g Need to Know g Contents
Before
You Go
Things change, so plan ahead to make the most of your trip. Be prepared for all eventualities by considering the following points before you travel.
Passports and Visas
For entry requirements, including visas, consult your nearest Portuguese embassy or check the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. EU nationals and citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas for stays of up to three months; non-EU nationals must have passports valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure date.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government Advice
Now more than ever, it is important to consult both your and the Portuguese government’s advice before travelling. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US State Department, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa offer the latest information on security, health and local regulations.
AUS
Câmara Municipal de Lisboa
UK
∑ gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US
Customs Information
For EU citizens, there are limits on goods taken into or out of the country for personal use. You can find information on the laws relating to goods and currency taken in or out of Portugal on the Visit Portugal website.
Visit Portugal
Insurance
We recommend taking out a comprehensive insurance policy covering theft, loss of belongings, medical care, cancellations and delays, and read the small print carefully.
UK citizens are eligible for free emergency medical care in Portugal provided they have a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card).
EHIC
GHIC
Vaccinations
No inoculations are necessary for Portugal.
Money
Most urban establishments accept major credit and debit cards. Contactless payments are becoming more common, but it is a good idea to carry cash for smaller items.
Tipping around 10 per cent is normal when dining out or travelling by taxi; hotel porters and house-keeping will expect €1-2 per bag or day.
Booking Accommodation
Portugal offers a range of accommodation. During the summer lodgings fill up and prices become inflated, so book in advance. Lisbon and Porto are popular for city-breaks; it can be difficult to find a last-minute weekend booking even in the low season (Dec–Mar). In some cities, and in the Algarve, you will be charged a tourist tax on top of the room price (€1–2 per person per night). Hotels are required by law to share details of foreign visitors with local authorities.
Travellers with Specific Requirements
Portugal can be a challenge for visitors with reduced mobility and for those travelling with prams or buggies. Facilities have improved over the years, with increased wheelchair access, adapted toilets and reserved car parking. There are ramps and lifts in public places and on public transport. Most sights offer audio guides for the visually impaired and audio induction loops for the hard of hearing.
Tourism For All offers specialist holiday packages tailored to travellers’ needs, while Accessible Portugal gives useful advice on travelling in Portugal with limited mobility.
Accessible Portugal
Tourism For All
Language
Portuguese is the official language. English is widely spoken in most towns, cities and tourist resorts, but it is less prevalent in rural areas.
Opening Hours
COVID-19 The pandemic continues to affect Portugal. Some sights and hospitality venues are operating on reduced or temporary opening hours, and require visitors to make advance bookings. Always check ahead before visiting.
Monday
State-run museums, public buildings and monuments are closed all day.
Sunday
Churches and cathedrals are closed to tourists during Mass. Some public transport runs less frequently.
Public holidays
Most museums, public buildings and many shops are closed early or for the day.
Need to know Before You Go
At a Glance
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Average daily spend
Need to know Before You Go
essential phrases
Need to know Before You Go
Electricity Supply
Power sockets are type F, fitting a two-prong, round-pin plug. Standard voltage is 220–240v.
Need to know Before You Go
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day |
| Mar/Apr | Good Friday |
| Mar/Apr | Easter Sunday |
| 25 Apr | Freedom Day |
| 1 May | Labour Day |
| 10 Jun | Portugal Day |
| 13 Jun | Feast of St Anthony (Lisbon) |
| 20 Jun | Corpus Christi |
| 24 Jun | Feast of St John the Baptist (Porto) |
| 15 Aug | Assumption Day |
| 5 Oct | Republic Day |
| 1 Nov | All Saints’ Day |
| 1 Dec | Restoration of Independence |
| 8 Dec | Immaculate Conception Day |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day |