Travel Vaccines and Advice for Portugal
Portugal is located in southwestern Europe. It is a sovereign state on the Iberian Peninsula. With an amazing Atlantic coast, Portugal is a must visit.
Travelers can ride the rails, surf the beaches, and enjoy breathtaking scenery. People can also experience the amazing sights of Sintra, immerse themselves in the nightlife of Lisbon and much more.
While Portugal has a lot to offer like wine and port, architecture, and music, the food is no exception. They are known for their seafood, country cooking, and many other specialties.
Whether you love to see the sites, learn about history or enjoy the food, Portugal has something for everyone.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Portugal?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Portugal
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Portugal?
What Is the Climate Like in Portugal?
How Safe Is Portugal?
Capela de Ossos Bone Chapel
What Should I Take to Portugal?
U.S. Embassy in Portugal
Do I Need Vaccines for Portugal?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Portugal. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Portugal: hepatitis A, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Portugal |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Portugal |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is a contagious liver infection. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Preventive measures include vaccination, good hygiene, and avoiding raw shellfish. The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective, requiring two doses for long-term protection.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, spreads through infected bodily fluids. While safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defense. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring robust and long-lasting protection against this liver disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
It’s important to stay up-to-date with the current health issues in Portugal. If you end up not feeling well after you trip, you should go see your doctor. You should tell your doctor where you went and what you did on your trip.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Portugal
Prevent Bug Bites in Portugal
Prevent bug bites by covering up and using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If bitten, wash the bite, resist scratching, and soothe with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Portugal
When traveling, ensure food safety by adhering to CDC recommendations, which include eating fully cooked foods, avoiding raw seafood, and selecting reputable dining places. Safely drink bottled beverages, avoiding ice in uncertain water sources, and consume alcohol in moderation. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea through hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary areas.
Infections To Be Aware of in Portugal
- Leishmaniasis – Sand fly bites are the main mode of leishmaniasis transmission, but it can spread through other means. Prevention measures include using insect repellents, wearing long clothing, and minimizing outdoor activities during times when sand fly are most active.
- Zika – Zika virus spreads through mosquito bites, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission. To prevent infection, individuals should use insect repellent, practice safe sex, and stay informed about travel advisories.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Portugal?
A visa is not required for Portugal if you are staying less than 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure.
Portugal Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Portugal? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Portugal and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Portugal?
Portugal has different climates in its most popular tourist destinations. Lisbon and Porto have a Mediterranean climate, which means mild winters and hot summers. Lisbon is a bit warmer than Porto. The Algarve is in the south of Portugal and is known for having hot summers and mild winters. Madeira, an archipelago near Portugal, has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures throughout the year.
In the summer, temperatures in Lisbon and Porto are around 75 degrees. The Algarve is hotter with temperatures around 80 in the summer. Madeira has temperatures around 75 during the summer. In the winter, Lisbon is around 60, Porto is around 50C, the Algarve is around 60, and Madeira is around 65.
It’s important to know that these are general climate conditions, and the weather can be different each year. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before traveling to any destination.
How Safe Is Portugal?
To stay safe in Portugal, there are a few things travelers can do. First, be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy places. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid showing off expensive items. Stick to well-lit and busy areas, especially at night. Try not to carry too much cash with you. Instead, use credit cards or withdraw small amounts of money as needed, and keep your money and valuables in a secure place like a hotel safe.
Use only licensed taxis and avoid accepting rides from strangers. Be careful when using public transportation, and avoid traveling alone at night. Be mindful of scams and people offering fake deals.
Follow the local COVID-19 guidelines, like wearing masks and social distancing. Finally, check for any travel advisories or safety warnings before you go. By following these tips, you can have a fun and safe trip to Portugal.
Capela de Ossos Bone Chapel
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
There are a lot of cool and unusual places to explore in Portugal. The Cappela de Ossos Bone Chapel is one of those places. The chapel is made of human bones and a golden skeleton can be seen inside the chapel.
The chapel is located in Faro, Portugal and appears to be a normal looking chapel on the outside. It holds a lot of history with an inscription on the door that says, “Stop here and think of the fate that will befall you”. The Carmelite monks who created the chapel put up this inscription.
The chapel walls are made from femurs with mortar. The interior is filled with skulls and the bones of 1,245 monks.
What Should I Take to Portugal?
Packing for a trip to Portugal, there are certain things you need to bring to be ready to travel.
- Visa and Passport — You need to have a passport that is 3 months before the date of departure. You don’t need a visa if you are only planning to stay less than 90 days.
- Money — Euros are accepted in Portugal. Typically you will need 50 euros a day to stay at a hostel and shop cheaply at grocery stores.
