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Country Specific Info.
The United States State Department produces Consular Information Sheets with health, safety and other country information for every country in the world. They are one good source of information, though you should look at multiple sources of information and take your own personal situation into account when selecting a country to study in.
The latest Consular Information Sheet for Portugal is below. We do not take responsibility for this information or edit it in any way.
You can access the State Department travel site directly at: https://travel.state.gov/travel/
May 28, 2019
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy Lisbon
Av. das Forças Armadas, Sete-Rios
1600-081 Lisbon
Portugal
Telephone: +(351) (21) 770-2122
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(351) (21)-770-2122 or +(351) (21) 727-3300
Fax: +(351) (21) 727-2354
Email: conslisbon@state.gov
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Consulates
U.S. Consulate Ponta Delgada
Av. Príncipe do Mónaco No, 6-2 F
9500-237 Ponta Delgada, Açores
Portugal
Telephone: +(351) (296) 308-330
EmergencyAfter-Hours Telephone: +(351) (21) 727-3300
Fax: +(351) (296) 287-216
Email: ConsPontaDelgada@state.gov
Destination Description
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Portugal for additional information on U.S.-Portugal relations.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
Visit the Embassy of Portugal website for the most current visa information.
Portugal is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. You need sufficient funds to support you during your stay and a return airline ticket. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet.
If you are a non-resident of Portugal and 1) transited through another European Schengen Convention country by air, sea or land en route to Portugal, without having registered your entry with Immigration, and 2) you are not staying in a hotel or a similar tourist accommodation, you are required to register with the Portuguese Immigration Service (SEF) within three working days of entering Portugal. You must document your entry to prove your length of stay. You must download a declaration of entry form (declaracão de entrada) from SEF's website and personally submit it to the nearest SEF office within three business days of entry. You must also present your passport. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in an administrative offense punishable with a fine from €60 to €160.
Under Portuguese Immigration law, foreign minors under 18 years of age entering or exiting Portugal must possess an authorization letter of parental consent to travel, if travelling with adults other than their parent(s) or legal guardian. The document must be signed and dated, with the signature(s) certified by a notary. The letter of parental consent to travel must include the dates and reason for travel and the details of an adult who will be responsible for the child.
Find additional information on traveling with minors on the Portuguese Immigration Service webpage.
HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Portugal.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Safety and Security
Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. All European countries, including Portugal, remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security.
General strikes and public protests against government austerity measures have occurred sporadically over the last five years. You should avoid areas where public protests are taking place.
Crime: Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, particularly at popular tourist sites, restaurants, and on public transportation, are common. Pickpockets take advantage of crowds getting on and off all forms of public transportation, such as the popular Tram 28, using the jostling of the crowd as a distraction. Avoid standing near the doors on public transportation, as thieves will often strike just as the train/bus doors open and then dash onto the platform and disappear into the crowd.
Safeguard your passport and identity documents when traveling throughout Portugal. Foreigners who arrive in Portugal without a valid passport will not be permitted to enter and will be returned to their point of origin.
Be aware of your surroundings and take personal security measures to stay safe. Thefts of backpacks, electronics and luggage occur regularly. Do not leave valuables in rental cars, especially those with stickers identifying the vehicle as a rental car. Tourists are frequent victims of petty crime/car break-ins.
Avoid using automatic teller machines (ATMs) in isolated or poorly lit areas. Use the buddy system and indoor bank ATMs when possible. Leave extra cash, credit cards, and personal documents at home or in a hotel safe.
Keep doors and windows of private rentals locked at all times, taking extra care if easily accessed from the street or other places.
Illicit drug transactions increase at night, and travelers are often approached by drug dealers in the downtown area of Lisbon, especially near the bars and restaurants. Some travelers have reported incidents in which criminals used drugs to assault or rob them. Use caution when accepting open drinks at bars or clubs, and do not leave drinks unattended.
Always use a taxi from the queue or kiosk. Do not go with someone who walks up to you and offers a ride. If you have called a ride sharing service such as Uber, confirm that the car information in the App matches the vehicle you are entering.
Tourists should not leave personal items or valuables unattended while at the beach.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on common scams.
Victims of Crime: Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(351) (21) 770-2122 or the emergency after-hours telephone: +(351) (21)-770-2122 or +(351) (21) 727-3300.
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention if needed and contact the U.S. Embassy.
For social welfare emergencies such as domestic violence or child abuse, dial 144. English-speaking operators are available.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
help you find appropriate medical care
assist you in reporting a crime to the police
contact relatives or friends with your written consent
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
provide a list of local attorneys
provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
provide information about a Portuguese victim assistance program, administered through an organization known by its acronym, “APAV”.
