This travel advice also covers Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores.
\nThere is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Portugal set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Portuguese Embassy in the UK.
\n\nPortugal follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
\n\nhave a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
\nhave an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has either been reported lost or stolen or is damaged.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Portugal, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Portugal are different.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
\n\nAt Portuguese border control you may need to show:
\n\nIf you’re visiting Portugal and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to AIMA using their contact form (access is only available to users in Portugal). This does not apply to you if you’re the holder of a residence permit or long stay visa.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Portugal.
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\n\nPrior to travelling to Portugal, you can use the EU’s Travel to Europe mobile application to complete an entry questionnaire. The application is optional, but it can help you save time and speed up border checks.
\nChildren aged 17 and under travelling to Portugal alone, or with a person who is not their parent or legal guardian, must carry a letter of authorisation to travel.
\n\nThe Portuguese authorities have advised that the letter must:
\n\nMake sure the letter includes:
\n\nBe prepared to show the letter of authorisation to border officials on arrival and departure from Portugal.
\n\nIf you bring a child to Portugal without a letter of authorisation, your entry will be delayed and may be refused.
\n\nTeenagers aged 17 and under who travel alone, or with friends of the same age, and who are not being met on arrival by a parent or guardian, may be refused entry if they do not have a letter of authorisation.
\n\nA child aged 17 or under who is resident in Portugal must carry a properly certified letter of authorisation if travelling without their parent or legal guardian. See more details in the Living in Portugal guide.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s guides for Portugal, The Azores, Madeira and Porto Santo.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Portugal. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Portugal cannot be ruled out.
\n\nDemonstrations, political gatherings and marches are not uncommon, particularly in cities. While most demonstrations are peaceful, if you are near areas where they are taking place, you should remain aware of what is happening around you and follow the advice of the police and local authorities.
\n\nStrike action that causes travel disruption, including at airports, can take place. Strikes can be announced at short notice. For updates on any disruption that may affect your travel plans, check the local news and follow the advice of your travel provider or tour operator.
\n\nBe alert to the risk of street crime. Take care on public transport and at crowded bus and tram stops. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Look after your passport, money and personal belongings when travelling, checking in luggage at the airport or arranging car hire.
\n\nDo not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo pages of your passport somewhere safe.
\n\nMake sure your accommodation has adequate security. Lock all doors and windows at night and when you go out. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your tour operator or property owner, or contact the local police force:
\n\nPolícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) – the public security police force that covers cities
\nGuarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) – the national guard that covers smaller towns and rural areas
\nAttacks including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur. The risk is highest late at night around popular nightlife locations. In an emergency, call 112.
\n\nAvoid splitting up from your friends, do not go off with people you don’t know and don’t let a friend walk back to their accommodation alone. Set up a group chat to keep in touch. Save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easy to find or take a photograph of the name and address of your accommodation. For further tips and advice, see TravelAware ‘Stick with your mates’ and getting help if you are a victim of crime abroad.
\n\nBe alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.
\n\nBuy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Portugal are often stronger than those in the UK.
\n\nYou must provide photo ID if asked by a police officer. The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity. It is mandatory to carry ID when driving.
\n\nGambling is only legal in places licensed by the government, such as official casinos. Games of chance, including bingo, are illegal if they’re held on unlicensed premises.
\n\nThe police may act on reports of illegal gambling in unauthorised premises without warning. You could be arrested, charged and fined or given a prison sentence. If in doubt, ask if the venue is licensed.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Portugal have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nThe municipality of Albufeira has introduced a Code of Conduct which bans inappropriate behaviour in public places. Check out the rules that are now in force. If you break the rules, you could be fined on the spot from between 150 and 1800 euros.
\n\nMany large events are held in Portugal each year. Follow the advice of police and local authorities when attending events.
\n\nTake care of your valuables if attending a festival or large concert. See the festival travel checklist for more advice.
\n\nEvery year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Portugal.
\n\nAlways supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present. Be particularly vigilant of children if you are staying in a villa with a private pool.
\n\nTake care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach. Don’t walk close to the water’s edge, especially along unsupervised stretches of beach. Waves can be unpredictable and some beaches have a strong undertow.
\n\nBeware of rip tides, which can cause drowning. If you are caught in a rip tide, do not try to swim against it. Swim parallel to the coastline until you no longer feel the current, then try to swim towards the shore.
\n\nHidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water and do not swim at beaches where a river runs into the sea as there may be strong currents.
\n\nSupervised beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water, yellow means it’s only safe to paddle at the water’s edge). Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.
\n\nSee further tips on ABTA’s swim safe pages and Water Safety on Holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nLook out for signs warning of cliff erosion. Falling rocks are a hazard, particularly in the Algarve. The authorities can fine people who ignore warning signs.
\n\nHiking in Madeira and the Azores can be challenging. Choose paths that suit your fitness and experience.
\n\nBe prepared for narrow, uneven paths and heights. Wear suitable clothing and walking boots. Take extra care if it has rained, as the ground may be slippery and unstable. Check with your tour guide or local organiser that it is safe before you set off.
\n\nLeave details of where you are going with your hotel reception and take a phone with you. Reduce the risk by walking with a group or following a guide.
\n\nSee more information about staying safe, walkway closures and access restrictions on Visit Madeira and Visit Azores.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Portugal, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Portugal guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Portugal. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nYou can bring your own vehicle to Portugal for up to 183 days in any 12-month period. You must not use your vehicle for any other purpose than tourism or loan it to anyone else.
\n\nIf you want to stay longer, you must apply to the Portuguese Customs authority to have the car legally imported. You’ll be fined if you leave the country without your car.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nIf you are visiting Portugal, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.
\n\nCheck how long you can use your UK licence if you live in Portugal.
\n\nMake sure you understand the toll system in Portugal and how to pay toll charges. If you think you may have used a toll road without paying, check the Toll Payment Portal.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nIn Summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in Portugal. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere website.
\n\nFind advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the National Health Service (NHS).
\n\nCheck with your travel provider and follow advice from local authorities.
\n\nThere is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry. Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal.
\n\nWildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. You should:
\n\nStarting a fire, even if it is by accident, is illegal and you could get a fine or a prison sentence.
\n\nFor information about active wildfires and forecasts, visit the Portuguese Met Office website for information on Portugal and Madeira.
\n\nEarthquakes are a risk in Portugal. For more information, see the Portuguese Met Office (for mainland Portugal) or the Earthquake Information and Surveillance Centre (for the Azores).
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nFor severe weather warnings, go to the European Meteorological Services website.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nIf you’re feeling unwell, but it’s not an emergency, call:
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Portugal.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nChanges to your routine when travelling, such as later nights, coping with heat and changes to your diet can have an impact on your medication. See the Summer Proof Your Health campaign for more information.
\n\nThere are strict rules around dispensing certain medicines in Portugal, including antibiotics. Keep any medication you bring or are prescribed in the original container with the prescription label.
\n\nUK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal. Carry enough medication for your visit and keep a few days’ supply in your hand luggage in case your checked-in baggage is delayed or lost.
\n\nIf you need a repeat prescription, go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E. You may have to pay for your medication.
\n\nYou will need to go to a pharmacy to get most medicines, though some non-prescription medication is sold at health stores in supermarkets and shopping centres. Find a pharmacy on the Pharmacy Association website.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Portugal, where some staff will speak English.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Portugal, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Portugal.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health and mental health support for UK nationals in Portugal.
\n\nThere is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Portugal on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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