Travel safely in Portugal: Important tips for your summer vacation!

Travel safely in Portugal: Important tips for your summer vacation!

Portugal is very popular as a travel destination in Europe, particularly the Algarve, Lisbon and the Azores. In view of the increasing number of tourists, the Foreign Office is giving important information Travel and safety advice to help travelers plan their excursions.

There has been an increase in petty crime in tourist hotspots such as Lisbon and Porto. Pickpocketing, holiday apartment break-ins and car break-ins are common occurrences. The Federal Foreign Office advises travelers to limit cash to the bare essentials and to carry valuables safely on their person. Particular caution should be exercised when outings at night in nightlife areas.

Security situation and precautionary measures

The security situation requires a heightened level of vigilance. According to the Foreign Office, although violent crime is rare, travelers should still exercise general caution and look after their valuables. It is advisable to keep money and documents safe, especially in crowds.

Another note concerns the warnings about strong currents on the Atlantic coast, which can lead to swimming accidents. To avoid such dangers, you should pay attention to the flag warnings and lifeguard instructions.

Nature and climate

Portugal is known not only for its culture and beaches, but also for its extreme weather conditions. Tropical storms, landslides, earthquakes and even volcanic activity can occur, particularly in Madeira and the Azores. The summer months also bring with them an increased risk of bush and forest fires, especially in the interior and on Madeira. The Federal Foreign Office encourages you to follow news and weather reports during your trip in order to be able to react in good time to possible dangers.

To travel safely, vacationers should be aware of local traffic regulations. The alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille, but for novice drivers and professional drivers the limit is only 0.2 per mille. In addition, many highways require tolls and travelers should familiarize themselves with the respective toll systems.

Entry requirements and travel documents

No compulsory vaccinations are required to enter Portugal, but standard vaccinations, especially against measles, should be up to date. The Federal Foreign Office points out that passports, temporary passports, identity cards and children's passports are accepted for entry. From January 2024, new children's passports will no longer be issued, but existing ones will remain valid until the specified expiry date.

General travel recommendations include finding out about the latest COVID-19 information before traveling and, if necessary, subscribing to the Federal Foreign Office's newsletter or the “Sicher Reisen” app. It is also recommended to use the crisis preparedness list and ensure that you have sufficient travel health insurance. Further information on the safety instructions and entry regulations can be found on the Federal Foreign Office website here.