Azores travel advice

Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from vehicles, is common, especially in Ponta Delgada and Rabo de Peixe.

Be particularly vigilant in crowded public areas such as:

• popular tourist areas, including lookouts
• buses, bus stations, and airports
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, including outdoor seating areas
• beaches

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• avoid walking alone after dark
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas
• avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lit areas
• never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

Lost or stolen belongings abroad

Terrorism

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in the Azores, they can still happen. 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 police stations
• schools, including universities
• 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
• cultural venues

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during sporting events, religious holidays, public celebrations and major political events, such as elections, 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, drinks and other items

Criminals sometimes add drugs to items that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.

Items may include:

• food and drinks
• gum
• cigarettes

Incidents are most likely to occur in nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

While you’re in the Azores:

• be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
• order drinks in sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastic cups

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous, even for excellent swimmers. Coastal ocean currents are powerful and rip currents are common. Drownings occur every year.

Always obey warning flags at beaches, lakes and rivers.

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

Jellyfish, stingrays and other marine life found in swimming areas 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.

• Do not visit beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Look out for signs of cliff erosion and falling rocks
• Do not 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

• Coastal and Beach Risks – European Centre on Urban Risks
• Beaches and ports weather conditions – Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere
• Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking can be dangerous.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:

• share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone
• stay on marked trails and consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• obtain detailed information on your activity and the environment in which you will be setting out
• buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to these types of recreational activities
• ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water
• monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards

Roads

Road safety

Road safety may vary across the Azores.

Accidents are frequent.

Road conditions

Road conditions vary across the islands.

Rapidly changing weather conditions, such as heavy rains, strong winds and thick fog, can pose a hazard.

Driving can also be dangerous due to:

• insufficient lighting
• potholes
• unpaved roads
• poorly maintained roads
• lack of traffic signs
• livestock
• narrow, winding and mountainous roads

Driving habits

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws and often speed.

If you choose to drive in the Azores:

• always drive defensively
• avoid travelling after dark
• always carry a cell phone and a charger

Public transportation

Taxis

Most taxis don’t have meters. You will be charged a base fee plus a posted rate for the distance you travel.

Confirm the fare in advance.

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 Portuguese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

The Azores are in the Schengen area. 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

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days*
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days*
Work permit: 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.

Travel documents for non-EU nationals – Your Europe

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay

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 their parents or legal guardian to travel. The letter must be signed and dated, and the signature must be certified by a notary.

The letter must indicate the following:

• the minor’s specific travel dates
• the address where they will be staying
• details on the adult in the Azores responsible for them
• full contact details of the minor’s parents or legal guardian

Travelling with children

Yellow fever

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

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Health care is generally good but limited in availability. There are three public hospitals in the Azores, which are located on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, and Faial. There is also one private hospital on São Miguel.

Medical facilities may require immediate cash payment for medical treatment.

Not all doctors or health care providers speak English or French.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

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

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in the Azores or may require a prescription from a local doctor.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the Azores.

• Bring enough medication for your stay
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

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 the Azores to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Azorean authorities.

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

Drugs

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

• Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
• Never transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases

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 the Azores, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Azorean 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 the Azores 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

Identification

The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal.

By Portuguese law, you must always carry valid photo identification. Local authorities may request to see it at any time.

• Always carry valid identification or a photocopy of it
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your identification and travel documents

Driving

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

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. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.

Convicted offenders can expect:

• license suspension
• car seizure
• heavy fines
• a jail sentence

You must use low-beam headlights at all times.

If you are involved in a car accident, do not move the vehicle and immediately report it to the police. You must exchange details with the drivers involved and complete the accident report “Declaração Amigável” before submitting it to your insurance company.

Mandatory equipment

Children up to 135 cm tall or under 12 years old must ride in appropriate car seats.

You must always keep a reflective vest and a warning triangle in your vehicle. In case of car trouble or an accident, switch on the hazard lights, wear the reflective vest and place the warning triangle at least 30 metres behind the vehicle.

Road rules and safety – Portugal – Your Europe

Photography

Photographing the police, the military or sensitive installations is prohibited. It is also illegal to film or photograph the public without their consent.

Seek permission before taking photos of official buildings or individuals.

Money

The currency of the Azores 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 the Azores. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Earthquakes

The Azores are located in an active seismic zone. Small earthquakes occur frequently and can be devastating.

Useful links

• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Recent seismic activity – Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Centre of the Azores (CIVISA) (Portuguese only)
• Latest news – Regional Service of Civil Protection and Fire Department of the Azores (Portuguese only)
• Seismic maps – Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere
• Information about active events – Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection

Volcanoes

There are several active volcanoes in the Azores.

Eruptions could occur at any time. Ash clouds may cause disruptions to domestic and international flights.

In the event of a volcanic eruption:

• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Flooding and landslides

Extreme weather changes result in heavy rains and windstorms in the fall and winter. Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Useful links

• Floods – What to Do?
• Rain Weather Warnings – Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere
• Early Warnings for Europe – MeteoAlarm