[takeaways] • Portugal is considered safe for tourists on the whole. It is ranked 7th out of 163 countries on the 2026 Global Peace Index, behind only Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland, and Austria.
• The US State Department rates Portugal as a Level 1 destination, advising travelers to "exercise normal precautions."
• Pickpocketing and petty theft are the main risks tourists face, particularly on crowded public transport like Lisbon's Tram 28.
• Natural hazards are relatively rare but include wildfires, droughts, storms, and coastal landslides or cliff erosion.
• EU/EEA citizens should carry an EHIC, while UK residents should carry a GHIC — the two cards serve different groups of travelers, not the same one.
• A Portugal eSIM keeps you connected to check weather alerts and stay in touch throughout your trip. [/takeaways]
Portugal has a reputation for being one of the most popular European countries to visit, especially when it comes to beach adventures and city breaks. However, if you've never set foot in cities like Lisbon or explored the Portuguese coast before, you'd be forgiven for wondering whether or not it's safe to visit the country at all, whether as a solo traveler or in groups.
So, is Portugal safe? Generally speaking, yes — but that doesn't necessarily mean you should rest on your laurels when it comes to personal safety and keeping your belongings under control. In this guide, we'll take a look at Portugal's reputation for safety, and what you can do to stay as safe as possible on your upcoming adventure here.
Don't let safety worries consume your vacation — but at the same time, keep an open mind and always be prepared. At the very least, prepare your phone with a Portugal eSIM so you always have access to local mobile data!
Is Portugal a safe country for tourists?
Yes, Portugal is generally regarded as a safe country for tourists to visit. According to the Global Peace Index 2026, it is ranked seventh out of 163 countries, experiencing a "very high" state of peace. Only Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland, and Austria are considered more peaceful based on this index, and Portugal, in fact, has gone up one rank since 2025. When new figures become available for 2027, we will update this guide!
Advice for traveling to Portugal safely varies from country to country, but it's wise to check what your local government advises before you pack and leave. For example, at the time of writing, the U.S. Department of State advises "exercising normal precautions" because it's considered a "level one" or lowest risk destination.
That said, it is always a good idea to keep track of national news when you travel, and use basic common sense — especially if you are traveling alone. We understand that there are plenty of people who explore the world solo — but if you have the option to travel in a group or with a partner, it's likely to be a safer option.
Crime
Tourists visiting Portugal usually won't have to worry too much about violent crime risks, though threats to personal safety and valuable items are still present. For example, in crowded areas, on public transit, and in major tourist zones, you may still face a threat of pickpocketing or petty theft. Therefore, it's wise to keep your phone as close to your person as possible, and to wear crossbody bags to ensure your items can't be snatched.
[warning]Theft strategies vary across the nation, meaning that while some pickpockets work alone, others organize into groups to try and distract people. What's more, it is not unheard of for vehicles to be broken into and to have items stolen from them.[/warning]
Beyond this, there is a slight risk of drug crime in the city areas — so, common sense, again, prevails. Look after yourself and your loved ones, as well as your personal belongings, and you typically won't have anything to be concerned about in Portugal.
Natural hazards
[warning]The chances of natural hazards occurring in Portugal are relatively small, but the region is at risk from wildfires, droughts, and heavy storms. In some areas, there is also a risk of volcanic activity — and, if you are staying close to the coast, it's worth being aware of landslides and cliff erosion.[/warning]
One of the best things you can do to protect yourself against natural threats is to keep up to speed with the latest weather forecasts and alerts. And a great way to do this is to download an eSIM for Portugal for your phone.
[esim flag="🇵🇹" label="Portugal" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/portugal" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Check weather alerts and stay connected across your Portugal trip[/esim]
SIMOVO's eSIMs allow you to pay in advance for data across several of Portugal's reliable data networks, meaning you can stay connected across your adventure without having to hunt down WiFi. You can also browse as many guides and use as many apps as you like within a data limit, rather than risking high roaming bills with your normal SIM.
