Updated September 19, 2023

In normal circumstances, Lisbon is absolutely safe for travel. Portugal’s colorful capital city is a great place to visit! With the help of some locals, we created this guide to safety in Lisbon. It covers everything from the coronavirus to tips for solo travelers. 

Lisbon and the COVID-19 Pandemic

“When can I travel to Lisbon?” This is a common question about Portugal these days. Given the coronavirus pandemic, when will Portugal be safe to visit? Can travelers even go to Portugal right now?

Here's the latest: 

Americans can travel to Portugal! There are no entry requirements, it’s almost like pre-COVID travel. The CDC recommends making sure you’re up-to-date with the COVID vaccine before travel, but it’s not required to visit Portugal. As for masks, they are only required in healthcare settings.

Safety in Lisbon

Locals tell us that Lisbon is a lovely place to visit in Portugal. The colorful capital city offers a wealth of great restaurants, fun activities, and easy day trips. Lisbon is also pretty safe—although, since it’s a big city, locals say there are some things to keep in mind.

All in all, Portugal is a safe place to visit. Follow a few common-sense safety rules and you should be fine!

Common scams in Lisbon

Generally, Portugal is very safe. But locals tell us there are some scams you should be aware of in the capital city:

• Petition scam: If someone approaches you with a petition to sign, you’re best off ignoring them. If you engage, they’ll try to pick your pockets. The petition scam is common throughout Europe 
• Taxis with “broken” meters”: Although transportation in Portugal is safe, be cautious about taking taxis. If the driver says the meter is broken, you’ll likely end up paying more than normal. 
• Be careful on the tram: Speaking of transportation...it’s fun to hop on one of Lisbon’s cherry yellow trams, but keep a sharp eye on your belongings. Pickpockets are known to target tourists here. 
• Appetizers at restaurants: This is not a scam, but keep in mind that if a waiter places bread on your table you’ll have to pay for it. (If you go to a restaurant where there are no prices on the menu, that is likely a scam.)

All in all, Lisbon is a safe place to visit. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense, you should be ok. 

Is Lisbon safe for solo travelers? 

Portugal is a safe destination for solo travelers! And Lisbon is an especially wonderful place to explore. Locals note that anyone traveling alone in Lisbon should: 

• Keep an eye on your drink: Just as you would at home, keep an eye on your drink. If someone offers to buy you a drink, make sure you see it made. 
• Stay with the crowds: Once the party ends, don’t wander off by yourself. Stay in well-lit, well-populated areas of the city, especially at night. 
• Avoid certain neighborhoods: You may want to avoid certain neighborhoods in Lisbon, like Intendente and Anjos. Metro stations in this neighborhood have a reputation for being unsafe at night. 

Important Portuguese phrases 

No matter where you stay in Portugal, it’s good to know a few words in Portuguese. Locals tell us that these basics are a good start: 

• Por favor - Please
• Obrigado - Thank you
• De nada - You’re welcome
• Bom Dia - Good morning
• Com licença - Excuse me
• Onde está- Where is the… 

Emergency information to know

Although you likely won’t need it, here’s some information to keep on hand in case of an emergency:

Emergency number- 112

The U.S. Embassy - +351 21 727 3300

The U.S. Embassy Website: https://pt.usembassy.gov/

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