Forest fire risk is high June–September in interior regions; follow ICNF guidance and avoid forested hiking trails on red-alert days
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Tram 28 and Alfama pickpocketing
Tram 28 is the most notorious pickpocketing location in Lisbon, operated by organized gangs on crowded carriages. Thieves also work the viewpoints (miradouros) and the steep streets of Alfama.
How to avoid: Use a money belt; keep phones in front pockets; consider taking the 28E electric tram which is less crowded; leave valuables at hotel
Charity petition scam
Groups approach tourists near major monuments (Jerónimos, Belém Tower, Rossio) with clipboards claiming to collect signatures for a charity, then demand cash donations or distract while an accomplice pickpockets.
How to avoid: Decline firmly and keep walking; never hand over a clipboard with your belongings nearby
Fake taxi / unofficial transfers
Unlicensed taxi touts at airports and train stations approach arriving travelers offering inflated-price rides. Official taxis are metered green and black vehicles; ride apps have fixed prices.
How to avoid: Use Uber or Bolt app; official taxis at official ranks; never accept rides from informal touts
Restaurant couvert overcharge
Some tourist-area restaurants bring bread, olives, and butter automatically and charge high prices (€8-15/person) for items that appear to be complimentary. These are legal but sometimes deceptively expensive.
How to avoid: Send the couvert back if you don't want it; ask the price before eating; check the menu for couvert pricing
Card skimming at ATMs
Skimming devices occasionally reported on ATMs in tourist areas. Use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping centers rather than standalone street machines, especially at night.
How to avoid: Use Multibanco ATMs inside banks; cover PIN entry; check card reader for tampering
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No vaccinations required for Portugal. Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A)
- Water
- Safe to drink throughout mainland Portugal. Bottled water widely available
- Food
- Sunburn (use SPF 30+), dehydration (drink water in summer heat), traveler's diarrhea rare
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Portugal is excellent for solo travel — very safe, walkable cities, good public transport, and welcoming locals. Hostels in Lisbon and Porto have strong social communities. Solo female travelers report feeling safe. The main precaution is standard petty theft awareness in tourist areas.
Female travellers
Very safe for women traveling solo. Portugal ranks among Europe's safest countries for women. Lisbon and Porto have visible police presence in tourist areas. Normal precautions apply at night in entertainment areas (Bairro Alto, Pink Street); avoid walking alone on unlit streets after 2AM in any city.
Families
Exceptionally family-friendly and safe. Portuguese culture warmly welcomes children; families dining out late is normal. Atlantic beaches have lifeguards and blue-flag safety standards. Main considerations: sun protection April-October, rip currents at west-facing beaches, cobblestones challenging for strollers.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Portugal is one of Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries. Same-sex marriage legal since 2010; adoption rights fully equal since 2016. Lisbon's Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto are notably LGBTQ+ welcoming neighborhoods. Pride parade in Lisbon (June) is a major event. Rural and conservative areas may be less accepting, but harassment is rare.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112
- Medical
- 112
- Embassy
- Tourist Police