Traveler Toolkit
Portugal Country Security Report
Portugal Country Security Report
Published: June 18, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Portugal Travel Advisory and Portugal Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Lisbon
Av. das Forças Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon.
Tel: +351 21 770 2122; Emergency After-Hours Tel: +351 21 770 2122 or +351 21 727 3300.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0800 to 1700.
Av. Príncipe do Mónaco No, 6-2 F, 9500-237 Ponta Delgada, Açores.
Tel: +351 296 308 330. Emergency After-Hours Tel: +351 21 727 3300.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0800-1700
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
OSAC Portugal is revitalizing it’s Country Chapter based in Lisbon.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team or LisbonRSOAgents@state.gov with any questions.
Portugal Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Portugal.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Lisbon and Ponta Delgada as a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Portugal.
The emergency number in Portugal is 112. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
In 2025, Portugal recorded 365,802 criminal reports, a 3.1% increase from 2024. Theft and fraud, followed by traffic-related violations (like driving while intoxicated), represent the most common crimes in Portugal. Portugal has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the European Union, but has seen a steady decrease in assault and armed robbery since 2020, but 2025 saw a 7-year high in murders with 108 reported.
Non-violent street crime occurs most often in major cities. Petty thefts and other crimes of opportunity (e.g., vehicle break-ins, pickpocketing, surreptitious bag snatching) occur frequently, particularly in the major cities and in/around tourist locations. Thieves have been known to loiter in tourist locations, near beaches, and at transportation hubs (e.g., metro, bus, train stations) to take advantage of disoriented/distracted travelers. Pickpockets take advantage of crowds getting on/off public transportation, using the jostling of the crowd as a distraction. Wallets and cellphones are particularly vulnerable. Crime reporting typically increases during the summer, primarily due to the increase in tourism. Avoid standing near the doors on public transportation, as thieves will often strike just as the train doors open and then dash onto the platform, before disappearing into the crowd.
Pickpocketing in the Lisbon area is most likely to occur in buses, hotel lobbies, restaurants, the airport, trains, train stations, and trams. Purse snatchings occur in restaurants and bars from bags left on the backs of or underneath chairs. Theft of belongings from inside vehicles continue to be a problem as the number of tourists to Portugal continues to increase. Thieves will often pop locks on vehicle doors and trunks, taking all personal belongings found in the vehicle, even if those belongings are out of sight. While recently updated laws have increased regulation of private-security activities (to include bouncers at bars and nightclubs), exercise caution in dealing with nightclub security. Bouncers are prone to violence, and police often struggle to find evidence or witnesses to any events related to an escalation of force by the security staff.
Illicit drug transactions increase at night, and travelers are often approached by drug dealers in the downtown area of Lisbon, especially near 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.
Organized crime is not a major issue. Criminal organizations are present, and predominantly engage in racketeering, extortion, and vice-related criminal activity (e.g., gambling, prostitution, narcotics). Other gang activities are generally focused on narcotics, petty crimes, and turf protection.
ATMs are widespread and accept most U.S. cards for fund withdrawals. Avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lighted areas, or on open sidewalks; instead, use machines inside bank alcoves, and secure cash and belongings before departing the bank area. Many local establishments will only accept cash payments or credit cards with a chip.
Reports of thefts from rental homes and online rental apartments have increased. Secure belongings and lock windows while away or sleeping. Safeguard passports and other identity documents when traveling throughout Portugal. 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 and/or car break-ins. Keep doors and windows of private rentals locked at all times, taking extra care if easily accessed from the street or other places. Do not leave personal items or valuables unattended while at the beach.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Within Lisbon, take special care for petty crime in the Oriente, Santa Apolonia, Entrecampos, Marques do Pombal, and Rossio metro and train stations; the Sete Rios bus station; the Alfama, Martim Moniz, Baixa, and Bairro Alto districts; and the tourist area of Belém. Popular Tram 28 is particularly notorious for pickpocketing; pay very close attention to all belongings while waiting for or riding on the 28.
The tourist area of Sintra reports a particularly high rate of vehicle break-ins; take special care when parking in the areas around the castles and palaces there. Thefts are common in the popular tourist destinations of Cascais, Mafra, Obidos, Fatima, Coimbra, Setubal, Porto; in the Algarve; and at the beachfront areas of Peniche, Nazaré, Guincho, Cabo da Roca, and Boca do Inferno.
