Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Portugal. 

 

Crime

 

Crime rates are low but pickpocketing, handbag snatching and theft from cars and holiday properties are common in major tourist areas and can be accompanied by violence. Be alert, keep sight of your belongings at all times and beware of thieves using distraction techniques. Be especially vigilant on public transport (particularly the popular numbers 16 and 28 trams in Lisbon) and at busy railway and underground stations and crowded bus and tram stops.

 

Do not carry all your valuables together in handbags or pockets. Leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. Avoid leaving items in an unattended car, even for a short period; if you have no alternative, hide them in the boot before you reach your destination. Remember that foreign-registered and hire cars are often targeted by thieves.

 

Report the loss or theft of your passport immediately to the local police and obtain a police report. You will need the report for insurance purposes and to obtain a replacement travel document from y our Embassy.

 

Make sure your holiday accommodation has adequate security. Lock all doors and windows at night and when you go out. If you’re worried about security at your accommodation, speak to your tour operator or the owner.  Familiarise yourself with the contact details of the local police.

 

Sexual assaults are rare, but you should be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs, including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they aren’t spiked.  If you are going to drink, know your limit and remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often much stronger than those in the UK. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don’t go off with people you don’t know.

 

Road travel

 

Driving is on the right. If you hire a car, make sure the vehicle insurance is fully comprehensive and check how you will pay for any toll charges.

 

As a tourist, you can bring your own vehicle to Portugal for a maximum of 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 during that time. If you intend to stay longer, you must apply to the Portuguese Customs authority to have the car legally imported. You will be fined if you leave the country without your car.

 

In 2013 there were 650 road deaths in Portugal (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 6.2 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the EU average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

See the European Commission,AA and RAC guides on driving in Portugal.

 

Local travel - Madeira

 

Walking the levadas (ancient irrigation channels) can be challenging. Choose only the ones that are suited to your own standard of fitness and experience. Be prepared for narrow, uneven paths and heights. Wear suitable clothing and walking boots. Leave details of where you are going with your hotel reception and take your mobile telephone with you. Better still, join a group of walkers and go with a guide. Take extra care if it has rained as the ground may be slippery and unstable.

 

Forest fires have destroyed some of the mountain areas where walking and other tourist activity is popular. Check with your tour guide or local organiser that it is safe to visit before setting off.

 

Further information about road and walkway closures and access restrictions can be found on the website of the Civil Protection Authority and the Regional Forestry Commission

 

Beaches and swimming

 

Deaths by drowning occur every year on Portuguese beaches and in swimming pools. The Maritime Police have the authority to fine bathers who disobey the lifeguard’s warning flags.

 

Take warning flags on beaches seriously. The red flag indicates danger: never enter the water when the red flag is flying. If there is a yellow flag, you may paddle at the water’s edge, but not swim. The green flag indicates that it is safe to swim, and the chequered flag means that the beach is temporarily unmanned. Follow local advice if jellyfish are present.

 

Take care when walking along unmanned beaches close to the water’s edge as some waves can be of an unpredictable size and come in further than expected on to the beach with strong undertows.

 

Don’t swim at beaches that link to/from rivers, or those without lifeguards. Don’t dive into unknown water as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

 

Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion. Falling rocks are a hazard, particularly in the Algarve, and the authorities can fine those who ignore warning signs.

 

Local laws and customs

If you are caught taking or in possession of drugs for personal use, you may be subject to a fine or another sanction (including the seizure of personal belongings). Selling or trafficking drugs is a criminal offence and subject to severe penalties.

 

You must show some form of identification if asked by the police or judicial authorities.  In most cases, it should be sufficient to carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport, but you may be asked to produce the original document.

 

Gambling is only legal in establishments properly licensed by the government, like official casinos. Games of chance, including bingo, are illegal if they’re held on unlicensed premises. The police may act on reports of illegal gambling in unauthorised premises without warning. Organisers, participants and anyone on the premises may be arrested, charged with a criminal offence and fined or imprisoned. If in doubt, you should ask whether the establishment you’re entering is legally licensed. An information leaflet with guidance on gambling is available to download in English from the Portuguese Tourist Authority website.

 

Money

 

The currency of Portugal is the Euro.

 

Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas.

 

Health

 

If you’re visiting Portugal you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country (EU citizens only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Portuguese nationals. The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.

 

If you experience symptoms seek medical attention or contact www.saude24.pt on 808 24 24 24 (information in Portuguese only).

 

Natural disasters

Forest fires

 

Forest fires occur frequently in Portugal during the summer months, especially in central and northern areas of the country. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, don’t light barbecues and don’t leave empty bottles behind. Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence in Portugal even if unintentional. If you see the on-set of a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112.

 

For up-to-date information on the situation (in Portuguese), visit the Portuguese Civil Protection Service website.

 

Entry requirements

Passport validity

 

EU passports should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

The Portugese authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Visas

 

You can stay in Portugal as a tourist for up to 3 months. If you intend to stay for longer, you must apply for a Registration Certificate from the local Camara Municipal (Town Hall).

 

Travelling with children

 

A minor under the age of 18 travelling to Portugal must either:

 

be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or

be met at the airport or point of entry by a parent or guardian, or

if not accompanied by parent or guardian, carry a letter of authorisation to travel from that parent or guardian. The letter should name the adult in Portugal who will be responsible for the minor during their stay.

Resident minors leaving Portugal

 

A minor who is living in Portugal may be prevented from leaving the country if he/she is travelling unaccompanied and is not carrying a notarised letter of authority from a parent or guardian. The letter of authority can be issued by:

 

i)   one of the minor’s parents (if the parents are married)

ii)  the parent the minor lives with (if the parents are separated or divorced)

iii) one of the adoptive parents (if the child is adopted) or

iv) the minor’s legal guardian.

 

A standard form of words (in Portuguese) for minors exiting the country may be downloaded from the Portuguese immigration service website. There are two options under “Saída de Menores de Território Nacional”. The first one is for use by Portuguese nationals; the second is for foreign nationals.

 

Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

 

ETDs are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Portugal.