Portugal Travel Safety 2025: Essential Tips for a Secure and Enjoyable European Vacation

Portugal continues to be considered a safe destination for travelers, with the United States Department of State currently listing it as a Level 1 country as of March 3, 2025. This means visitors are advised to exercise normal precautions while traveling in Portugal.

The Australian government has also reviewed its travel advice for Portugal recently, with an update on March 28, 2025, maintaining their recommendation to exercise normal safety precautions. Similarly, other countries maintain relatively positive travel advisories for Portugal.

While Portugal is generally safe, travelers should be aware that petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, especially in major cities like Lisbon and Porto. Tourists are often targeted in crowded public areas including popular tourist spots, public transportation, hotel lobbies, restaurants, and beaches. In Lisbon specifically, extra caution is advised when using trams 15, 25, and 28.

For those planning to drive in Portugal, vehicle break-ins are frequently reported. Thieves often target vehicles with rental car stickers and foreign license plates. It's advisable to always keep doors and windows closed and locked, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, and park in secure areas whenever possible.

Physical and sexual assaults do occur, particularly in popular tourist areas and in bars and nightclubs in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Traveling in groups and maintaining awareness of your surroundings is recommended, especially at night.

There are dedicated tourist police stations in Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, and Praia da Rocha in Portimão that can assist with reporting crimes and obtaining police reports.

When traveling around Portugal, choosing official taxis or public transportation is advised. Always wear seatbelts, avoid overcrowded vehicles, and if driving, make sure to learn local traffic laws and carry proper documentation, including an International Driving Permit alongside your US-issued driver's license.

For emergency situations, the universal emergency number in Portugal is 112, which can be used to contact fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, and police.

Portugal recently updated its own travel advice for the United States on March 31, 2025, joining other European countries in revising their recommendations for travelers to the US, though specific details of these updates were not provided in the available information.

With proper precautions and awareness, Portugal remains one of Europe's most captivating destinations, offering travelers a generally safe environment to explore its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and historic cities.