Criminal incidents occur with less frequency in Madeira, and significantly less in the Azores, than in mainland Portugal. In Madeira, pickpocketing, while infrequent, may occur in the Old Town and Santa Catarina Park areas of Funchal in Madeira. On São Miguel Island, in the Azores, petty crime is more likely in the areas of Ponta Delgada and Rabo de Peixe. In the Azores, police occasionally receive reports of theft of belongings from vehicles parked at turnouts by walking trails.
There are no off-limits areas for U.S. Embassy personnel.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Portugal.
There are no significant or specific threats of kidnapping in Portugal.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Lisbon and Ponta Delgada as being LOW-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Portugal.
While Portugal has been free of any recent major terrorist incidents, it maintains open borders with its neighbors, allowing the possibility of terrorist operatives to enter/exit with anonymity. Portugal maintains a public alert system for terrorism ranging from 1-5 on the threat level and communicates threat-level changes online and through social media. In October 2023, out of abundance of caution, Portugal raised its terror threat level from 2 “Moderate” to 3 “Significant” after the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This level of threat classification enables the Portuguese security forces to have access to additional resources, including increasing security at certain locations. At the time of this publication, the threat level remains at 3.
The call for self-radicalization, whether disseminated on extremist forums or on social media platforms, continues to be a global concern, as much of the threat comes from radicalized lone-actor perpetrators. They could attack using knives, vehicle ramming, guns, incendiary devices, and other methods that do not require specialized knowledge, access, or training. Lone-actors perpetrators pose a serious risk due to their ability to remain undetected, at times, until operational and their willingness to attack civilian and soft targets, such as restaurants, markets/shopping malls, hotels, clubs, and other similar locations. Law enforcement and security officials, in close cooperation with neighboring countries, maintain an effective anti-terrorism effort and a welcoming environment for tourism and business.
While 2025 did not see any mass-casualty terror attacks in Portugal, Portuguese counter-terror authorities made six arrests and dismantled an armed far-right extremist group known as the Armilar Lusitano Movement. This group was in possession of 3D-printed firearms, explosives, ammunition, and far-right propaganda targeting immigrants and refugees. While right-wing extremism is not common in Portugal, it is a growing concern as anti-migrant sentiments rise across Europe.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Lisbon and Ponta Delgada as being LOW-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Portugal. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Portugal, which includes the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, is a constitutional semi-presidential representative democracy with a president, prime minister, and parliament elected in multiparty elections. Elections occur routinely, with peaceful transitions of power.
Portugal last held snap Parliamentary elections in 2025. In these elections, Portugal’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) and center-right (AD) formed a coalition in Parliament, cementing a center-right majority and appointing Luis Montenegro as Prime Minister. In 2026, Portugal elected Antonio Jose Segura of the left-wing Socialist Party (PS) to the Presidency, splitting party leadership in the country. EU observers identified these elections as free and fair.
Protests & Demonstrations
Frequent protests and demonstrations occur in Portugal in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Generally, they do not target the U.S. Embassy or U.S. interests in Portugal. All public demonstrations in Portugal require prior police approval; police are present at protests to ensure adequate security for participants and passers-by. Portugal has experienced a notable period of political and social tranquility. However, social, economic and labor-related protests and demonstrations are not uncommon and are generally peaceful. Even peaceful demonstrations can become violent and unpredictable; avoid them, if possible.
In 2025, Portugal’s Parliament proposed controversial labor reforms. In response, the country's two largest trade union confederations (CGTP and UGT) ordered a general strike on December 11, 2025, which brought national transportation, healthcare, and schools to a complete halt. This action marked the country’s first joint nationwide general strike in over a decade and represented the largest demonstration of the year. Additional protests targeted overtourism and housing costs, as well as conflicts in the Middle East. These demonstrations remained generally peaceful.
Sometimes fights occur leading up to and just following soccer matches. Be cognizant of local culture and team colors when traveling in the area of or attending a game.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Portugal is a country with relatively low public anti-government and anti-U.S. sentiment.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is the main responsibility of five bodies:
- Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) - Public Security Police. PSP is a civilian police force that works in larger urban areas and has tourist units to provide additional assistance. PSP safeguards internal security and the rights of citizens. PSP is the leading agency responsible for maintaining public order, countering violent acts, and performing tactical intervention.
- Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) - National Republican Guard. The GNR is a military police office with civilian policing responsibilities (gendarmerie) that work predominantly in rural areas too small to warrant the PSP; it also provides a national highway patrol.
- Polícia Judiciária (PJ) - Judicial Police. Overseen by the Public Ministry, the PJ mandate focuses on prevention, detection, and investigation of violent, organized, and financial crime.
