U.S. crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 4.96, a 6.77% decline from 2017. There have been increasing reports from all over mainland Portugal of robberies in vacation homes and online rental apartments. Violent crime > Murder rate: Intentional homicide, number and rate per 100,000 population. Be cognizant of local culture and team colors when traveling in the area of or attending a game. Take local advice and learn the system of colored safety flags on supervised beaches: green means safe to swim; yellow means swim with caution; red means swimming forbidden. Pickpockets take advantage of crowds getting on/off of all forms of public transportation, using the jostling of the crowd as a distraction. For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. vehicle break-ins, pickpocketing, surreptitious bag snatching) occur frequently, particularly in the major cities. U.S. crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 5.32, a 1.37% decline from 2016. Rip tides are a serious hazard on many waterfronts in mainland Portugal and the Azores. It is also against the law to take photos or record images of the general public without their permission. SIM staff provide for train and station accessibility; assistance during boarding/exiting or during the train ride; and with trip planning. Now, won't you please start calling it Czechia? Security In Transit: 7. There are, however, elevators and moving walkways at main stations that provide access from the platform to street level, as well as payment machines adapted for passengers with disabilities and/or visual impairment. Review OSAC’s Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. operators are available. While SIM service is free of charge, you must request information or assistance at least 48 hours before travel. both/all parties complete the, ; free of charge, you must request information or assistance at least 48 hours Portuguese law enforcement authorities are professional. your hotel door to anyone you do not know; check with the front desk for It is difficult to determine which message will inspire a violent extremist or sympathizer. Sometimes fights occur leading up to and just following soccer matches. modern construction techniques in accordance with contemporary EU seismic Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 0800 to 1700 (except for U.S. and Portuguese Holidays). When walking into train and metro stations at night, only enter well-illuminated and well-traveled stations. Do not get off on your floor or go to your hotel room if you feel someone is following you; go back down to the lobby and report the incident to the front desk. if their service animals are leashed and muzzled. Organized crime is not a major issue. metro, bus, train stations) to take advantage of disoriented/distracted travelers. It is also against the law to take photos or Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. Mainland Portugal and the outlying islands of the Azores and Madeira are prone to occasional storms. their vehicles and deploy it in the case of an emergency. Seek legal counsel for appropriate assistance for improprieties, and report incidents to the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate. representatives with an OSAC password. Crime in the Algarve 2018 The annual crime statistics released by Government a few days ago showed that overall reported crime in the Algarve decreased slightly from 21,907 cases in 2017 to 21,680 last year (i.e. Portugal has a relatively low rate crime, but non-violent street crime is common. Avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lighted areas, or on open sidewalks; instead, use machines inside bank alcoves, and secure cash and belongings before departing the bank area. Additionally, CP offers discounts to residents of Portugal of up to 75% upon presentation of the, At least 36 of Lisbon Metro’s 56 stations offer full accessibility to people with disabilities. Portugal Crime Statistics for 2017 Land Cleaning - How measures will be enforced; Portugal will deploy more than 500 police and military personnel in Frontex missions; Ten people arrested for illegal sale of U2 concert tickets; Pre-trial detention for 13 robberies against the elderly belongings before departing the bank area. In Europe, Portugal comes second out of 36 countries, sitting right behind Iceland. Do not open your hotel door to anyone you do not know; check with the front desk for verification if someone claims to be hotel staff. For updated local weather, consult the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). Law enforcement is the main responsibility of five bodies: Quality medical facilities are widely available. Portugal has a crime victim’s assistance program, According to the 2017 Global Peace Index rankings, Portugal is the 3rd most peaceful country in the world. 75% upon presentation of the, At least 36 of Lisbon Metro’s 56 stations offer full accessibility open sources and (U) embassy reporting. to rise. One of the ongoing topics here is the problem of crime. Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and The Czech Republic dropped three spots this year, but still made it into the top 10. Porto’s metro system affords accessibility for passengers with disabilities system-wide with a network of elevators, ramps, and spaces for wheelchairs onboard metro cars. features, and are susceptible to collapse in an earthquake. I offer retreats & culinary programs marketed at women solo travelers a couple of times a year. I know that in recent years there has been a small increase in violence but when I compare crime rates in the Algarve to other major tourist destinations, I still see it as a very safe place. Review of: Crime in LisbonArticle: GonzaloReviewed by: Gonzalo Rating:5On March 14, 2017Last modified:May 25, 2019Summary:Crime in Lisbon ArticleMore DetailsLisbon is for the most part safe and free of crime, however utilize common precautions, particularly at train stations and public transportation services. The crime rate rose in the 1990s, bringing it to an all-time high during much of this period. Wallets and cellphones are particularly vulnerable. All travelers should enroll in the STEP. for passengers with disabilities system-wide with a network of elevators, do Forte de Carnaxide 2794-120, Carnaxide. Calls to. operator will put you in contact with the emergency service that you require. suitcases. At least 36 of Lisbon Metro’s 56 stations offer full accessibility to people with disabilities. Pickpocketing in the Lisbon area is most likely to occur in buses, hotel lobbies, restaurants, the airport, trains, train stations, and trams. While cocaine is the most significant drug threat, ecstasy, hashish, and heroin are also readily available. Do not take a drink from someone you do not know, and never leave your drink unattended. Contact OSAC’s. Office hours in Lisbon are weekdays, 1000 to 1300, and 1400 to 1730, In Estoril, near Cascais, the office hours are weekdays, 1000 to 1300, and 1400 to 1900 and on Saturday from 1000 to 1300. tel: 21 466 42 71. The Country Council in Lisbon is active, meeting biannually. External links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016, https://pt.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/ponta-delgada/. Take special care in the Oriente, Santa Apolonia, Entrecampos, Marques do Pombal, and Rossio metro and train stations; the Sete Rios bus station; the Alfama, Martim Moniz, Baixa, and Bairro Alto districts; and the tourist area of Belém. Lock all valuables in hotel safes, not just in locked suitcases. Law enforcement officers refer individuals found to have “personal use” amounts to the Drug Addiction Dissuasion Commission, consisting of multi-disciplinary teams charged with assessing users and deciding the appropriate sanction as well as referral to educational or treatment programs. passers-by. Public transportation vehicles in general have specially reserved seats for individuals with disabilities, but some vehicles may not be equipped to load and secure wheelchairs mechanically. Two main bridges connect Lisbon to the southern part of Portugal that, if targeted (i.e. Waves can appear from nowhere, and can sweep people out to sea or into sharp rocks, even right from the water’s edge. Know all entry and exit Hospitals may not Slovenia broke into the top 10 this year with a score of 1.355, thanks to an extremely low crime rate and low terrorism risk. Portugal has a relatively low crime rate, but non-violent street crime is common. Stay on top of local media weather reporting or refer to the National Authority for Civil Protection (ANPC). Lisbon is pretty much a safe city, with a very low crime rate and rare violent crime. National Police/Security Police/Fire Service: 112, Maritime Police (plus pick-up boat service): 210-911-100, Maritime Police (24-hour emergency): 210-911-155/49, Contact Information for Available Medical Services. Portugal is a multi-ethnic/religious country, and a harmonious relationship generally exists among all groups. It still is low compared to other developed countries and has decreased in the 2000s. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own, and criminal penalties will vary. The drivers of the vehicles involved must exchange details and both/all parties complete the. Review the State Department’s External links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Note that the Azores time zone is one hour ahead of continental Portugal. The document was compiled from various Be careful on public transportation. erosion. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for, The State Railway Operator, Comboios de Portugal (CP) has an There is minimal risk from terrorism in Lisbon and Ponta Delgada. Lock doors at all It is always best to ask prior to taking a photo or video. doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. How football can reduce crime rates in Portugal and elsewhere. mechanically. for information on earthquakes including preparedness. for more information. Find magnitude, primarily off the Atlantic coast. There is a basic misconception that Portugal is a quiet, bumbling and honest country where you can leave your door unlocked for weeks on end. Suicide rates > Suicide rate (both sexes): Suicides per 100’000 residents per year. The implementation of improved Petty thefts and other crimes of opportunity (e.g. In 2015, rape rate for Portugal was 3.6 cases per 100,000 population. While SIM service is free of charge, you must request information or assistance at least 48 hours before travel. Taxis are a reliable means of transportation, though you should be alert to possible discrepancies between the meter fare and the amount requested by the driver. Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance. Some train stations have elevators. The vacation lodging, be sure to assess and use available security features. Ask your insurance company prior to departure if your covers Most crimes, especially violent crimes, are committed by those ages 20-30. San Pedro Sula, in the northwest of the country, is at the center of much of this small Central American country's violence. Bouncers are prone to violence, and police often struggle to find evidence or witnesses to any events related to an escalation of force by the security staff. Additionally, CP offers discounts to residents of Portugal of up to 75% upon presentation of the cartão do deficiente (disabled person’s card). English-speaking operators are available. U.S. Department of State has assessed Lisbon and Ponta Delgada as being. Bus and train/metro systems are reliable. Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the U.S. General information is available on the website of the Portugal Tourism Board. Taxis can charge additional fees related to baggage, not including handbags. Portuguese law enforcement authorities are professional. U.S. crime rate & statistics for 2015 was 4.95, a 11.37% increase from 2014. Passengers with visual disabilities can travel with their guide dogs as long as their service animals are leashed and muzzled. Review OSAC’s Portugal-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate. National Authority for Civil Protection (ANPC), Av. English-speaking The general trend across most of the other European countries is a decline in homicide, except in Ireland, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Sweden and Scotland. Thieves often loiter in tourist locations, near beaches, and at transportation hubs (e.g. The implementation of improved modern construction techniques in accordance with contemporary EU seismic protocols for large, multi-storied structures are noteworthy; however, many smaller buildings and dated residential dwellings do not incorporate such features, and are susceptible to collapse in an earthquake. Mainland Portugal and the outlying islands of the Azores and Emergency After-Hours Tel: + (351) (21)-770-2122 or + (351) (21) 727-3300, Consular coverage for multi-post countries. The contents of this (U) report in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State, Porto’s metro system affords accessibility dial, . Download back down to the lobby and report the incident to the front desk. verification if someone claims to be hotel staff. Portugal has strict privacy laws that govern the release of personal information. at the date of this report’s publication assesses Portugal at A blue-and-white checkered flag means the beach is temporarily without a lifeguard. Many local establishments will only accept cash payments or credit cards with a chip. There is moderate risk from crime in Lisbon, and minimal risk in Ponta Delgada. U.S. Department of State. OSAC encourages travelers to, to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Portugal. Calls to 112 emergency centers are free from any phone. For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page. Motorists, especially motorcyclists, often drive excessively fast and violate traffic codes. Eastern European criminal organizations are present, and predominantly engage in racketeering, extortion, and vice-related criminal activity (e.g. The card is available from CP ticket offices and is valid for two years. Electronics and unattended luggage are particularly vulnerable to theft. Portuguese law requires you to leave your vehicle where it is and immediately notify the police. You’ll be in your element if what you’re used to is an uncomplicated, unscary, and historically rich place to … For traffic accidents and emergencies, dial 112. for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact The names of some of the companies offering short-term health and emergency assistance policies are listed under, The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for, The Country Council in Lisbon is active, meeting biannually. especially in the summer, can be devastating and occur with little warning. Details Published: Saturday, 02 January 2021 12:29 Hits: 1115 Portugal is among the countries where people are most invested in football and it shows. There is also an SOS immigrant line with English speaking operators ready to help you in case of emergency. services on the. There are no reduced fares for passengers with disabilities. If you break local laws, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution, How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment. Crime rates tend to be lower in countries with favorable living conditions (wealthy), straight police enforcement, and tough sentences for crimes. Singapore In the Azores, lifeguards only staff public beaches during the tourist season. points in case of a fire. is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office Information about crime in Portugal. for information on earthquakes, including preparedness. Many local establishments will only There is a strong correlation between age and crime. Cybercrime, in the form of online extortion and IT scams, is on the rise. Country Council in Lisbon is active, meeting biannually. Lock doors at all times, secure belongings, and close windows while away or sleeping. desk; hotel room safes offer only marginal levels of protection. Your session will expire soon and log you out. In Portugal, meanwhile, the drug-induced death rate has plummeted to five times lower than the E.U. Particularly problematic are drivers who fail to properly merge, yield, and safely change lanes, as well as drivers disregarding traffic control signals. Crime in the Algarve It has been an uncomfortable end to the week for me in the Algarve. The operator will put you in contact with the emergency service that you require. Portugal places a premium on privacy rights and individual freedoms; reports of unlawful detention, intimidation, harassment, and graft are rare. Public transportation vehicles, There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBT events in Portugal. in general, have specially reserved seats for individuals with disabilities, Examining this data reveals the homicide rate in Portugal has increased from 105 to 148 per 100,000 population - a 41 per cent increase. Sexual assaults against women are rare. have staff members fluent in English. 