Portugal

Recommended Vaccinations For Portugal

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Although the risk for hepatitis A is low, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

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

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Recommended Medications For Portugal

There are no recommendations for Portugal at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Portugal

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Portugal.

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis A in Portugal.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Zika in this country through mosquito bites.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

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.

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.

Rabies

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

Safety & Security in Portugal

Personal Safety

Portugal ranks as the seventh safest country globally according to the 2025 Global Peace Index. General crime fell by 4.6 percent in 2024, and violent crime rates remain among the lowest in Europe. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles represent the main concerns in major tourist areas, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. Tram 28 in Lisbon and crowded metro stations see frequent pickpocketing activity. Thieves target foreign-registered and rental vehicles, sometimes using threats or violence. Tourist areas including Alfama, Bairro Alto, and transport hubs see the highest concentration of petty crime. Madeira and the Azores experience exceptionally low crime rates. While 83 percent of Portuguese residents feel safe walking alone at night, you should remain vigilant on public transportation and in crowded tourist spots. Drug dealers frequently approach tourists in downtown areas, particularly near bars and restaurants, but they are generally harmless and leave when ignored. The justice system faces significant backlogs, with court cases taking years to resolve.

Extreme Violence

Portugal has not experienced terrorist attacks since 2011, though the national terrorism threat level stands at 3 out of 5, classified as significant. Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting attacks across Europe, and all European countries remain vulnerable. The homicide rate was 0.7 per 100,000 people in 2019, with 85 murders recorded in 2021. Violent crime is rare and represents a minimal portion of overall criminal activity. Physical and sexual assaults occur occasionally, particularly in nightlife areas of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve late at night. Drink spiking incidents happen most frequently in nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. Organized crime exists in both Lisbon and Porto, with drug trafficking as the primary activity. The Algarve has seen a wave of violent crime targeting wealthy foreign residents since the Great Recession. However, Portugal ranks among the safest countries in Europe, with violent incidents affecting tourists being exceptionally uncommon. Most serious injuries to tourists result from excessive alcohol consumption or dangerous activities rather than criminal violence.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations and strikes occur frequently in Portugal but most remain peaceful. Labor unions organize protests demanding higher wages and improved working conditions, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. In November 2024, thousands marched for wage increases and better pensions. Political gatherings can occasionally turn violent without warning and may disrupt traffic and public transportation. Strike action affecting airports can be announced at short notice. In October 2024, the fatal police shooting of Odair Moniz, a Black man, sparked a week of riots and protests against racism and police violence in Lisbon neighborhoods. Over 20 arrests followed. Climate activists have faced allegations of excessive police force, with some receiving 18-month suspended prison sentences in 2024 for briefly interrupting traffic. The authorities sometimes place burdens on demonstration organizers using decades-old legislation. Far-right demonstrations have also occurred, including large rallies against immigration. Political polarization appears to be increasing, though Portugal remains politically stable overall. The Portuguese are generally welcoming, and tourism is critical to the economy.

Areas To Avoid

The neighborhoods around Intendente, Martim Moniz, and Anjos in Lisbon are best avoided at night, particularly for tourists. These areas have higher crime rates and serve as the traditional immigrant districts, sometimes referred to as being near Lisbon’s red light district. Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre in Lisbon become crowded and rowdy during weekends, with pickpockets targeting intoxicated tourists. Amadora municipality, particularly Cova da Moura and Buraca neighborhoods, has higher crime incidence. Odivelas, Loures, and Vila Franca de Xira municipalities around Lisbon also report elevated crime levels. In Porto, areas such as Cerco do Porto, parts of Antas, Ribeira neighborhood, and some sections of Gondomar and Valongo municipalities have higher crime rates. Beaches including Costa da Caparica and Guincho occasionally see thefts. The worst estates in Lisbon sit far to the northwest where tourists have no reason to visit. Central areas like Chiado, Baixa, Alfama during daytime, and Avenida da Liberdade remain very safe. Smaller cities including Coimbra and Braga have low crime rates. Cascais and Sintra are safe but experience pickpocketing in tourist areas.