- Policia Maritima (PM) - Maritime Police. PM focuses on law enforcement operations on the waterways, but also has jurisdiction along the waterfront and the assorted bars and restaurants located near the river.
Portugal experienced a complete overhaul and re-delegation of immigration, refugee, and asylum responsibilities in a 2023 decision by the Government of Portugal (GOP). The agency formerly known as Immigration and Border Service (SEF) was completely dissolved. Former officers and employees of SEF have been transferred to the newly delegated agencies responsible for immigration enforcement.
- Administrative functions for immigration and asylum programs, without a law enforcement nexus, are managed by the newly formed Agency for Migration, Asylum, and Integration (AIMA).
- Border control points at airports have been delegated to the Public Security Police.
- Maritime and land-based borders are controlled and staffed by the National Republican Guard (GNR)
- Criminal investigative functions are managed and run by the Judiciary Police (PJ) under the umbrella of the Ministry of Justice.
Police Response
Portuguese law enforcement authorities are generally very professional.
The emergency number in Portugal is 112. For social welfare emergencies (domestic violence, child abuse), dial 144. English-speaking operators are available. Portugal has a crime victim’s assistance program, administered through an organization known by its acronym, APAV.
- Lisbon: Rua José Estêvão, 135 A, Pisos ½. Tel.: +351 21 358 79 00.
- Porto: Rua Aurélio Paz dos Reis, 351. Tel.: +351 22 834 68 40.
- Estoril: Tel.: +351 21 466 42 71.
- SOS immigrant line with English speaking operators (from 0830-2030): +351 808 257 257.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Principal highways are in exceptional condition, and secondary roads are generally of good quality and maintained well. In remote locations and in historic city centers, traffic lanes are very narrow and can be difficult to navigate. Visitors can drive with their U.S.-issued driver’s license for up to six months. Traffic enforcement is limited, but the use of speed cameras is on the rise. The police in continental Portugal have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines, and most of their vehicles have portable machines to facilitate immediate payment.
Particularly problematic are drivers who fail to properly merge, yield, and safely change lanes, as well as drivers who disregard traffic control signals. Motorists, especially motorcyclists, often drive excessively fast and violate traffic codes. Motorcyclists/scooters may drive between the lanes and go to the front of traffic at stoplights, all of which can be disconcerting for drivers not used to this practice. Most highways in Portugal require toll payments, which may be paid with cash or with credit cards. However, some smaller connecting highways may only take electronic payment methods. International credit/debit cards are not always accepted at all toll booths. Visit https://www.portugaltolls.com/en for more information.
Exercise particular caution when traversing intersections, as motorists often accelerate to beat the traffic lights or become impatient sitting in line and disregard the traffic light altogether. While there is traffic congestion in Lisbon, Porto, and surrounding metropolitan areas, particularly during rush hours, incidents of road rage are rare. In Lisbon and other large cities, be mindful of beggars or street performers at intersections.
Fines for speeding violations registered by radar arrive to the offender via the postal service, often months after the violation has occurred. Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. Small children must be in a child safety seat in the rear seat with seatbelts fastened. Drivers must use hands-free headsets for cell phone; if using headsets, one ear must remain uncovered/unobstructed.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may result in jail time.
Incidents of serious traffic accidents in the Azores and Madeira are rare. However, high-speed driving, bad weather, and unskilled drivers contribute to accidents, including rollovers and those involving multiple vehicles, sometimes resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. In the Azores, driving can be challenging due to narrow cobblestone streets, thick fog, blind curves and corners, and livestock on roads.
For traffic accidents and emergencies, dial 112. Drivers must keep a reflective vest and triangle in their vehicles and deploy it in the case of an emergency. Police may fine those found without this required safety equipment. Portuguese law requires you to leave your vehicle where it is and immediately notify the police. The drivers of the vehicles involved must exchange details and both/all parties complete the Declaração Amigável (“Friendly Agreement” accident report), which each driver submits to their own insurance company. All drivers must maintain third-party insurance coverage.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Be careful on public transportation. Electronics and unattended luggage are particularly vulnerable to theft. When walking into train and metro stations at night, only enter well-illuminated and well-traveled stations.
Taxis and ridesharing companies (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are a reliable means of transportation. If you have called a ridesharing service, confirm that the car information in the App matches the vehicle you are entering. When using taxis, always be alert to possible discrepancies between the meter fare and the amount the driver requests. Always ask the taxi driver to use the meter. Taxis can charge additional fees related to baggage, not including handbags. Always use a taxi from the queue or kiosk; do not go with someone who walks up to you and offers you a ride. In the Azores, taxis do not have meters; the fare consists of a base fee plus a posted rate per distance traveled.
