Portugal Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Exercise normal precaution in Portugal . Portugal is generally a safe destination for travelers. Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.  Review our travel guidance for Portugal  to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit Portugal safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: very_easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 9am-7pm weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends. In every area, one pharmacy stays open 24/7 or for extended hours — look for the green cross sign or ask any pharmacy for the nearest 'farmácia de serviço/noturno' (on-duty pharmacy). Prescription rules: EU prescriptions are accepted. Non-EU prescriptions require validation by a Portuguese doctor. Many medications that are OTC in some countries require prescriptions here. 💡 Tips Pharmacies (farmácia) are very accessible and pharmacists are helpful. Many medications require a prescription. Portugal has a strong pharmacy culture — pharmacists can advise on minor ailments and some medications are available without prescription.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $30-55/week 💡 Tip INEM (national emergency service) provides free emergency medical care. Private hospitals and clinics are excellent but require payment or insurance guarantee upfront. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended. 💡 Tip INEM (national emergency service) provides free emergency medical care. Private hospitals and clinics are excellent but require payment or insurance guarantee upfront. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Portugal follows EU regulations on medication imports. Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter or valid prescription. For narcotics and psychotropic substances, a Schengen certificate is recommended. Common medications are widely available at pharmacies (farmácias), which are well-stocked and staffed by knowledgeable pharmacists. Portugal has decriminalized personal possession of small quantities of drugs, but importing controlled substances without documentation remains illegal.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Legal with prescription. Portugal has high benzodiazepine prescription rates. Available from pharmacies with valid medical prescription (receita médica).
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are controlled narcotics. Adderall is not approved in Portugal (or the EU generally). Possession for personal use is decriminalized (treated as administrative offense) but importing/selling remains criminal.
• Cannabis / CBD — RESTRICTED: Personal use decriminalized since 2001 (up to 25g / 5g resin). Medical cannabis legal since 2018 (Law 33/2018) with prescription. CBD products legal if THC <0.2%. Portugal pioneered decriminalization but recreational sales remain illegal.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription for ADHD. Controlled psychotropic substance under INFARMED regulation. Carry original packaging and prescription.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine combinations available by prescription. Stronger opioids require special prescriptions. Personal use possession decriminalized under 2001 law but supply remains criminal.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. Leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service (service is not automatically included). Cafes: leave small coins. Taxi drivers: round up. Portugal has lower tipping expectations than Spain or France.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Confusing Portugal with Spain (or assuming it's similar) — culturally distinct
• Assuming everyone speaks Spanish (Portuguese is different — they speak Portuguese)
• Not acknowledging saudade — the Portuguese are proud of this cultural concept
• Speaking too loudly (Portuguese culture values modesty and discretion)
• Rushing through a pastel de nata — these must be savored

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Portugal: