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Weather & climate
Weather in Portugal
Portugal
27°
Partly cloudy
Thu
19°
27°
Fri
19°
27°
Sat
19°
26°
Sun
19°
27°
Mon
19°
27°
Tue
19°
29°
Wed
18°
31°
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 must be less than 10 years old on your date of arrival in Portugal.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You can travel to Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism.
At border control, you may need to show an onward or return ticket and proof you have enough money for your visit.
Be prepared to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, at the border under the new Entry/Exit System.
Good to know:
Children aged 17 and under travelling without both parents must carry a signed letter of authorisation from a parent or guardian, including copies of their passport.
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into Portugal, with limited exceptions like baby food.
Safety in Portugal
Tips when travelling
Portugal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always keep sight of your belongings as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in major tourist areas.
Take care when swimming and only swim at beaches with lifeguards, obeying warning flags.
Leave your spare cash and valuables in a safe place and avoid leaving items in an unattended car.
When out at night, always use pre-arranged taxis and do not accept lifts from unmarked vehicles or strangers.
Be aware of the Algarve's cliff erosion and pay attention to warning signs to avoid rockfalls and fines.
Bonus tips:
Carry photo ID with you at all times, especially when driving, as police can hold you until your identity is confirmed.
Lock all doors and windows of your holiday accommodation at night and when you go out.
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
Safety and security
6 days ago
Safety
- The new section 'Festivals, concerts and cultural events' advises you to follow police advice and take care of valuables at large events.
- Advice for swimming at beaches now specifically says to keep small children within arms-reach and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards or flags.
Crime
- Advice for drink spiking now specifically mentions being alert to the use of 'date rape' and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.
- Advice now suggests you look after your passport, money and personal belongings when travelling, checking in luggage at the airport, or arranging car hire.
Warnings and insurance
12 days ago
Safety
- There is now a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.
- A new warning advises travellers to visit the Safety and security page for advice on wildfires.
Safety and security
22 days ago
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- A new warning advises there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in Portugal during summer months.
- For information on hot weather protection, you should now check the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere website.
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.