Emergency Help Abroad – Portugal

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Portugal — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to fines or criminal penalties.

• Drug trafficking carries severe prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons (including certain knives) without valid reason is illegal.

• The legal drinking age is 18 nationwide.

• Drink-driving laws are strict with low legal limits.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respectful behaviour is expected in public places and religious sites.

• Modest clothing should be worn in churches.

• Littering on beaches or in public spaces is fined.

• Damaging protected dunes, coastlines or habitats is an offence.

• Graffiti or vandalism can lead to arrest and fines.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request ID — carry your passport or a clear copy.

• Public drunkenness or disorderly behaviour can result in fines.

• Pickpocketing occurs in busy tourist areas — stay alert.

• Scams happen around ATMs, taxis and rental agencies.

• Offering bribes to officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires valid tickets — inspectors issue on-the-spot fines.

• Speeding, seatbelt rules and phone-use while driving are strictly enforced.

• Parking violations can lead to fines or towing.

• Driving without correct documents or insurance is illegal.

• Overstaying Schengen limits can lead to fines or bans.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drone use is restricted near airports, crowds and nature reserves.

• Photography rules vary in churches and museums.

• Avoid photographing security buildings or military areas.

• Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Many beaches have strict flag systems — red flags mean no swimming.

• Wildfire rules are enforced — fires are banned in many rural areas during summer.

• Removing sand, shells or stones from some beaches may be illegal.

• Feeding wildlife or stray animals is discouraged.

• Walking off marked cliff paths can be prohibited.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging or climbing on historic sites or monuments is a criminal offence.

• Entering fenced or restricted archaeological areas is forbidden.

• Removing artefacts or natural materials from protected areas is illegal.

• Buying items made from protected species may be prohibited.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels acceptable or low-key in the UK may be considered abrupt, disrespectful or inappropriate in Portugal.

• Don’t disregard strong Atlantic waves or red flags, especially at beaches in the Algarve and west coast where currents are powerful.

• Don’t treat church dress codes casually, particularly in rural areas where modest clothing is expected.

• Don’t drink heavily and swim, as Portuguese coastal waters can be rough even on calm days.

• Don’t assume all taxi drivers take cards, and check payment options before starting the journey.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in rental cars, especially at beaches, miradouros (viewpoints) and quiet car parks.

• Don’t walk on fragile dune systems, which are protected to prevent erosion.

• Don’t ignore heat warnings, particularly inland where summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.

• Don’t underestimate steep hills and cobblestones, especially in Lisbon and Porto where footwear matters.

• Don’t rely solely on timetables for rural buses, which may run infrequently or finish early.

• Don’t disrespect Fado performances, by talking loudly or using flash photography.

• Don’t flush non-toilet items, especially in older plumbing systems common in historic buildings.

• Don’t expect restaurants to rush service, as meals are leisurely and designed to be enjoyed.

• Don’t assume English is spoken everywhere, especially in rural villages — small Portuguese phrases help.

• Don’t enter private vineyards or terraces without permission, even if paths seem open.

• Don’t buy counterfeit souvenirs or knock-off goods, particularly in busy markets.

• Don’t underestimate how slippery tram tracks and pavements get in rain, posing a risk to walkers.

• Don’t ignore pedestrian crossings, as cars may not always yield unless you step confidently forward.

• Don’t smoke in enclosed terraces, as many are included in indoor smoking bans.

• Don’t handle or disturb ceramic tiles (azulejos) on buildings — they are fragile cultural heritage.

• Don’t underestimate sun strength, especially near the coast where breezes disguise heat.