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Weather & climate
Weather in Portugal
Portugal
17°
Thunderstorm
Sat
14°
17°
Sun
14°
17°
Mon
15°
19°
Tue
13°
20°
Wed
12°
22°
Thu
14°
17°
Fri
14°
17°
SPF level in Portugal
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Portugal
What British travellers need to know
Your passport's date of issue must be less than 10 years before you arrive in Portugal.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or visiting family.
At border control, you may need to show an onward or return ticket.
At border control, you may need to show proof you have enough money for your visit.
Good to know:
Children aged 17 and under travelling without a parent must carry a signed letter of authorisation with a copy of the parent's passport.
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into Portugal, with exceptions for certain baby foods.
Safety in Portugal
Tips when travelling
Portugal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Watch out for pickpockets and bag-snatchers, especially in tourist spots, on public transport, and around crowded areas.
Always carry photo ID as police can detain you until they verify your identity.
Only swim at beaches with lifeguards present and obey the coloured warning flags for water safety.
Be aware that drinks in bars can be stronger than in the UK and keep an eye on your drink to avoid spiking.
Check that your holiday accommodation is secure by locking all doors and windows when you go out and at night.
Bonus tips:
In Albufeira, you can be fined on the spot for inappropriate public behaviour, and there are restrictions on buying alcohol from shops between 11pm and 8am in certain areas.
Do not ignore signs warning of cliff erosion, as falling rocks are a hazard and you could be fined.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Portugal
A UK driving license is accepted in Portugal.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Portugal drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Portugal
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Portugal. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC might not cover all costs (e.g., repatriation).
No vaccinations required
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Portugal. However, it's always wise to consult your GP before travelling. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in Portugal, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Portugal
Tipping is appreciated in Portugal, but not mandatory. Service charges are not usually included in bills.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service. Some people only tip if the service was exceptional.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or tipping 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag is customary.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day for good service.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour is appreciated.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of free EU roaming for UK mobile users no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Portugal. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM
10 GB for 20 EUR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Portugal
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good. Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.
Average speed
45 Mbps
Internet access is readily available throughout Portugal. Many establishments offer free WiFi, especially in tourist areas. Mobile data is also a reliable option.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Portugal
Country code
+351
To call the British Embassy in Lisbon from the UK, you would dial 00 351 21 392 4000.
The country code for Portugal is 351. When calling Portugal from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 351, and then the local number.
Language in Portugal
Portuguese(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Lisbon
Rua de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisbon, Portugal
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
11 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- You can now use the optional 'Travel to Europe' mobile app to complete an entry questionnaire before travel to speed up border checks.
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- You now need to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
- The line 'You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border' has been moved to a later paragraph.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Long-term residents of any Schengen country are now exempt from EES registration in all Schengen countries.
- A link to the EU's official Travel Europe website has been added to find the full list of EES exemptions.
Border procedures
- The previous advice on getting your passport stamped on entry and exit is no longer included, as EES replaces the manual stamping system.
- The advice to show border guards evidence like boarding passes if your passport is missing a stamp has also been removed.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Passport validity
- A passport renewed before 1 October 2018 with an issue date over 10 years ago is now explicitly stated to be invalid for Schengen entry.
Entry/Exit System (EES) implementation
- The EES is now described as 'being implemented' across the Schengen area, rather than being rolled out in a phased way.
- The previous expected full operation date of 10 April 2026 has been removed. The advice now says the EES is replacing the passport stamping system.
Airports in Portugal
Beaches in Portugal
Frequently asked questions
Yes, tap water in Portugal is generally considered safe to drink. However, the taste can vary depending on the region. Bottled water is widely available if you prefer it.
No, British citizens do not need a visa to enter Portugal for tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay.
The best time to visit Portugal is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summers (June-August) can be hot, especially in inland areas, while winters (November-March) are mild but can be rainy.
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Also, watch out for taxi drivers taking longer routes and restaurants charging for items you didn't order (e.g., bread and olives brought to the table). Always confirm prices beforehand.
Casual clothing is acceptable in most situations. When visiting religious sites, it's respectful to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. For evenings out or dining in nicer restaurants, smart casual attire is appropriate.
Portuguese cuisine is known for its seafood, flavorful stews, and pastries. Try 'bacalhau' (dried and salted cod), 'francesinha' (a type of sandwich), 'pastéis de nata' (custard tarts), and fresh seafood dishes. The local wines, especially Vinho Verde and Port wine, are also worth sampling.
Greetings usually involve a handshake. When meeting someone for the first time, it's polite to use formal titles (Senhor/Senhora/Senhorita) followed by their surname. Table manners are generally relaxed, but keep your hands above the table. Tipping is customary, usually around 5-10% for good service.
Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have good public transport systems, including metros, buses, and trams. Trains are a convenient way to travel between cities and regions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. Renting a car is a good option for exploring the countryside.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.