5 Years After: Portugal's Drug Decriminalization Policy Shows Positive Results Street drug–related deaths from overdoses drop and the rate of HIV cases crashes By Brian Vastag on April 7, … Furthermore, rape makes up 18.7 percent of all sexual crimes reported. While SIM service is gambling, prostitution, narcotics). For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Portugal, review the State Department’s, The State Railway Operator, Comboios de Portugal (CP) has an “integrated mobility service” (SIM) aimed at helping passengers with reduced mobility: Tel +351 707 210 220. Cybercrime, in the form of online extortion and IT scams, continue One of the reasons I've selected the Algarve is that it still has a remarkable safety record.. There is no racial or social unrest. In the Azores, police have received a few reports of theft of belongings from vehicles parked at turn-outs by walking trails. insurance before traveling internationally. The document was compiled from various The names of some of the companies offering short-term health and emergency assistance policies are listed under insurance information on the Department of State website. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices. All drivers must maintain third-party insurance coverage. For updated local weather, consult the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (, Fires in Portugal, both on the mainland and on the islands, especially in the summer, can be devastating and occur with little warning. The implementation of improved modern construction techniques in accordance with contemporary EU seismic protocols for large, multi-storied structures are noteworthy; however, many smaller buildings and dated residential dwellings do not incorporate such features, and are susceptible to collapse in an earthquake. reports of women having their drinks drugged in bars in the Bairro Alto area. In many places, Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde) as transshipment, refueling, and storage points for cocaine-laden vessels from South America en route to Europe through the Iberian Peninsula. Mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira are all in earthquake Advisory System, The Check Lisbon Metro’s. webpage on security for. It is against Portuguese law to record police or military personnel, unless part of a special ceremony or at a tourist location. Honduras has the world's highest murder rate, with 90.4 homicides per 100,000 people. Do not take a drink from someone you do not know, and never leave your drink unattended. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). ceremony or at a tourist location. There are, however, elevators and moving walkways at main stations that provide access from the platform to street level, as well as payment machines adapted for passengers with disabilities and/or visual impairment. protocols for large, multi-storied structures are noteworthy; however, many Victim assistance The police in continental Portugal have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines, and most of their vehicles have portable machines to facilitate immediate payment. Shows how much people think the problem in their community are property crimes (home broken, car theft, etc. Stay on top of local media weather reporting or refer to the. Though Portugal homicide rate fluctuated substantially in recent years, it tended to decrease through 1999 - 2018 period ending at 0.8 cases per 100,000 population in 2018. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s. For social welfare emergencies (domestic violence, child abuse), dial 144. Additionally, CP offers discounts to Portugal residents of up to protest activity), could cause major disruptions to movement in/out of the city. accommodation very different than in the United States. , and English-speaking operators are available on Review the State Department’s Do not take a drink from someone you do not know, and never leave your drink Law enforcement and security officials, in close cooperation with neighboring countries, maintain an effective anti-terrorism effort and a welcoming environment for tourism and business. The increase in tourism has also sparked increased reports of thefts from hotel rooms. When renting vacation lodging, be sure to assess and use available security features. with trip planning. U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health The U.S. Embassy in Lisbon does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. detention, intimidation, harassment, and graft are rare. Since 2001 “personal use” quantities of drugs have been decriminalized, but drug possession is still prohibited. emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation. A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit 150 miles off Portugal’s Atlantic coast in September 2018. places a premium on privacy rights and individual freedoms. However, there have been Crime reporting typically increases during the summer, primarily due to the increase in tourism. The emergency number is 112, and English-speaking operators are available on request. Many local establishments will only accept cash payments or credit cards with a chip.