Portugal Travel Safety 2025: Essential Tips for Secure and Enjoyable Trips to a Top European Destination

As of June 2025, Portugal is considered a safe and welcoming destination for international travelers, with most government advisories—such as those from the US State Department, the Canadian government, and the UK Foreign Office—recommending only normal safety precautions for visitors. There are no elevated alerts related to terrorism, civil unrest, or major health risks at this time.

Travelers should be vigilant about petty crime, which is the most common issue affecting tourists in Portugal. Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur regularly in busy urban areas, especially Lisbon and Porto, and are particularly frequent on trams, buses, train stations, airports, restaurant patios, beaches, and crowded tourist sites. Specific trams in Lisbon, such as numbers 15, 25, and 28, are known hotspots for theft. To minimize risk, listeners are encouraged to keep passports, credit cards, and valuables secure; avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large sums of cash; use hotel safes; and never leave belongings unattended in vehicles, even if locked or in the trunk. Rental cars with stickers or foreign plates are frequent targets for break-ins, so opt for anonymous vehicles if possible and always park in secure areas, especially at night.

Violent crime is rare but does occur, including occasional burglaries affecting tourist accommodations and sporadic assaults in nightlife areas or bars in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Choose accommodations with solid security, keep doors and windows locked, avoid walking alone after dark, and always stay alert in crowded spaces. When using taxis, select only registered ones from official ranks or kiosks rather than accepting rides from individuals approaching you on the street.

Travelers should also be aware of common scams, especially unsolicited offers of accommodation, unofficial tour guides, or strangers providing unusual “assistance.” Only use legitimate services and always verify bookings and reservations before arrival.

Portugal’s public health and emergency services are of high quality, but visitors are advised to travel with comprehensive health and travel insurance to cover any medical needs. In the event of emergencies, travelers can call 112 for immediate police, fire, or medical assistance.

If traveling during the summer, be alert to extreme heat and possible bushfires, particularly on the mainland, and keep an eye on local weather updates and authorities’ guidance. Beachgoers should pay attention to surf conditions and heed local safety signage, as coastal waters can have strong currents and conditions can change rapidly. Swimming alone in remote coastal areas is not advised.

For travelers who entered Portugal on visas or residence permits that expired during the COVID-19 pandemic, Portuguese authorities have extended the validity of these documents until June 30, 2025. However, this extension is only valid for Portugal and does not guarantee entry into other Schengen countries.

Ultimately, while Portugal remains one of the safest destinations in Europe, staying vigilant about petty theft, preparing for weather events, and following basic common-sense precautions will further ensure a trouble-free trip. For the latest updates, monitor local news, official websites, and follow guidance from Portuguese authorities throughout your travels. Safe travels to all listeners considering a journey to Portugal.