Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Thieves are very skilled and often work in groups. Be particularly vigilant in these public areas:

• all tourist sites and attractions
• beaches
• restaurants
• hotel lobbies
• transportation hubs, including bus and train stations

While crime occurs mostly in larger cities, thieves can strike anywhere, including in small towns popular with tourists and, in particular, towns along the coast. Be particularly careful in the greater area of Lisbon:

• Sintra and Queluz
• Costa da Caparica beaches
• Guincho beach
• Cascais
• Cabo da Roca and Boca do Inferno

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times. Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid wearing or carrying expensive watches, jewellery, cameras, etc. and don’t carry large sums of cash. If possible, carry only the documents, cash and belongings you will need for the day; leave all other items in a hotel safe.

In Lisbon, exercise caution at all train, bus and underground stations, and particularly on electric trams numbered:

• E28, to Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge castle)
• E25, to Prazeres
• E15, to Belém

In Porto, don’t walk alone after dark, especially along the Douro River Waterfront.

If you are robbed, go to the nearest police station to report the crime and obtain a police report. There are tourist police stations in Lisbon, Porto, Praia da Rocha (Portimão) and Cascais. Local establishments, such as hotels will be able to direct you to the police station.

Violent crime targeting tourists is rare in Portugal.

Parked vehicles and vehicles on the road

Vehicle break-ins are frequent. Rented vehicles are a target of choice.

• Leave nothing in view in the vehicle
• Ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Use secure parking facilities
• Be particularly vigilant when renting automobiles
• Beware of any person who waves at you to stop on the highway

Official assistance and road monitoring vehicles are present on Portuguese highways. They will come to your assistance. When possible, wait for these service providers to arrive or if you are in sight of an SOS phone (which are located along the highways), use it to call for help.

Home break-ins

Tourists staying in rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Choose well-secured homes and avoid unsavoury neighbourhoods. Whether you are staying in private or commercial accommodations, make sure you lock windows and doors securely at night and when you are away.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

The Portuguese government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat-level changes online and through social media. Portugal's current threat level is 3,  “significant”,  on a scale of 5.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations and strikes can occur in larger urban centres. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Always obey warning flags at beaches, lakes and rivers. The main warning flags used in Portugal are:

• Green: calm waters, swimming allowed
• Yellow: agitated waters, no swimming allowed
• Red: dangerous waters, it is forbidden to swim or enter the water
• Checkered blue and white or checkered black and white: life guard is temporarily off duty

The flags are there for your own safety. The Portuguese Maritime Police could fine you for disobeying a flag warning.

In marine areas, coral, jellyfish and other ocean life found along reefs can poison, sting or cause infection if touched or stepped on.

• Ask local authorities about the presence of such species and whether they are dangerous
• Immediately seek medical assistance if you get hurt

In the fall and winter months, be cautious when walking along beaches close to the water’s edge as waves can be unpredictable in size and may come onto shore further than expected.

• Don’t visit beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks
• Don’t dive into unknown waters, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities

Useful links

• Ports and beaches weather conditions – Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere
• Water safety abroad

Road safety

Excessive speeds, tailgating, unpredictable driving habits and reckless motorcyclists pose hazards. Slow-moving machinery can also pose a hazard and you may come across them in both rural and national roads.

When walking around in the cities, be careful with the uneven and often slippery pavement “calçada”. Cross only at pedestrian cross walks. Always be alert and make sure vehicles have stopped before crossing.

Public transportation

Public transportation is generally safe.

When using taxis, particularly from the Lisbon Airport into the city, negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged. Baggage fees and toll charges are added to the final bill.

Take note of the number or licence plate of the taxi in case you need to report unsatisfactory service, reckless driving or if you leave items behind by accident.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Portuguese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

Portugal is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Schengen area
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Automated e-passport gates

If you are 18 and over and travelling with a Canadian e-passport, you may use the automated e-passport gates for entry into Portugal.

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days*
Business visa: not required for stays up 90 days*
Work visa: required
Student visa: required

* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.

Guide to temporary entry into Portugal under CETA

Registration

You must register your presence in the country with the Portuguese Immigration Service (SEF) within 3 business days of arrival if:

• you arrive in Portugal from a Schengen area country via an uncontrolled land border and;
• you don’t have EU citizenship and;
• you are staying in private accommodations.

Portuguese Immigration Service (SEF) (in Portuguese)  

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them proof of a return ticket.

Children and travel

Minors, under the age of 18, who are travelling alone or with adults other than their parents or legal guardian must carry an authorization letter from the parent or parents not travelling. The letter must indicate who will be taking care of the minor during their stay in Portugal, and specific dates of travel.

Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is very good. Services are available throughout the country but may be limited in rural areas. Many private hospitals and clinics require advance payment prior to treatment. Keep all receipts of payment to reclaim expenses from your travel insurance company.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Portugal are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Portugal to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Portugal authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

You must carry photo identification when in Portugal. To minimize the risk of your passport getting lost or stolen, carry a photocopy of your passport or other form of valid photo ID with you. Leave your passport in a safe location. If required, the police may escort you to retrieve your passport from safekeeping.

If you carry your passport as official ID, keep a photocopy or digital copy in a separate, safe place, should the original be lost or seized.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect fines, administrative sanctions or jail sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Portugal.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Portugal, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Portugal.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Portugal, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Portuguese court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Portugal to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Portugal.

You can drive using a Canadian driver’s licence for up to 185 days, as long as you are not a resident of Portugal.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, car seizure and a jail sentence.

In some areas, traffic radar registers violations and municipalities send tickets to the offender by mail. This includes out-of-country offenders. Fines for traffic violations are substantial. If you are stopped by a police officer, you must pay the fine on the spot or the vehicle may be impounded until the fine is paid.

The use of mobile telephones while driving is illegal, unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device.

The use of a seatbelt is mandatory for the driver and all passengers in a car. Children up to 135 cm tall or under 12 years old must ride in appropriate car seats.

You must use low-beam headlights at all times.

If you are involved in an accident, you must not move the vehicle and you must immediately report the accident to the police.

In case of car trouble or an accident, you must immediately wear the reflective vest that should be found in all vehicles and set up and place the warning triangle up to 30 metres behind the vehicle. These items are mandatory in all vehicles.

Driving in Portugal - European Commission

Money

The currency of Portugal is the euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Portugal. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Wildfires

High temperatures create dry conditions, which can lead to large fires throughout Portugal. Fires can cause disruptions to communications and transportation networks.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and affect travellers with respiratory ailments.

Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence, punishable by heavy fines or imprisonment.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Useful links

• Wildfire risk – Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere
• Protect yourself in case of wildfire – Portuguese Civil Protection

Seasonal risks

Extreme weather changes result in heavy rain and wind storms in the fall and winter months. Rogue waves pose a hazard along the entire west coast.

Seismic activity

Portugal is located in an active seismic zone. While seismic activity is rare, it can be devastating.

Information about active events  - Portugal’s National Authority for Civil Protection (primarily in Portuguese)