Portugal Travel Guide: Safety Tips, Airport Delays, and Essential Precautions for Tourists in 2025

Portugal currently maintains a Level 1 travel advisory status, which means travelers should exercise normal precautions. The U.S. State Department, Australian government, and Canadian authorities all confirm that Portugal is generally safe for tourists, with crime rates considered low compared to many other European destinations. However, petty crime remains a persistent concern in major cities. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in Lisbon and Porto, particularly in crowded tourist areas, on public transportation, at train and bus stations, and around popular lookouts and attractions. Thieves specifically target tourists, so vigilance in crowded spaces is essential. The U.S. Embassy advises against leaving valuables in rental cars, as break-ins are frequent, and recommends keeping doors and windows locked at all times. Portugal's terrorism alert level stands at 3 out of 5, classified as "significant," though no recent attacks have occurred. Visitors should remain alert during major public events, religious holidays, and sporting occasions when authorities have historically assessed heightened risks. Several operational challenges currently affect travel to Portugal. Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport is experiencing substantial delays at passport control for non-EU citizens, with wait times ranging from two to three hours. The new European Entry/Exit System requires all non-EU nationals to register biometric data at borders, contributing to longer queues. Additionally, a nationwide general strike is scheduled for December 11, 2025, which is expected to cause widespread flight cancellations and disruptions across public transport, schools, and metro systems. TAP Air Portugal is already advising passengers to verify flight status in advance and expect potential cancellations or delays on that date. For personal safety, commonsense precautions apply. Avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lit areas, don't accept drinks from strangers, and use official taxi queues rather than accepting rides from individuals who approach you. Women travelers should exercise caution in less populated areas at night, though Portugal is generally considered one of Europe's safer destinations for solo female travelers. At beaches, obey lifeguard warnings and be aware of strong currents and sudden weather changes. When driving, note that Portuguese drivers operate at high speeds, rural roads may be poorly lit, and the country enforces strict drunk-driving laws. For those planning travel in early December, adjusting flight dates away from December 11 is strongly recommended to avoid strike-related disruptions. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.