What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Portugal, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 11 August 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 1 of 4
Updated 23 December 2025
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise normal security precautions
Level 1 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Advice for Azores
Exercise normal security precautions
Level 1 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Portugal” of the UK government's travel advice for Portugal, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Portugal, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
You 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.
Gambling 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.
The 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.
Illegal 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.
Airports in Portugal have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
The 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.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Portugal, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Changes 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.
There 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.
UK 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.
If you need a repeat prescription, go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E. You may have to pay for your medication.
You 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.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Portugal, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
In 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.
Find advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the National Health Service (NHS).
Check with your travel provider and follow advice from local authorities.
There is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry. Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal.
Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. You should:
Starting a fire, even if it is by accident, is illegal and you could get a fine or a prison sentence.
For information about active wildfires and forecasts, visit the Portuguese Met Office website for information on Portugal and Madeira.
Earthquakes 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).
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
For severe weather warnings, go to the European Meteorological Services website.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Portugal.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.