Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo

Recommended Vaccinations For Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo

For Some Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travellers of all ages to the Madeira Islands.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

**Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers at higher risk (e.g. visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to consuming street vendor food.**

Recommended Medications For Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo

There are no recommendations for Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo

For Some Travellers

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B occurs in this country.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies

Rabies has not been reported in Madeira Islands and Porto Santo and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A occurs in this country.

Safety & Security in Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo

Personal Safety

Madeira ranks among the safest destinations in Europe. In 2023, crime increased by 5.9% to 7,200 reported incidents, but the crime rate of 28.1 per thousand residents remains well below the national Portuguese average of 35.0 per thousand. Violent crime dropped by 17.8% in 2023, making Madeira one of the regions with the largest declines in serious offenses nationwide. Crimes against property and crimes against persons make up 70% of all incidents, with most occurring in Funchal, the capital. Murder rates in the region historically remain near zero. Pickpocketing is rare but can occur in tourist areas such as Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores, Zona Velha, and around the cable car station. Violence against tourists is extremely uncommon. The island’s small community and tourism-dependent economy create a welcoming environment. Watch for minor scams in taxis without working meters and overpriced fruit at Funchal’s farmers market.

Extreme Violence

Madeira has no terrorism history and violent crime targeting visitors is virtually non-existent. In 2021, only three murders were recorded across the entire autonomous region. Violent and serious crime incidents totaled 221 in 2023, marking a 17.8% decrease from the previous year. The region experiences no gang activity, organized crime targeting tourists, or extremist threats. Portugal ranks as the seventh most peaceful country globally according to the 2024 Global Peace Index. Madeira’s isolation as an Atlantic island and small resident population contribute to its exceptional safety record. No warnings exist from security agencies regarding terrorism or violent extremism. The greatest safety risks come from natural hazards such as hiking accidents near cliffs, strong ocean waves, and challenging road conditions rather than from human violence.

Political Unrest

Political protests and demonstrations in Madeira remain minimal and non-disruptive to visitors. In 2024, a small demonstration of around two dozen people protested a cable car construction project at Eira do Serrado. A pro-Palestinian solidarity demonstration took place in Funchal in April 2024. These gatherings were peaceful and had no impact on tourism or daily activities. Madeira experiences none of the political tensions affecting mainland Portugal or other European regions. Labor strikes occasionally occur but are announced in advance. The autonomous regional government maintains stability. No civil unrest, riots, or significant political violence has occurred in recent years. Tourism infrastructure remains unaffected by any political movements. Visitors will notice no security concerns related to demonstrations or political activity.

Areas To Avoid

Madeira has no dangerous neighborhoods or areas that visitors must avoid due to crime. Funchal is safe throughout, though some hillside neighborhoods like Monte, Sao Roque, and Santo Antonio present steep access challenges without a car. The Old Town (Zona Velha) can be noisy and crowded but remains safe. Some isolated streets away from well-lit areas feel less secure after dark. Santa Luzia and Sao Goncalo see slightly higher reports of minor theft in the evening. Ponta do Sol records the fewest crimes on the island. Porto Santo has the highest crime rate per capita but remains safe overall. The primary hazards in Madeira are natural rather than criminal. Avoid unsupervised beaches during rough seas and strong currents. Tourists have been swept away by waves at locations including Paul do Mar, Sao Jorge, and Seixal while taking photos. Stay away from cliff edges on hiking trails where fatal falls have occurred. Respect safety barriers and flag warnings at beaches.