Learn About What's Legal and Illegal Before Visiting Portugal (2024)

FAQs

What can't you bring into Portugal? ›

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

In Portugal, it's illegal to urinate in the sea. So if you happen to swim into an unusually warm patch of water at a Portuguese beach, someone's broken the law. And if it's you who has the urge to relieve yourself during a swim, you have no choice but to get out of the water and head for the public bathroom.

Yes. Portuguese citizens can own firearms for hunting, target shooting, pest control and collecting. Self-defense is not considered a legal reason for owning a firearm. Legally, only licensed gun owners can lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition.

Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, with food available at affordable prices, cheap options for accommodation, and reasonable costs for transport. It's not surprising, then, that so many American expats are making this beautiful country their home.

Bringing your medicines to Portugal

If you have a condition that requires you to bring your own medicines to Portugal, you should bring them in clearly labelled containers and have a letter from your GP stating what the medicines are and why you need them.

If you are transporting cash or monetary assets in an amount ​equal to or greater than 10,000 euros, or an equivalent in a different currency, you must declare it. For lower amounts, declaration is not mandatory. Learn more about transporting money.

The most common type of crime in Portugal is theft, particularly pickpocketing in urban areas and burglary in rural areas. Drug-related crimes are also an issue in some areas, although the possession of small amounts of drugs has been decriminalized in Portugal.

PDA is often frowned upon in Portugal. This doesn't obviously include holding hands, hugging, and a quick kiss. However, intense kissing is disrespectful and will get you lots of stares. People might actually come up to you and call this behavior out.

All Member States establish a minimum age for sexual consent. Most Member States set this between 14 and 16 years. The lowest minimum age is 14 years, set in seven Member States: Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Portugal. The highest is set at 18 years – in Malta.

In fact, the average cost of living in Portugal is around €1,608 (€1,500) per month, depending on what part of Portugal you're living in. Overall, Portugal is considered one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe and is, on average, 50 percent cheaper than living in the United States.

What can you hunt in Portugal? ›

As a complement to hunting we have Major Hunting programs that include the Iberian Deer, Boar, Bighorn Sheep, Roe Deer and Roe Deer.

1 - The use of firearms is only allowed in case of absolute necessity, as an extreme measure, when other less dangerous means prove ineffective. 2 - In such a case, the officer shall endeavor to minimize injuries and and preserve human life.

Portugal is actually considered one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe and is an average of 50 percent cheaper than living in the United States.

Portugal is the most affordable country in Western Europe. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €2,076, excluding rent, while a single person's estimated monthly costs are €596, excluding rent. On average, the cost of living in Portugal is almost 38 percent lower than in the USA.

Yes, Portugal does have state-provided healthcare, which is free for all citizens and legal residents in Portugal. Even though medical care is mainly free, you may have to pay some fees when visiting emergency rooms, your family doctor, or requesting ambulance services.

Portugal decriminalised use and possession of all drugs in a way that moves the focus from criminal punishment to treatment. Drugs are not freely available, and they cannot legally be sold. If you are caught with a possession quantity of a drug, there are still civil consequences.

If you feel unwell, call the Portuguese health service helpline on (+351) 808 24 24 24 (press 9 for English) or go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E department. Consider carrying an Emergency ID Card to help the health services assist you in an emergency.

The tax rate for foreigners in Portugal who are considered non-residents is 25% on all income earned.

While credit and debit cards are generally accepted, Portugal is a cash-centric country — especially when you get outside of cities like Lisbon and Porto.

How much cash can I bring to Portugal? ›

You are allowed to travel with any amount of money. However, if you are entering or leaving the European Union carrying an amount over 10,000 euros, or its equivalent in a different currency, you are under a legal obligation to declare it at Customs.

The Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto (the three most popular destinations for tourists) are all extremely safe. The biggest concern for travellers, particularly those heading to cities like Lisbon, is small crime or theft.

Where is the safest location to reside in Portugal? Lisbon, Braga, Porto, Funchal on Madeira Island, Portimão, Aveiro, and Coimbra are regarded as some of the safest communities to reside within Portugal. With that said, residents are encouraged to remain cautious of pickpockets – especially in touristy areas.

Top style tips for Portugal

Opt for a smart casual look with nice shoes. Jeans are very popular everywhere in Portugal, especially with younger people, but they are always smart and clean.

Creating, sending, collecting or asking for sexually explicit images of anyone under the age of 18 is illegal. These images could be classed as child p*rnography. Always talk to a trusted adult if you ever receive a message or image that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared.

According to reports, Nigeria has the lowest age of consent across the world at 11 years which is followed by Angola at 12 years. On the other hand, in countries like the United Kingdom the age of consent is 16, in Greece and France it is 15 and 14 in Germany, and Italy.

