Is Portugal Safe to Visit in 2024?

In Portugal, petty theft and pickpocketing are the most frequent criminal activities encountered by visitors, while violent crime occurrences remain relatively rare. Scams against tourists occur to a limited degree in busy tourist areas. ATM skimming and taxi overcharging are also reported in popular cities like Lisbon and Porto.

The Portuguese are very welcoming to tourists and usually go out of their way to help foreigners in Portugal. They can often be seen providing helpful advice about their favorite dining spots or attractions in the area. With time, visitors will quickly become part of this culture’s warm embrace that makes them feel right at home from day one!

Ranking ninth safest country for women according to the Women Peace and Security Index, Lisbon stands out as a secure city for visitors, particularly female travelers going alone. Portugal is also the seventh on the Global Peace Index.  

Drug related crime has not been an issue in Portugal since 2001, when the government began treating use and possession of small quantities of illegal drugs as a public health issue. As the first country in the world that has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs this decision has led to positive results in relation to drug related deaths and drug related crimes.

You may be aware of the earthquake, the natural disaster that devastated the country in 1755. While there’s always a minimal risk of natural catastrophes, they have become extremely rare and wildfire dangers in rural areas and flooding have been the only forms of natural disasters in recent years. It is always a good idea to monitor local media if you have any cause to worry about severe weather warnings.

According to the Global Peace Index 2023, Iceland is the safest country in the world, followed by New Zealand, Denmark, and Portugal. Several European cities are considered very safe, and this is also the case with Lisbon, Porto, and other big cities in Portugal.   

The Global Peace Index considers factors like crime rate, terrorist acts, violent demonstrations, political scenes, and relations with other countries. In 2023, Portugal ranked seventh out of 163 countries on the index. Portugal also has a stable socio-political environment, a low violent crime rate, friendly people, and a family-centered and relaxed vibe. While the country is relatively safe, some petty crimes in the bigger cities may target tourists, such as bag snatching- particularly close to tourist attractions and large shopping centers. However, you will probably not come across any violent crimes. The Portuguese tend to be amiable, and it is rare to see anyone turn violent. If you exercise normal precautions and maintain common sense when you visit Portugal, you should face no problems. The autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores are particularly safe, with local media stories occasionally appearing comically given the types of stories sometimes reported.   

This will largely depend on what you are looking for, as it will vary depending on if you are moving with family or looking to retire in Portugal. The cosmopolitan city of Lisbon is an excellent option for investors and those who want to live in a bustling city.

For a more historic city, opt for Porto in the North or other cities such as Coimbra or Braga. The Algarve should be at the top of your list for those looking for good weather and beaches. The Silver Coast is also an excellent location for expats, especially those seeking an active outdoor lifestyle in an area that is welcoming and accessible. The Silver Coast is conveniently located just over an hour northwest of Lisbon and two and a half hours south of Porto by car.

It is safe and easy to get from the south to the north of Portugal by public transportation, with many train stations across the country and trains running regularly between the major cities. It is also straightforward to get around by car. Hiring a car can be a good idea if you want to explore hidden beaches and more remote areas and get around on your own schedule.

Portugal has a very low crime rate. It’s one of the safest countries in Europe. The Portuguese police registered 90 attempted homicides in Portugal, in 2023 which is lower than the 97 murder cases reported a year earlier.

By following standard safety precautions, you should face no problems. In particular, the autonomous Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores experience very low crime rates.

Portugal is the seventh safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index and is a safe place for travelers. It would help if you always carried photo identification with you, abide by local laws, and stay up to date with any travel advice from the Portuguese authorities when visiting.

Except for wildfire dangers, there are also low risks from natural disasters. If you have any problems, you can visit a police station (or tourist police stations (PSP), two of which are in Lisbon) and report the issue to the local authorities. You can also access consular assistance if required.

Yes, Lisbon is a safe city. While some of the streets outside the city center may have poorly lit streets, and there are some instances of petty theft, such as bag snatching, the capital of Portugal is considered a safe place to live and visit.

Yes, Porto is a very safe city with a stress-free lifestyle. As with any large city, there are instances of petty theft, but Porto is one of the safest cities to live in Europe. If you ask Portugal if it is safe to travel alone, the answer is yes.

Portugal’s tourism is one of the cornerstones of the Portuguese economy. As such, there is a significant focus on this sector and on making travel easy for visitors. Indeed, Portugal stands out as one of the most secure destinations worldwide for travelers. Instances of crime are minimal, and incidents of violent crime are rare. However, major urban centers like Lisbon may experience petty crime, which is common in any large city.

Women travelers will find Portugal a very safe country to visit, but, as with any country, it is best always to exercise caution in certain areas.  

Traveling to Portugal generally poses low risks. Exercise caution against pickpocketing, drive attentively due to winding roads, respect ocean safety, be aware of natural hazards, and carry travel insurance. Stay informed, follow local guidelines, and enjoy your trip to this beautiful country.  

Yes, it is safe to use public transportation in Portugal, with trains, metro services, buses, and trams all easy to navigate.  

What should I do in case of an emergency while in Portugal? Is the emergency services system reliable?  

You can visit one of the many healthcare centers if you need medical treatment or a medical evaluation. If it is an emergency or you have a severe injury, the emergency number is 112.  

You can visit one of the many healthcare centers if you need medical treatment or a medical evaluation. If it is an emergency or you have a severe injury, the emergency number is 112.

Yes, Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates. If you visit the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores, you’ll find them some of the safest destinations. With this said, mainland Portugal is also very secure.

Yes, Portugal is very safe for American tourists, with many US citizens visiting and even moving to Portugal each year. More than 7,000 Americans live in Portugal, with this number continuing to increase. You will likely face no issues when visiting the country if you follow local laws.

However, although Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world, it is still best to exercise caution, particularly in busy areas and tourist hotspots where petty crime may occur. If you have any issues, you can file a police report to the local authorities. We recommend staying updated with the latest travel advice when you visit Portugal.