Portugal Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Portugal
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated March 3, 2025
Portugal recorded 0.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Portugal #167 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.2 per 100,000 in 2012, 0.7 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Portugal at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#29 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.2 per 100,000 in 2012, 0.7 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Portugal Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Portugal, the homicide rate for men is 2.3× higher than the rate for women — 1.0 vs 0.4 per 100,000 (2022).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Portugal:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Portugal. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Portugal. If you decide to travel to Portugal: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist . Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Portugal
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 11, 2025).
Crime
Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, particularly at popular tourist sites, restaurants, and on public transportation, are common. Pickpockets take advantage of crowds getting on and off all forms of public transportation, such as the popular Tram 28, using the jostling of the crowd as a distraction. Avoid standing near the doors on public transportation, as thieves will often strike just as the train/bus doors open and then dash onto the platform and disappear into the crowd. Safeguard your passport and identity documents when traveling throughout Portugal. Foreigners who arrive in Portugal without a valid passport will not be permitted to enter and will be returned to their point of origin. Be aware of your surroundings and take personal security measures to stay safe. Thefts of backpacks, electronics and luggage occur regularly.
Demonstrations
occur in Portugal. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Report crimes to the local police at 112 (National Emergency Number) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(351) (21) 770-2122 or the emergency after-hours telephone: +(351) (21)-770-2122 or +(351) (21) 727-3300. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention if needed and are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. For social welfare emergencies such as domestic violence or child abuse, dial the National Social Emergency Line - 144. English-speaking operators are available. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Additionally, Portugal has an “SOS” immigrant line with English-speaking operators who are ready to help you in case of emergency. You may contact them at +351 808 257 257 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules regarding best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
Natural Disasters
In the event of a natural disaster or other widespread emergency, travelers can monitor the Portuguese Civil Protection Authority’s website at Prociv.pt for the latest information. All U.S. citizens living or traveling in Portugal should also monitor local news reports, follow directions from local officials, and take appropriate action needed. Additionally, information about areas in Portugal impacted by any events can be found at: http://www.prociv.pt/en-us/SITUACAOOPERACIONAL/Pages/ocorrenciassignificativas.aspx. We recommend all Americans enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages, alerts, and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Portugal Population & Demographics
Population of 10,694,681, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portugal safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Portugal at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Portugal?
Portugal has an intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #167 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Portugal?
Portugal is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Portugal compare to other countries?
Portugal's homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.