Several other countries, including Niger and Japan, have designated 13 as the age of consent—although Japan has notoriously inconsistent consent laws that designate different ages of consent, ranging from 13 to 20, depending upon where one is in the country.

The national average price of a 2,000-square-foot home in Portugal is $278,000. Buying a house in Portugal as an American is about 40% cheaper than the U.S. median home price, which is roughly $455,000.

Can US citizens live full time in Portugal? ›

Can American citizens move to Portugal? Technically you're allowed to enter the country visa-free and stay there for up to 90 days. If you wish to live there long-term, then you need to get a residence permit.

You can comfortably retire in Portugal with an income between $1,500 – 2,000 per month.

Farming and hunting have reduced the numbers of wild animals living in Portugal. The common animals are boars, wild goats, fallow deer, foxes, and Iberian hares. The Iberian lynx is the most endangered cat species in the world.

Wild animals found in Portugal include wolves, lynx, wildcat, wild boars, goats, deer, hares and more. Due to its location, Portugal remains rich in birdlife as it sits on the western migration route of many western and central species. Peneda-Gerês National Park is the only national park in Portugal.

Native species to Portugal, some of them endangered, include the Iberian wolf, the Iberian lynx, the white stork and the man o' war, which you can see below: There are many other species, including beetles, bats, quails, bullfinches, lizards, dolphins, and whales.

The five main police organizations in Portugal are the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), Public Security Police (PSP), the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), Judicial Police and ASAE.

First of all, the portuguese constitution says everyone has personal image rights (artº. 26º). Second, the law (Código Civil - Dec. Lei 47344 - artº 79º) basically says you can take pictures of places where people are present, and without their consent, but you take a picture of a specific person without their consent.

The main places American expats live in Portugal are Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, Algarve, and Coimbra. Lisbon: Lisbon is Portugal's capital city and offers a vibrant cultural scene, a bustling nightlife, and easy access to the rest of Europe.

Moving to Portugal is relatively straightforward for US citizens. There are a number of different ways for Americans to get a Portuguese visa, through work, marriage, or the Golden Visa investment program.

Is Portugal good for American retirees? ›

Portugal's living costs for retirees

You can live comfortably with an estimated €1,300-€1,500 (US$1,500-1,700) per month in small towns or €1,700 ($2,200) in larger urban areas such as Lisbon or Porto. Groceries, eating out, rent, utilities, and health care are especially affordable in Portugal.

The most popular jobs in Portugal include tourism and hospitality-related work. Many work opportunities are available in retail, dining, customer service, resorts, and hotels. Tech-related jobs in IT are also on the rise in Portugal, and call center work is almost always available.

A 20 percent Deposit. For a Portuguese mortgage, you will generally need a minimum deposit of 20% of the property's price, because the borrowing varies from 60% to 80% of the price or valuation price, depending on the lender, with loans available at a variable rate or fixed rate basis.

On average, housing in Portugal costs around 1,100 EUR (1,200 USD) in rent per month. This number grew considerably from the 800 EUR (880 USD) registered just a year before. Rent prices will vary greatly depending on the part of the country in which you choose to live and the type of housing you seek.

Yes. Portuguese citizens can own firearms for hunting, target shooting, pest control and collecting. Self-defense is not considered a legal reason for owning a firearm. Legally, only licensed gun owners can lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition.

Most countries require travellers to complete a customs declaration form when bringing notified goods (alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, animals, fresh food, plant material, seeds, soils, meats, and animal products) across international borders.

*Confectionery, chocolate or cakes (including Christmas cake, Simnel cake or cakes containing nuts) are permitted from any country as long as they are for your personal consumption and do not contain fresh cream or high levels of dairy products.

You are allowed to travel with any amount of money. However, if you are entering or leaving the European Union carrying an amount over 10,000 euros, or its equivalent in a different currency, you are under a legal obligation to declare it at Customs. Know the rules and always travel within the law.

Sharp objects: Everyday objects like a corkscrew knife, scissors, or a nail file will be taken from you through the security checkpoint. If you really need to travel with these items, it is best you pack them in your hold luggage. Explosives and inflammable items: Fireworks and aerosol paint are strictly forbidden.

What items are not allowed through customs? ›

Customs is the authority in the respective country you enter that is responsible for controlling the flow of goods, including animals, transports, foods, personal effects, and hazardous items, into and out of a country.

All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here are your options: Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise. Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk.

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Whether you're an expat or tourist, you'll see money spent in Portugal. While credit and debit cards are generally accepted, Portugal is a cash-centric country — especially when you get outside of cities like Lisbon and Porto.

The currency of Portugal is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted.

Manners and behaviour

Habits such as chewing gum and cleaning fingernails are not acceptable in public. It is rude to have your hands in your pockets when talking with someone in Germany. In France, picking your teeth and clipping your nails should be done in private rather than out in the open.