- Clothes — If you’re seeing the sites, you should bring comfortable shoes. But, to the beach sandals or flip-flops are ideal. The evenings can be cold. Dress in layers and bring clothes like a pashmina, scarf, cardigan, and a long sleeve cotton top. In the warmer weather you should pack clothes that are breathable as well as comfortable.
- Pack for Health — You want to pack for not only your health but also for your safety. Prescription medicines, medical supplies, and over the counter medicines are ideal for your trip to Portugal. You should also bring supplies to prevent illness or injury and a first aid kit.
U.S. Embassy in Portugal
All Americans visiting Tunisia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
The U.S. Embassy in Portugal offers different services to travelers. They can help U.S. citizens with passports, emergencies, and registering to vote in U.S. elections. They also help Portuguese citizens and residents who want to travel to the U.S. by providing visa services. Additionally, they give information to travelers about travel restrictions, safety, and security issues.
Once in Portugal, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Lisbon
Avenida das Forças Armadas
1600-081 Lisboa
Phone: 351-21-727-3300
It is essential to check the embassy’s website or contact them directly to confirm which services are available.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Portugal
Overall rating: 5 stars – 8 reviews
★★★★★
“Really Knew Their Stuff“
“Myself, my husband and my son are going to Portugal and the team at Passport Health put all of our fears to rest. They were very knowledgeable about where exactly we were going and asked all of the right questions about how we were going to get there, what we were going to do and every other relevant detail of our trip. We left feeling assured with a 6-year-old son who just got a shot…and was happy.”
Submitted by: Sara
★★★★★
“Great Service!“
“The nurse at the Bowie office was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and advised on the required vaccines for my trip to Portugal. I will definitely refer friends to Passport Health!”
Submitted by: Amanda
★★★★★
“Pre-Travel Consultation“
“My wife and I visited this facility in preparation for an upcoming trip to Portugal. The location is very convenient, the staff is very knowledgeable, and the nurse who took care of us was extremely professional.”
Submitted by: Alec
★★★★★
“Highly Recommend“
“Passport Health achieved and exceeded all of my expectations for my families needs for traveling to Portugal. The Nurse Practitioner was excellent. I had to call back with questions for the clerical staff and they were also very helpful. I totally recommend Passport for anyone traveling abroad as they have the expertise!”
Submitted by: Nickie
★★★★★
“Learned so much“
“Our RN was very knowledgeable in assisting my wife and I with vaccinations needed for our upcoming trip to Portugal. The information binder is full of interesting information. It was a very pleasant experience!”
Submitted by: Jim
★★★★★
“More than I expected“
“My wife and I came to Passport Health to get immunizations before a trip to Portugal. We got so much more. The nurse took the time to explain everything about our trip, not a generic trip. He helped with planning what we should pack and eat, as well as providing us with the shots that we needed. He really prepared us for our trip.”
Submitted by: Dave
★★★★★
“Vaccines for South Africa“
“Our nurse spent a lot of time with us informing us about our upcoming trip to Portugal which we found very informative. We were very pleased with our experience.”
Submitted by: Deborah
★★★★★
“Fabulous Service“
“Our nurse bent over backwards to help us get through the maze of medical requirements for our travels to Portugal and North Africa. Due to some recent cancer issues, that thankfully are now OK, special handling was required. She made it all happen with no stress on our part.”
Submitted by: Murray
“Myself, my husband and my son are going to Portugal and the team at Passport Health put all of our fears to rest. They were very knowledgeable about where exactly we were going and asked all of the right questions about how we were going to get there, what we were going to do and every other relevant detail of our trip. We left feeling assured with a 6-year-old son who just got a shot…and was happy.”
“The nurse at the Bowie office was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and advised on the required vaccines for my trip to Portugal. I will definitely refer friends to Passport Health!”
“My wife and I visited this facility in preparation for an upcoming trip to Portugal. The location is very convenient, the staff is very knowledgeable, and the nurse who took care of us was extremely professional.”
“Passport Health achieved and exceeded all of my expectations for my families needs for traveling to Portugal. The Nurse Practitioner was excellent. I had to call back with questions for the clerical staff and they were also very helpful. I totally recommend Passport for anyone traveling abroad as they have the expertise!”
“Our RN was very knowledgeable in assisting my wife and I with vaccinations needed for our upcoming trip to Portugal. The information binder is full of interesting information. It was a very pleasant experience!”
“My wife and I came to Passport Health to get immunizations before a trip to Portugal. We got so much more. The nurse took the time to explain everything about our trip, not a generic trip. He helped with planning what we should pack and eat, as well as providing us with the shots that we needed. He really prepared us for our trip.”
“Our nurse spent a lot of time with us informing us about our upcoming trip to Portugal which we found very informative. We were very pleased with our experience.”
“Our nurse bent over backwards to help us get through the maze of medical requirements for our travels to Portugal and North Africa. Due to some recent cancer issues, that thankfully are now OK, special handling was required. She made it all happen with no stress on our part.”
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