Public transportation is inexpensive and reliable. Bus services begin at 0700 and generally operate until 2000, depending on the destination.
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the government of Portugal’s Civil Aviation Authority is 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. High winds can temporarily close airports and seaports in the Azores and Madeira.
Portugal’s major international airports, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Funchal, areexperiencing periodic congestion and longer processing times as the European Union implements the new Entry/Exit System (EES). The system replaces manual passport stamping for non-EU travelers with biometric registration, including facial images and fingerprint collection, creating the potential for increased wait times during the initial implementation period. Airport operators and Portuguese authorities have invested in automated kiosks and additional processing capacity; however, travelers should anticipate possible delays during peak travel periods, particularly at Lisbon Airport, which already faces capacity constraints. While EES is not expected to significantly impact overall security, temporary disruptions, longer queues, and missed connections remain possible as authorities and travelers adapt to the new procedures.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
Mainland Portugal and the outlying islands of the Azores and Madeira are prone to occasional storms. Storms in the islands have created flash floods that can cause deaths, significant damage, and considerable erosion. For updated local weather, consult the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Rip tides are a serious hazard on many waterfronts in mainland Portugal and the Azores. Take local advice and learn the system of colored safety flags on supervised beaches: green means safe to swim; yellow means swim with caution; red means swimming forbidden. A blue-and-white checkered flag means the beach is temporarily without a lifeguard. In the Azores, lifeguards only staff public beaches during the tourist season. Waves can appear from nowhere and can sweep people out to sea or into sharp rocks, even right from the water’s edge. Be cautious when turning your back to the sea.
· Sea Rescue: 214-401-919
· Maritime Police (plus pick-up boat service): 210-911-100
· Maritime Police (24-hour emergency): 210-911-155/49
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Portugal, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Portugal.
Portugal places a premium on privacy rights and individual freedoms; reports of unlawful detention, intimidation, harassment, and graft are rare. The constitution and federal law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention. Persons arrested or detained, whether on criminal or other grounds, are entitled to challenge in court the legal basis or arbitrary nature of their detention and any delay in obtaining judicial rulings. If the court finds persons to have been detained unlawfully, they are entitled to prompt release and compensation. The government generally observes these practices.
The constitution and law provide detailed guidelines covering all aspects of arrest and custody, and authorities generally followed the guidelines. Individuals are normally arrested only on a judicial warrant, but law enforcement officials and citizens may make warrantless arrests when there is probable cause that a crime has just been or is being committed, or that the person to be arrested is an escaped convict or suspect.
Authorities must bring the suspect before an investigating judge within 48 hours of arrest. By law the investigating judge determines whether an arrested person should be detained, released on bail, or released outright. Authorities generally inform detainees promptly of charges against them.
Investigative detention for most crimes is limited to four months. If authorities do not file a formal charge within that period, they must release the detainee. In cases of serious crimes such as murder, armed robbery, terrorism, and violent or organized crime, and crimes involving more than one suspect, the investigating judge may decide to hold a suspect in detention while the investigation is underway for up to 18 months, and up to three years in extraordinary circumstances.
Bail exists, but authorities generally do not release detainees on their own recognizance. Depending on the severity of the crime, a detainee’s release may be subject to various legal conditions.
Detainees have the right to legal counsel from the time of arrest, but media reports cite instances when police, in particular the Judiciary Police, did not inform detainees of their rights. An attorney must accompany detainees appearing before a judge for the first hearing. If detained persons cannot afford a private lawyer, the government appoints one and assumes legal costs.
Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements, and customary international law, you have the right to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the U.S. Embassy/Consulate of your arrest and to have communications from you forwarded to the Embassy/Consulate. To ensure that the U.S. government is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate upon arrest or detention. Seek legal counsel for appropriate assistance for improprieties, and report incidents to the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
U.S. firms do not identify corruption as an obstacle to foreign direct investment. Portugal has made legislative strides toward further criminalizing corruption. The government’s Council for the Prevention of Corruption, formed in 2008, is an independent administrative body that works closely with the Court of Auditors to prevent corruption in public and private organizations that use public funds. The Portuguese government encourages (and in some cases requires) private companies to establish internal codes of conduct that, among other things, prohibit bribery of public officials. Most private companies use internal controls, ethics, and compliance programs to detect and prevent bribery of government officials.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Portugal. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Portugal to ensure the medication is legal in Portugal. Bring a sufficient supply of medication with you to cover your anticipated stay in Portugal, always carrying the prescription medication in original packaging with a copy of the 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. 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.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Water quality in Portugal is typical of an EU country, and tap water is generally safe for human consumption. Bottled water is readily available. There are currently no specific or elevated water quality concerns in Portugal.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Portugal.