Safety tips for visiting Portugal
Personal safety is a must wherever you travel, and while Portugal may be one of the safer countries we've covered in the SIMOVO journal, it still makes sense to take sensible precautions (which don't upset your enjoyment).
Whether it's your first time in Portugal or your fiftieth, here are some sensible safety tips worth keeping in mind no matter where you are nationwide.
[warning]Where in doubt, avoid taking local taxis and choose official ranks or ride-hailing apps instead. If you do get in a local taxi, always make sure that your driver is running the meter before they set off. It is, unfortunately, a common scam in many places that drivers will "forget" to set the meter running by the time you arrive at your destination.[/warning] [warning]Public transport like Lisbon's Tram 28 may be risky for pickpocketing or bag grabbing, especially when doors are about to open. If cars get crowded, keep a close eye on your belongings.[/warning] [tip title="Call 112 for police, medical care, or fire support"]Call 112 if you need help in an emergency. This is the national number in Portugal to connect you with police, medical care, and fire support. It's wise to have medical insurance ready to go before you travel, too.[/tip] [tip title="Dispose of matches and cigarettes properly to prevent wildfires"]Do your bit to protect against wildfires by disposing of matches and used cigarettes properly, and to avoid leaving glass bottles around.[/tip] [warning]If you're visiting the beach, a red flag means the water isn't safe to head into. Ask a lifeguard on duty for advice where possible, but otherwise turn back from the sea if there is a red flag flying at any time.[/warning] [tip title="Wear sturdy shoes for cobblestones and mosaic streets"]Always wear sturdy shoes if you're visiting areas like Lisbon, because cobblestones certainly aren't built for heels! Mosaic streets also become very slippery depending on the weather, so choose footwear with grip.[/tip] [warning]Don't remove cash from ATMs unless you do so from a recognized bank — there may be a risk of fake machines on the street, or you may be at risk from people stealing money wide out in the open.[/warning] [tip title="Know which health card applies to you: EHIC or GHIC"]If you're an EU or EEA citizen traveling from within the European Union, remember that healthcare is subsidized with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). UK residents, who are no longer EU citizens, should instead carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which serves a similar purpose. Anyone traveling from elsewhere will need to arrange medical and travel insurance before they arrive.[/tip] [tip title="Trust your gut and keep loved ones informed"]Above all, common sense and gut instincts prevail. If a situation doesn't seem safe or you feel you need to get away, do so — and if you are traveling alone, always tell a loved one where you are going and when you will be back safely at your accommodation.[/tip] [faq] [q]Is Portugal safe to visit?[/q] [a]Yes — Portugal is generally regarded as a very safe country for tourists, ranking 7th out of 163 countries on the 2026 Global Peace Index and rated Level 1 ("exercise normal precautions") by the US State Department. Standard precautions around pickpocketing and petty theft still apply, particularly in crowded tourist areas.[/a] [q]What is the main safety risk for tourists in Portugal?[/q] [a]Pickpocketing and petty theft are the most common risks, particularly in crowded areas, on public transport like Lisbon's Tram 28, and in major tourist zones. Violent crime is not a significant concern for most visitors.[/a] [q]Are there natural hazards to be aware of in Portugal?[/q] [a]Yes, though they're relatively rare — Portugal carries some risk from wildfires, droughts, heavy storms, and in coastal areas, landslides or cliff erosion. Staying updated with local weather forecasts and alerts is a good precaution.[/a] [q]What is the emergency number in Portugal?[/q] [a]The national emergency number in Portugal is 112, which connects you to police, medical care, and fire support. It's also worth having medical or travel insurance arranged before you travel.[/a] [q]Should I get an EHIC or GHIC for visiting Portugal?[/q] [a]It depends on your citizenship — EU and EEA citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while UK residents should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), since the UK is no longer an EU member. Travelers from elsewhere will need separate medical and travel insurance.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for visiting Portugal?[/q] [a]A Portugal eSIM is a convenient way to stay connected throughout your trip — useful for checking weather alerts, using maps, and staying in touch, all without hunting for WiFi or risking high roaming bills on your home network.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇵🇹" label="Portugal" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/portugal" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in Portugal[/esim]
