Portugal

Recommended Vaccinations For Portugal

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Although the risk for hepatitis A is low, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Recommended Medications For Portugal

There are no recommendations for Portugal at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Portugal

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Portugal.

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis A in Portugal.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Zika in this country through mosquito bites.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies

Rabies has not been reported in Portugal and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.

Safety & Security in Portugal

Personal Safety

Most visitors to Portugal do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns, however, travellers should still maintain an appropriate level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places.

Although the crime rate in Portugal is low, ensure all travel documents and valuables are kept safe and secure since petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing, can occur in crowded, urban areas.

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. Follow any lifeguard instructions and warning flags, the red flag means danger: do not go into the water and the yellow flag means caution: you can walk in the water, but you cannot swim.

Extreme Violence

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. Avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Areas To Avoid

Travellers should be wary if visiting the suburb of Queluz to visit the palace, and avoid the northeast suburb of Amadora. If visiting the Estoril coast, be careful at Guincho Beach near the town of Cascais, at the Mouth of Hell tourist site, as well as in the village of Sintra, and at its castle and palace. Do not walk alone after dark in Porto, especially along the waterfront of the Douro River.