In the event of a natural disaster or other widespread emergency, travelers can monitor the Portuguese Civil Protection Authority’s website for the latest information.
Mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira are all in earthquake risk zones. Portugal regularly experiences earthquakes and tremors up to 5.0 in magnitude, primarily off the Atlantic coast. The implementation of improved modern construction techniques in accordance with contemporary EU seismic protocols for large, multi-storied structures are noteworthy. However, many smaller buildings and dated residential dwellings do not incorporate such features, and are susceptible to collapse in an earthquake. Portugal experienced an unusually high amount of seismic activity in 2025, recording a total of 22 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or above within 300 km of its territory. These quakes caused minor material damage to structures and natural formations along the coast but did not result in injuries or casualties.
Wildfires represent one of Portugal’s most significant natural hazards and occur annually across the mainland, particularly during the summer and early autumn months when high temperatures, drought conditions, and strong winds create favorable fire conditions. Northern and central Portugal are historically the most affected regions, although significant fires can occur nationwide, including in the Algarve and on Madeira. While recent years have not approached the catastrophic 2017 wildfire season which killed more than 100 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses wildfires continue to cause fatalities, injuries, evacuations, transportation disruptions, and significant economic losses each year. Large fires can spread rapidly, resulting in road closures, power outages, damage to critical infrastructure, and degraded air quality far beyond the immediate fire zone. Travelers should monitor local media and Portuguese Civil Protection Authority alerts during periods of elevated fire danger and follow evacuation orders or emergency instructions issued by local authorities.
Portugal has experienced several periods of heavy rainfall and localized flooding in recent years, including significant flooding events during the winter and spring of 2025–2026. Urban flooding is most common in Lisbon, Porto, and other densely populated areas where drainage systems can become overwhelmed during periods of intense rainfall. Although flooding in Portugal generally results in fewer casualties than wildfires, severe weather events have caused deaths, injuries, property damage, business interruptions, and millions of euros in infrastructure losses. Flooding has resulted in temporary road closures, disruptions to rail and air transportation, damage to homes and businesses, and occasional evacuations. Severe weather systems can also produce strong winds, coastal flooding, and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions and along the Atlantic coast. Travelers should exercise caution during heavy rain events, avoid flooded roadways, and monitor weather advisories issued by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and the Civil Protection Authority.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime, in the form of online extortion and IT scams, continues to rise in Portugal, much like in the rest of the EU.
The Portuguese National Cybersecurity Center is the operational coordinator and national authority on cybersecurity. Cybersecurity remains a priority for Portugal, especially as cyberattacks increased by 79% in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects. In 2024, Portugal introduced new legislation to strengthen cybersecurity and create a new legal scheme to strengthen cybersecurity measures of health facilities, public administration bodies, communications and transportation infrastructures, and larger companies. The legislation also grants the National Cybersecurity Center added oversight authorities.
Portugal faced an average of 2,437 cyberattacks per week per organization in 2025, driven heavily by Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) groups and opportunistic phishing syndicates. Public administration, telecommunications, healthcare, and education were the most heavily targeted sectors. The most high-profile cybersecurity incidents of the year surrounded the April 28, 2025, Iberian Peninsula power outage; while cyberattacks did not cause the outage, cybercriminals weaponized public confusion to conduct phishing scams and spoof major websites. TAP Air Portugal, a regional air carrier, was one major website that was spoofed, with threat actors sending fraudulent emails promising "flight delay compensation" and redirecting users to fake credential-harvesting and credit card fraud pages.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counter-intelligence Issues
There are currently no specific or elevated counterintelligence concerns for private citizens in Portugal outside of the issues typically found throughout the EU and the rest of world.
Import/Export Restrictions
The importation and possession of firearms, pepper spray, tasers, extendable batons, and certain knives is restricted and requires licensing in most cases. Permissions to operate high range radios are also required, with many frequencies prohibited and restricted to government use.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Portugal to ensure the medication is legal in Portugal. 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.
There are no restrictions on satellite phones in Portugal.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.