🇵🇹 Portugal

Sunlit hill cities, tiled facades, Atlantic surf and excellent wine, at a relaxed pace.

Continent: Europe
Capital: Lisbon
Best time to go: March to June and September to October
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: Portuguese

Quick guide: Portugal essentials

🛂 Visa & entry

Part of the Schengen Area. Many passport holders (including Canada, the US, the UK and Australia) can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. The EU Entry/Exit System (biometric registration at the border) is rolling out, and the ETIAS online travel authorisation is due to become mandatory; check whether it applies before you book.

💉 Vaccines & health risks

Routine vaccines only.

🚗 Driving

Drive on the right. Non-EU visitors should bring an International Driving Permit. Many motorways have electronic-only tolls; rental cars usually come with a transponder.

🏥 Healthcare & emergencies

Good public healthcare; EU visitors can use their EHIC, everyone else needs travel insurance. Emergencies: 112.

⚖️ Drug laws

Personal possession of all drugs (up to a 10-day supply) was decriminalised in 2001: it's still illegal, but handled with fines or treatment referrals rather than prosecution. Selling is a crime. Street sellers in central Lisbon often sell fakes.

🎉 Nightlife & party scene

Lisbon's Bairro Alto (street drinking until late), Cais do Sodré and big clubs on the riverfront; Porto's Galerias de Paris street; summer parties in the Algarve. Nights start late. Drinking age 18.

Last reviewed 2026-10-17. Entry, health and legal rules change and can depend on your passport; always confirm with official sources before you travel.

City guides

Lisbon

Seven hills, vintage trams and miradouros overlooking the Tagus.

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Porto

A granite city of port lodges and azulejo-covered churches on the Douro river.

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All cities in Portugal (811)

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