Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) chan

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest los angeles california hotel Embassy or Consulate of Portugal for the most up to date information.
Portugal is a party to the Schengen Convention, along with 24 other European countries, which allows Australians to enter Portugal without a visa in some circumstances. los angeles california hotel See our travel bulletin on the Schengen Convention for further los angeles california hotel information.
los angeles california hotel People travelling directly to or from a country outside the European Union (EU) who are carrying Euros 10,000 or more (or the equivalent amount in another currency) are required to declare the cash at the place of their arrival or departure from the EU. Under the legislation, the term "cash" includes cheques, travellers' cheques los angeles california hotel and money orders. Travellers failing los angeles california hotel to declare the cash or providing incomplete or incorrect information will incur a fine. There is no requirement to declare cash for people travelling to or from another EU country.
los angeles california hotel Make sure your passport has at least six months validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
General strikes and public protests do occur in Portugal, mainly in Lisbon and Porto. Most strikes are of a short duration. Transport services, including buses, trains, metro, ferries and flights, can be affected. You should contact los angeles california hotel your travel or tour operator for information on your transport service. Check local media for details and latest updates. You should avoid all demonstrations and protests as they have the potential to turn violent.
Petty crimes, such as bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars, do occur in Portugal. Travellers should pay close attention to their personal belongings at tourist los angeles california hotel attractions, public transport (especially the E28 tram to the Castle los angeles california hotel of Sao Jorge, los angeles california hotel E25 tram to Prazeres and E15 to Belem), railway stations, museums, beaches, restaurants los angeles california hotel and hotel foyers.
The incidence of thieves targeting motorists (often by convincing them to pull over using the pretext of a flat tyre or another problem) is on the rise in the Lisbon area. Such thieves particularly target vehicles with foreign licence plates and rental cars. Always keep your car doors locked and keep luggage and personal possessions out of sight from opportunistic theft. While thieves may operate anywhere, particular care should be taken when parking vehicles at the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace in Sintra and beachfront areas of Guincho, Ericeira, Cabo da Roca, Boca do Inferno, and in the Algarve.
los angeles california hotel While travelling, don t carry too much cash and remember los angeles california hotel that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras los angeles california hotel will make you a tempting target for thieves. Many thefts occur in restaurants and sidewalk cafes, los angeles california hotel where travellers place bags on the backs of chairs or at their feet.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. The currency of Portugal is the Euro. Credit cards may be not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should los angeles california hotel always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian los angeles california hotel Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Portugal has high rates of motor vehicle accidents and road fatalities. Hazards include unpredictable local driving habits, vehicles los angeles california hotel travelling at excessive speed on motorways, poorly marked roads, los angeles california hotel narrow cobblestone streets, blind corners, poor lighting and wandering livestock in rural areas, including in the Azores. Rockfalls can occur on regional, winding coastal roads.
Portuguese law requires that all traffic accidents be reported to the police. There are heavy on-the-spot fines for traffic violations, especially for drink-driving, speeding or using a mobile phone while driving.
Australians in Portugal may drive for up to six months with a valid Australian los angeles california hotel driver s licence, accompanied by either an official Portuguese translation or an international driving permit. For information on Portuguese driver s permits, los angeles california hotel road safety, vehicle inspection and mandatory insurance, please los angeles california hotel visit the Institute of Mobility and Land Transport website.
Taxis are a reliable means of transportation but travellers should take appropriate precautions to ensure they are not overcharged. There have been reports of taxi drivers overcharging, threatening and harassing passengers at Lisbon airport.
When you are in Portugal, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we cannot get you out of trouble or out of jail.
The personal possession and consumption of illicit drugs is an administrative offence which attracts a hefty fine. The selling or trafficking of illegal drugs is a criminal offence and subject to severe penalties, including jail sentences. See our Smartraveller Drugs page for important information.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. los angeles california hotel Australians los angeles california hotel may be prosecuted on returning home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment los angeles california hotel for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including los angeles california hotel medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
It is important to consider your physical and mental los angeles california hotel health before travelling overseas. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health page also provides useful information los angeles california hotel for travellers on staying healthy.
The standard of private los angeles california hotel medical facilities and care in Portugal's major cities is high. Public facilities, los angeles california hotel particularly in regional and rural areas, los angeles california hotel however, may vary in standard. Costs for treatment are very expensive. Payment for medical services is expected at the time of treatment. Private hospitals may seek confirmation of insurance los angeles california hotel cover or seek a guarantee of payment before admitting a patient. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to London would cost between $A16,000 to $A24,000 depending on circumstances.
Portugal has five decompression chambers available to the public. Two are located on mainland Portugal (one in Lisbon and the other in Oporto); one on Madeira Island (Funchal) and two on the Azores islands (one on Sao Miguel Island and the other on Faial Island).
Health authorities have advised the public to take preventative measures and are implementing controls to reduce the risk of local transmission, and to prevent the export of infected vectors los angeles california hotel from the island. You should consult your doctor or travel clinic if you intend to travel to the Madeira los angeles california hotel Island archipelago.
If you are travelling to Portugal, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
Forest fires are common during summer months los angeles california hotel in the inland areas of Portugal. You should monitor the media for information about possible safety or security risks. Causing los angeles california hotel a forest fire is treated as an offence in Portugal, even if unintended.
While every care has been taken in preparing this information, los angeles california hotel neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees, los angeles california hotel including any member of Australia's diplomatic and consular staff abroad, can accept liability for any injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained herein.
Maps are presented for information only. The department accepts no responsibility for errors or omission of any geographic los angeles california hotel feature. Nomenclature and territorial boundaries may not necessarily reflect los angeles california hotel Australian Government policy.