Portugal 2025: Top Safety Tips for Travelers Revealed - Your Essential Guide to a Secure and Enjoyable European Vacation

Listeners considering travel to Portugal in September 2025 will find it is widely recognized as one of the safest destinations in Europe. The United States Department of State currently rates Portugal at Travel Advisory Level 1, meaning travelers should exercise normal precautions and no significant security concerns are noted for tourists at this time. The Australian government echoes this advice, reporting that visitors should also exercise standard safety measures while traveling in Portugal. However, it's important to prepare for possible longer border queues starting October 12, when the new European Entry/Exit System takes effect for non-EU nationals. This system will require fingerprint and photo registration at border crossings which could impact travel schedules, particularly for those entering or leaving the Schengen Area.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, remains the most common threat, especially in major tourism centers like Lisbon and Porto. Thieves often target busy transit areas, beaches, and hotel lobbies, but incidents have also occurred in smaller tourist towns and popular coastal spots reports the Government of Canada. Listeners are strongly advised to keep valuables secure, avoid displaying signs of affluence, and refrain from carrying large sums of cash. Remain vigilant in crowded places and when using trams, especially routes 15, 25, and 28 in Lisbon, and never leave belongings unattended in vehicles, even the trunk, as rental cars and those with foreign plates are frequently targeted.

Portugal’s overall violent crime rate is notably low and continuing to decline, with the capital Lisbon recently reporting a 7.6 percent drop in general crime over the past year according to the Annual Internal Security Report. Nevertheless, assaults—physical and sexual—have been reported in popular night spots, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Safety can be increased by traveling in groups, maintaining awareness of people nearby, and exercising caution in nightlife venues.

Portugal remains stable politically and is ranked seventh worldwide on the 2025 Global Peace Index. The country’s favorable environment and friendly local communities contribute to its reputation for peaceful living. Popular destinations such as Cascais, Sintra, the Azores, and Madeira see very low crime rates, while cities like Braga, Coimbra, Aveiro, and Tavira stand out for their calm atmospheres.

Special caution should also be exercised for unique local hazards, such as Portugal’s traditional "calçada" pavement, which is often slippery and uneven. Good walking shoes with traction are recommended, especially when navigating narrow streets in historic areas. Accidental slips can be common, so crossing at pedestrian crosswalks and observing traffic carefully is advised.

Recent events and strikes do occasionally disrupt travel, so it’s wise to monitor local media and heed instructions from authorities to avoid demonstrations and mass gatherings, which are rare but can quickly become unpredictable. Drownings have been reported off Portuguese beaches, and lifeguard advice should be strictly followed in coastal areas. Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave beverages unattended in nightlife venues.

Booking accommodations through reputable platforms and staying in well-reviewed communities is recommended for extra peace of mind. Travelers should also consider travel insurance, learn a few Portuguese phrases for emergencies, and report any loss or theft immediately to local police to secure a report for insurance purposes.

Portugal remains a top choice for tourists seeking beautiful landscapes, welcoming culture, and safety, but prudent travelers will continue to take basic precautions to safeguard their trip and belongings during their visit.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners considering travel to Portugal in September twenty twenty five
will find it is widely recognized as one of the
safest destinations in Europe. The United States Department of State
currently rates Portugal at Travel Advisory Level IE, meaning travelers
should exercise normal precautions and no significant security concerns are

(00:20):
noted for tourists at this time. The Australian government echoes
this advice, reporting that visitors should also exercise standard safety
measures while traveling in Portugal. However, it's important to prepare
for possible longer border queues starting October twelfth, when the
new European Entry Exit System takes effect for non EU nationals.

(00:43):
This system will require fingerprint and photo registration at border crossings,
which could impact travel schedules, particularly for those entering or
leaving the Shanngan area. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and
bag snatching remains the most common threat, especially in major
tourism centers like Lisbon and Porto. Thieves often target busy

(01:04):
transit areas, beaches, and hotel lobbies, but incidents have also
occurred in smaller tourist towns and popular coastal spots. Reports
the Government of Canada. Listeners are strongly advised to keep
valuables secure, avoid displaying signs of affluence, and refrain from
carrying large sums of cash. Remain vigilant in crowded places

(01:25):
and when using trams, especially Routes fifteen, twenty five and
twenty eight in Lisbon, and never leave belongings unattended in vehicles,
even the trunk, as rental cars and those with foreign
plates are frequently targeted. Portugal's overall violent crime rate is
notably low and continuing to decline, with the capital Lisbon
recently reporting a seven point six percent drop in general

(01:49):
crime over the past year according to the Annual Internal
Security Report. Nevertheless, assaults physical and sexual have been reported
in popular night spots, especially in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve.
Safety can be increased by traveling in groups, maintaining awareness
of people nearby, and exercising caution in nightlife venues. Portugal

(02:10):
remains stable politically and is ranked seventh worldwide on the
twenty twenty five Global Piece Index. The country's favorable environment
and friendly local communities contribute to its reputation for peaceful living.
Popular destinations such as Cascais Cintra, the Azores and Madeira
see very low crime rates, while cities like Braga, Coimbra,

(02:32):
Averro and Taverra stand out for their calm atmospheres. Special
caution should also be exercised for unique local hazards, such
as Portugal's traditional calcada pavement, which is often slippery and uneven.
Good walking shoes with traction are recommended, especially when navigating
narrow streets in historic areas. Accidental slips can be common,

(02:54):
so crossing at pedestrian crosswalks and observing traffic carefully is advised.
Recent events and strikes do occasionally disrupt travel, so it's
wise to monitor local media and heat instructions from authorities
to avoid demonstrations and mass gatherings, which are rare but
can quickly become unpredictable. Drownings have been reported off Portuguese beaches,

(03:17):
and lifeguard advice should be strictly followed in coastal areas.
Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave beverages unattended
in nightlife venues. Booking accommodations through reputable platforms and staying
in well reviewed communities is recommended for extra peace of mind.
Travelers should also consider travel insurance, learn a few Portuguese

(03:39):
phrases for emergencies, and report any loss or theft immediately
to local police to secure a report for insurance purposes.
Portugal remains a top choice for tourists seeking beautiful landscapes,
welcoming culture, and safety, but prudent travelers will continue to
take basic precautions to safeguard their trip and belonging during

(04:00):
their visit.