Portugal

Last updated: 18 August 2008

Current at: 18 November 2008

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Portugal. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Portugal.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

As in other parts of the European Union, the Portuguese government is fully aware of the threat of international terrorism and is taking measures to combat this threat.

CRIME

Most visitors find Portugal relatively trouble free.

Portugal has a relatively low crime rate but visitors to Portugal should be alert to the risks of lesser crimes such as pick-pocketing, handbag snatching and theft from cars which are becoming more prevalent in the main tourist areas such as Lisbon and the Algarve. It is strongly advisable to carry essential items such as passports, credit cards, travel tickets and money in separate handbags or pockets. Leave additional documents which can be used for identification, spare cash and valuables in a safe place, such as a hotel safe.

Do not leave any items of value in an unattended car because frequent thefts from vehicles take place. Therefore doors should be locked and windows rolled up.

The Portuguese authorities advise that car windows and doors be closed and locked while driving at night in urban centres. Pedestrians are recommended not to wear valuable jewellery or watches in public areas.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Portuguese regulations require that foreigners should be in a position to show some form of personal identification immediately if requested, for example, by the police. You are advised to carry your passport and keep a photocopy of the data page in a safe place.

Illegal Drugs

Irish citizens visiting Portugal should be aware that, under Portuguese drug legislation, if they are caught consuming or in possession of drugs for personal use they may be subject to a fine or other sanction (including the seizure of personal belongings). Selling or trafficking of drugs is a criminal offence and subject to severe penalties, such as imprisonment.

Buying Property In Portugal

Irish citizens intending to purchase property in Portugal are strongly advised to consult an independent legal advisor from the beginning of the process.

ROAD SAFETY

The Department of Foreign Affairs encourages caution and vigilance when driving in Portugal. Traffic is faster than in Ireland, driving regulations and customs are also different from those in Ireland and the accident rate is much higher. Traffic will be coming from the opposite direction to traffic in Ireland One year ago new Portuguese road traffic legislation came into effect. Fines have been increased considerably for several infringements, such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.

If driving, it is obligatory to have a red warning triangle in the vehicle to place behind it in case of accident or breakdown and a reflective vest. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory in the front and rear of vehicles. Children under 12 must not travel in the front passenger seat. You must not carry spare petrol cans in the vehicle.

Portugal operates a toll system on its motorways. Heavy fines are imposed for those who do not or cannot pay toll fees. Do not use the green lanes at the tolls which are reserved for motorists who subscribe to the automatic pay system (Via Verde).

Drivers and pedestrians should take extra care when crossing busy roads, especially late at night. This even includes crossing at designated crossing places which are often poorly marked.