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
An SOS immigrant line has English-speaking operators who are ready to help you in case of emergency. You may contact them at +351 808 257 257 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
For further information:
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.
See our webpage for further information.
Filming and photographing the police or military and certain buildings in Portugal is illegal, and could lead to arrest or detention.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could immediately land you in jail.
Possession and use of narcotic drugs is an administrative offense. You can face mandatory drug treatment.
Penalties for trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and offenders can expect long jail sentences.
Pepper spray is illegal in Portugal and will be confiscated. Violators may be subject to a fine or prison sentence.
Possession of unlicensed metal detectors is strictly forbidden. Violators may be subject to fines.
Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:
Faith-Based Travel Information
International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
Human Rights Report – see country reports
Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Portugal.
See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. General information on accessibility and accommodations is available on the website of the Portugal Tourism Board.
Public transportation: Public transportation vehicles in general have specially reserved seats for individuals with disabilities, but some vehicles may not be equipped to load and secure wheelchairs mechanically.
Trains: The State Railway Operator, Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses (also known as CP – Combóios de Portugal), has a free service called “integrated mobility service” (SIM). English-speaking customer service representatives can be reached by phone at +351 808 208 746 (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday-Friday). SIM staff provides train and station accessibility; assistance during boarding/exiting or during the train ride; and assistance with trip planning. Some train stations are equipped with elevators. Requests for information or assistance must be made at least 48 hours before travel. For additional information, please visit Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses’ website.
Subway (Metro): Thirty-one of Lisbon Metro’s 52 stations offer full accessibility to people with disabilities. Elevators and moving walkways at main stations provide access from the platform to street level, as well as payment machines adapted for passengers with disabilities and/or visual impairment. Passengers with visual disabilities can travel with their guide dogs as long as their service animals are leashed and muzzled. Check Lisbon Metro’s website for more information. Porto’s new metro system affords accessibility for passengers system-wide with a network of elevators, ramps, and spaces for wheelchairs onboard metro cars. Check Porto Metro’s website for more information about accessibility.
Airports: All Portuguese airports provide wheelchairs and bathrooms to accommodate disabilities.
Parking: Designated parking with a wheelchair symbol is available in most supermarkets and commercial centers. The National Help Line for the Disabled (Linha Nacional de Apoio à Deficiência) can be reached by phone at +351 21 795-9545 (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday). Assistance is only available in Portuguese.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Health
The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Good medical care is available, but facilities may be limited outside urban areas. Public hospitals offer services at costs lower than private hospitals.
Payment is expected upon admission at private hospitals.
Call the national emergency response for an ambulance at 112 for life-threatening emergencies.
Note: that the responsiveness of emergency services is not always comparable to U.S. standards.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Portugal to ensure the medication is legal in Portugal. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Portuguese law prohibits the mailing of prescription medicines from the United States to Portugal. Any prescription medications mailed to Portugal will be impounded by the Portuguese customs office.
You should bring a sufficient supply of medication with you to cover your anticipated stay in Portugal, along with a copy of your physician's prescription. Portuguese pharmacies generally carry equivalent medications to those found in the United States; however, they may be sold under a different brand name, may not be available in the same dosage, or may require a prescription from a local doctor.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Travel and Transportation
Road Conditions and Safety: While Portugal has significantly expanded its motorway network with well-constructed roads that decreased the total number of accidents and fatalities, its road-accident fatality rate is still high. Use caution when driving, as aggressive driving habits and high speeds pose special hazards. Use appropriate care and caution while on the roadways, practice safe driving habits, and adhere to the applicable speed limits.
Traffic Laws: It is against the law to speed, drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or use a mobile phone while driving. Fines for traffic offenses are substantial.
Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Small children must be in a child safety seat in the rear seat with the seatbelts fastened.
Portuguese law requires you to leave your vehicle where it is and immediately notify the police when involved in a traffic accident. The national emergency phone number 112.
Police in Portugal have the authority to fine on-the-spot and most of their vehicles have portable payment machines to facilitate immediate payment.
You may drive with a valid U.S. driver's license for up to six months. For international driving permits, please contact AAA or the National Auto Club.
Public Transportation: Taxis and prominent ride-sharing services such as Uber are a reliable means of transportation. Refer to the crime section of this page to alert yourself to other threats relating to taxis and ride-sharing services.
Bus service is reliable.
In the Azores, driving can be challenging due to narrow cobblestone streets, blind curves, blind corners, and livestock on country roads. Public buses are inexpensive. Bus services begin at 7 a.m. and generally operate until 8 p.m., depending on the destination.
See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Portugal’s national tourist office and the national authority responsible for road safety.
Aviation Safety Oversight:
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Portugal’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Portugal’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Portugal should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency broadcast warnings.
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