Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo
About Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Portuguese |
| Capital | Funchal |
The Autonomous Region of Madeira is an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Morocco, and includes the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and the two small groups of inhabited islands Desertas and Selvagens. Madeira is one of two autonomous regions of Portugal (the other is the Azores) and is part of the European Union.
The Portuguese began colonizing the islands in the 1400s. Madeira became known for sugar production, and since the 17th century has been known for wine.
The democratic government of Madeira is supervised by the government in Lisbon, but Lisbon does not influence Madeira’s economic policies or taxation. The Regional Government is accountable to the Regional Legislative Assembly. The president of the Regional Government is appointed by the Representative of the Republic.
Madeira is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy Madeira wine, historic sites, hiking, whale watching, and many water sports. The “Levadas da Madeira” are engineered channels of water or aqueducts and are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Recommended Vaccinations For Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo
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.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
**Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for travellers at higher risk (e.g. visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to consuming street vendor food.**
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travellers of all ages to the Madeira Islands.
Recommended Medications For Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo
There are no recommendations for Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
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.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in Madeira Islands and Porto Santo and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur in this country.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B occurs in this country.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A occurs in this country.
Safety & Security in Portugal - Madeira & Porto Santo
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.
