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.
Travellers 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?
Canadian Embassy in Portugal
Do I Need Vaccines for Portugal?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Portugal. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Portugal: hepatitis A, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, 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 travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers 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 travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers 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 PHAC’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 travelling, ensure food safety by adhering to PHAC 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 travellers’ 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. But, you should have a valid passport at entry.
Portugal Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Portugal? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Portugal and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
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 25 degrees. The Algarve is hotter with temperatures around 25 in the summer. Madeira has temperatures around 25 during the summer. In the winter, Lisbon is around 15, Porto is around 10, the Algarve is around 15, and Madeira is around 20.
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 travelling to any destination.
How Safe Is Portugal?
To stay safe in Portugal, there are a few things travellers 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 travelling 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
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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.
Canadian Embassy in Portugal
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Portugal, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy Lisbon
Avenida da Liberdade, 198-200, 3rd Floor
1269-121 Lisbon
Portugal
Tel.: 21-316-4600
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Portugal
“My experience was highly satisfactory because the staff were professional, knowledgeable and personable. The new offices were well-appointed and functional.”
“Passport health is a definite go to for travel health needs! My family and I met with one of the and she was absolutely awesome! Very helpful, super friendly but most importantly very knowledgeable about Portugal. It’s clear she has a passion for her job. Would definitely recommend Passport Health to anyone travelling”
“I visited the clinic for my second shot in a series of three in readiness for a holiday in Portugal. Quick, painless shot, friendly, efficient staff.”
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