Portugal
Travel Destination – Portugal
Golden beaches, historic cities, and sun-drenched landscapes make Portugal one of Europe’s most appealing destinations. Travellers explore the cobbled streets of Lisbon, discover riverside charm in Porto, unwind along the Algarve coastline, or hike through the mountains and wine regions of the interior. Portugal combines rich maritime history, vibrant food culture, and modern infrastructure, offering a comfortable and rewarding travel experience.
Portugal has a well-developed healthcare system and high sanitation standards, however thoughtful travel health preparation remains important for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Portugal, arrange a pre-travel consultation with a travel doctor, ideally six to eight weeks before departure. This allows time to review your vaccination history, update routine immunisations, and discuss any individual health considerations. Even last-minute appointments can still be valuable to confirm essential protection, review prescription medications, and discuss prevention strategies for common travel-related conditions.
Your doctor can provide personalised advice based on your itinerary, whether you are planning city sightseeing, coastal holidays, long-distance walking on the Camino route, surfing, cycling, or travel to multiple countries.
Insect avoidance
In Portugal, mosquitoes are common in warmer months and bites can cause itching and irritation. There have been occasional reports of Zika virus transmission in localised areas. In rural and forested areas, ticks are present and may transmit infections such as lyme disease.
Travellers spending time hiking, camping, or walking in grassy or wooded areas should wear long sleeves and trousers where practical, apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin, and perform tick checks after outdoor activities. These measures are particularly relevant in spring and summer.
Food and water hygiene
Tap water in Portugal is safe to drink, and food safety standards are high. Nevertheless, gastrointestinal illness can still affect travellers in Portugal, particularly when eating in busy tourist areas and sampling unfamiliar dishes.
To reduce risk, maintain careful hand hygiene before eating. Choose freshly prepared food that is properly cooked and stored.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Portugal?
Measles
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Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing and close contact. Outbreaks continue to occur internationally, including in Portugal. Exposure can happen in crowded settings such as airports, festivals and public transport. All travellers to Portugal should ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before departure. Those born during or since 1966 should have received two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine prior to travel, in line with Australian recommendations.
Influenza
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Influenza is a common respiratory infection that spreads easily between people, particularly in enclosed spaces. Influenza circulates seasonally in Portugal, with higher activity during the European winter months. Travellers may be exposed in aircraft cabins, trains, restaurants, cruise ships, and at major events. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged six months and over, especially older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19
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COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness that continues to circulate worldwide. Transmission continues in Portugal, particularly in busy indoor environments and during international travel. Travellers should ensure they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. Adults over 75 are advised six-monthly boosters, and those aged 65 to 74 are recommended annual boosters. Additional booster doses may be advised for people with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness. A pre-travel health consultation can confirm what is appropriate for your age and health profile before departure.
Routine vaccinations
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International travel to Portugal increases exposure to infections less common in Australia due to widespread vaccination. Before departure, confirm that routine immunisations for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR vaccine), chickenpox (varicella), and pollio.
Depending on medical history, lifestyle, and length of stay, hepatitis B vaccination may be considered. A travel doctor can assess your health profile and itinerary to ensure your immunisations are appropriate before travel.
Portugal
Other health risks in Portugal
Gastroenteritis
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Travellers to Portugal can develop gastroenteritis from food or water contaminated with bacteria, often in informal dining settings or when hygiene standards are inconsistent. Gastroenteritis can also be caused by viruses spread through close contact in hotels, group tours, or cruise-ship settings. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and mild fever, typically developing within one to three days.
Most cases resolve within a few days with rest and adequate hydration. Oral rehydration solutions can assist in replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. Medical advice should be sought if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or atypical. Maintaining hand hygiene and making sensible food choices remain the most effective preventive measures.
Lyme disease
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Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. It can cause fever, fatigue, headache, and a rash. In Portugal, ticks are present in grassy, forested, and rural areas, especially during spring and summer. Travellers hiking, camping, or walking in these environments should wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent on exposed skin, and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Early removal of ticks and prompt medical attention if symptoms develop can prevent complications.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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Portugal is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in tourist hotspots, on public transport, and in busy urban areas of Lisbon and Porto. Travellers should remain vigilant in crowded settings and secure personal belongings.
According to the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website, travellers should exercise normal safety precautions in Portugal. Refer to Smartraveller for updates and safety advice before and during travel.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Travel from Australia to Portugal involves long-haul flights, which increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, often due to prolonged immobility.
To reduce the risk of DVT, move regularly during flights, perform leg exercises while seated, and maintain adequate hydration. Travellers with additional risk factors such as previous DVT, recent surgery, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions should seek personalised medical advice before departure.