Europe
Is Portugal safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Portugal safe?
One of Europe's safest countries. Pickpocketing in Lisbon and Porto tourist areas and strong Atlantic currents are the main risks.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-03-02.
- Homicide rate: 0.7 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 8.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: One of Europe's easier countries for solo women; take usual care late at night around Lisbon's Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Pickpockets on Lisbon's tram 28 and at crowded viewpoints
- Strong Atlantic currents and rip tides at many beaches
- Summer wildfires inland, mainly July–September
- Falling rocks from Algarve cliffs; heed warning signs
Common scams
- Street sellers offering fake drugs in Lisbon's Baixa and Bairro Alto
- Fake rental listings asking for deposits before any viewing
Laws visitors break by accident
- Personal drug use is decriminalised, not legal; police can fine you, and dealing or smuggling means prison.
- Sleeping overnight in campervans or tents outside authorised sites is banned and fined.
- Albufeira fines anti-social behaviour in public €150–1,800 under its code of conduct.
Safety by place in Portugal
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Madeira | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Cascais | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Azores | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Ericeira | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Coimbra | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Douro Valley | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Évora | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Braga | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Aveiro | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Silver Coast | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Tavira | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Lisbon | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Porto | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Algarve | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sintra | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lagos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Albufeira | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Faro | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nazaré | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Portugal safe for tourists?
One of Europe's safest countries. Pickpocketing in Lisbon and Porto tourist areas and strong Atlantic currents are the main risks.
Is Portugal safe for solo female travelers?
One of Europe's easier countries for solo women; take usual care late at night around Lisbon's Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré.
What is the emergency number in Portugal?
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Portugal visa portal (MNE)
- GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice
- SNS 24
- Speedtest Global Index: Portugal
- EF English Proficiency Index: Portugal
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.