Safety and Security

Similar to other countries in the Schengen area, Portugal’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow possible terrorist groups to enter and exit the country with anonymity. 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 three years.  These are rarely violent, but travelers are advised to avoid areas where these public protests are taking place.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Portugal  on Twitter and by visiting the Embassy’s website
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.

Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Portugal has a relatively low rate of violent crime; however, crime in all categories is steadily increasing. Your greatest crime risk is becoming a target of opportunity, such as pickpockets and purse snatchers, particularly at popular tourist sites and restaurants, or on public transportation. Pick-pockets take advantage of crowds getting on and off of all forms of public transportation, using the jostling of the crowd as a distraction.  Wallets and cellphones are particularly vulnerable.  Rental cars and vehicles with out-of-town or foreign license plates are frequent targets for break-ins, particularly when parked at popular tourist destinations and beaches. Remove visible luggage or personal items from cars when parking.

Keep your car doors locked when stopped at intersections. Avoid using automatic teller machines (ATMs) in isolated or poorly lighted areas. In general, visitors to Portugal should carry limited cash and credit cards on their person, and leave extra cash, credit cards, and personal documents at home or in a hotel safe. Avoid parks at dusk and after dark, as they are used for vice activities.  Drugs are often sold at night, in the downtown area, especially near the bars and restaurants, and travelers are sometimes approached by drug dealers.

U.S. citizens pay attention to their surroundings when traveling in Portugal and report any concerns to the local police.  Electronics are particularly vulnerable to theft, as is unattended luggage.  Be careful on public transportation. When walking into train and metro stations at night; only enter well-lit and well-traveled stations.  Vacation homes have been robbed.  When renting vacation lodging, make sure to assess the accommodation’s security systems.

Taxis are a reliable means of transportation, though you should be alert to possible discrepancies between the meter fare and the amount requested by the driver. Always ask the taxi driver to use the meter. Always use a taxi from the queue or kiosk; do not utilize someone who walks up to you and offers you a ride.

Beaches are generally considered safe, but beachgoers should not leave their personal belongings unattended. Youth gangs have been known to congregate along the beaches between Lisbon and Cascais and occasionally accost/rob beach-goers. The authorities have increased their patrols in response to these incidences.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.  Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

Portugal has a crime victim’s assistance program, administered through an organization known by its acronym, "APAV."

APAV – (Lisbon)
Rua José Estêvão, 135 A, Pisos 1/2
1150-201 Lisboa
Portugal
tel. 21 358 79 00
fax 21 887 63 51
email: apav.sede@apav.pt

Serviços de Sede (Porto)
Rua Aurélio Paz dos Reis 351 
4250-068 Porto 
tel. 22 834 68 40 | fax 22 834 68 41

Office hours in Lisbon are weekdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 to 5:30 p.m.; tel: 351 21 358 79 00, and in Estoril, near Cascais, the office hours are weekdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; tel: 21 466 42 71English speakers are available to help you. 

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Portugal is 112. For social welfare emergencies such as domestic violence or child abuse dial 144. English-speaking operators are available.

There is also an SOS immigrant line with English speaking operators 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.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.