Emergency Number (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Overall Safety
Portugal consistently ranks among the world's safest countries. The Global Peace Index regularly places Portugal in the top 10 globally, and it's one of the safest countries in Europe.
✓ Very Safe: Portugal has low rates of violent crime, political stability, and a generally welcoming attitude toward foreigners. Most expats feel completely safe here.
Crime Statistics
- Homicide rate: ~0.8 per 100,000 (US is ~6.0)
- Violent crime: Very low by international standards
- Property crime: Pickpocketing and petty theft exist, especially in tourist areas
- Drug-related crime: Low due to decriminalization policy
Common Concerns
While Portugal is very safe, some issues do affect expats:
Pickpocketing & Petty Theft
- Most common in tourist areas of Lisbon and Porto
- Tram 28 in Lisbon is notorious for pickpockets
- Crowded events and festivals
- Beach theft (belongings left unattended)
💡 Prevention: Use money belts in crowded areas, don't leave bags unattended, use hotel safes, and be aware in tram/metro crowds.
Car Break-ins
- Don't leave valuables visible in parked cars
- Rental cars may be targeted (tourists expected to have items inside)
- Use guarded parking where available
Scams
Common tourist scams to watch for:
- Restaurant overcharging: Check prices before ordering, especially for fish (priced per kg)
- Street sellers: Pushy sellers on beaches or at viewpoints
- MB Way scams: Criminals trick sellers into sending money (see Banking page)
- Rental scams: Fake apartment listings requiring deposits
Emergency Contacts
Primary Emergency Number
112 - European emergency number (works like US 911)
- Police (PSP/GNR)
- Fire (Bombeiros)
- Medical emergency (INEM)
Other Useful Numbers
- PSP (Public Security Police): 217 654 242 (Lisbon)
- GNR (National Republican Guard): 213 217 000
- Tourist Police (Lisbon): 213 421 634
- Health Line (Saúde 24): 808 24 24 24
- US Embassy Lisbon: +351 21 727 3300
- Poison Control: 808 250 143
112 operators usually speak English. Local police may have limited English outside tourist areas—consider having key phrases ready or use a translation app.
Regional Safety Notes
Lisbon
- Generally very safe city
- Watch for pickpockets in Baixa, Alfama, and on trams
- Some nightlife areas (Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré) have drunk tourists—minor issues
- Certain peripheral neighborhoods less safe at night
Porto
- Very safe overall
- Ribeira area can have pushy sellers
- Less tourist-focused crime than Lisbon
Algarve
- Very safe region
- Beach theft is the main concern
- Tourist areas well-policed in summer
Rural Areas
- Extremely safe
- Community-oriented, people look out for each other
- May have slower emergency response times
Natural Hazards
Earthquakes
Portugal is seismically active. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake was one of history's most destructive. While major earthquakes are rare, tremors occur:
- Know building evacuation routes
- Modern buildings meet seismic codes
- Older buildings in historic areas may be more vulnerable
Wildfires
- Summer fire season affects rural and forested areas
- Central Portugal particularly affected in recent years
- Follow ANEPC (Civil Protection) alerts
Ocean Safety
- Atlantic coast has strong currents and waves
- Swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches
- Pay attention to flag warnings
- Rip currents can be dangerous
💡 Beach Flags: Green = safe, Yellow = caution, Red = no swimming, Checkered = lifeguard absent.
US Embassy Services
The US Embassy in Lisbon provides services for American citizens:
Location
Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1600-081 Lisboa
Services
- Passport renewal/replacement
- Notarial services
- Emergency assistance
- Voting information
- Crisis assistance (arrests, deaths, emergencies)
Contact
- Phone: +351 21 727 3300
- After-hours emergency: +351 21 727 3300
- Website: pt.usembassy.gov
💡 STEP Program: Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and help the embassy contact you in emergencies.
Personal Safety Tips
General
- Portugal is safe, but use normal urban awareness
- Don't flash expensive jewelry/electronics in crowded areas
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, leave
Women Travelers
- Portugal is very safe for women
- Street harassment is uncommon
- Solo female travelers rarely report issues
LGBTQ+ Safety
- Portugal is very LGBTQ+ friendly
- Same-sex marriage legal since 2010
- Lisbon has a visible LGBTQ+ community
- Rarely issues, even in smaller towns