Portugal Travel Safety 2025: Essential Tips for Secure and Enjoyable Trips to Lisbon, Porto, and Beyond

Listeners considering travel to Portugal as of late June 2025 will find that the country remains one of the safer destinations in Europe. The official travel advisory from the US Department of State, updated in March 2025, maintains a Level 1 rating, which means travelers are advised to exercise normal precautions. This level is the lowest advisory issued, indicating no specific or significant threats to travelers at this time. However, following a recent Worldwide Caution Security Alert issued by the US Department of State on June 22, 2025, all US citizens overseas—including those in Portugal—are encouraged to remain vigilant due to elevated global tensions and the risk of terrorism that may affect crowded public events or tourist sites.

Petty crime continues to be the main concern for visitors in Portugal, particularly pickpocketing and bag snatching in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto. These crimes frequently occur in crowded areas like public transport terminals, popular tourist sites, restaurants with outdoor seating, airports, hotel lobbies, and beaches. Certain tram routes in Lisbon, notably numbers 15, 25, and 28, are known hotspots for pickpockets. It is strongly recommended to keep all valuable belongings secure, avoid displaying signs of wealth, limit the cash and valuables carried, and never leave personal items unattended, including in parked vehicles. Rental cars with visible company stickers are especially targeted for theft, so travelers are advised to request cars without such markings when possible and to park in secure areas.

Although violent crimes such as physical or sexual assaults and burglaries of vacation rentals can occur, they remain rare. The risk increases in nightlife districts and popular tourist areas, especially after dark. Travelers are encouraged to use accommodations with adequate security, always lock doors and windows, travel in groups particularly at night, and use only official taxis or public transportation from marked queues—never accept unsolicited rides.

For those planning to drive in Portugal, it’s important to learn local traffic laws, carry the proper permits, and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Vehicle break-ins are common, so valuables should never be left in plain sight or inside the car. Always drive with windows up and doors locked.

On the health and safety front, there are no unusual health risks in Portugal for 2025, but visitors are advised to check vaccination requirements and consult their doctor about recommended immunizations at least a month before the trip. Using seatbelts, avoiding distractions while driving, and exercising caution on motorcycles and bicycles—wearing helmets at all times—are prudent safety measures.

Travelers should also note that some Portuguese immigration documents and visas have been extended for validity through June 30, 2025; this measure, however, only applies within Portugal and is enforceable by Portuguese authorities.

In summary, Portugal is welcoming and safe for travelers in 2025, but listeners are urged to stay alert to petty crime, take standard personal security measures, keep informed of any global security alerts, and follow basic health and transport safety practices for a smooth and enjoyable visit.