Essential Travel Information for Madeira and Morocco

Nov 18, 2025 0

Planning a trip to Madeira or Morocco? Here's what you need to know to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. This guide covers essential information regarding safety, legal requirements, transportation, and health.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.

If you are not staying in a hotel or a similar tourist accommodation, you are required to register your presence in Portugal with the Portuguese Immigration Service (SEF) within three working days of entering Portugal.

Under Portuguese Immigration law, foreign minors under 18 years of age entering or exiting Portugal must possess an authorization letter of parental consent to travel, if travelling with adults other than their parent(s) or legal guardian.

The letter of parental consent to travel must include the dates and reason for travel and the details about the adult responsible for the child. The document must be signed and dated, with the signature(s) certified by a notary.

Safety and Security

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. All European countries, including Portugal, remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

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. Thefts of backpacks, electronics and luggage occur regularly.

Safety Tips:

Safeguard your passport and identity documents when traveling throughout Portugal.
Be aware of your surroundings and take personal security measures to stay safe.
Do not leave valuables in rental cars, especially those with stickers identifying the vehicle as a rental car.
Avoid using automatic teller machines (ATMs) in isolated or poorly lit areas. Use the buddy system and indoor bank ATMs when possible.
Illicit drug transactions increase at night, and travelers are often approached by drug dealers in the downtown area of Lisbon, especially near the bars and restaurants. Some travelers have reported incidents in which criminals used drugs to assault or rob them.
Always use a taxi from the queue or kiosk. Do not go with someone who walks up to you and offers a ride.

Demonstrations occur in Portugal.

Victims of Crime: Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. For social welfare emergencies such as domestic violence or child abuse, dial the National Social Emergency Line - 144. Portugal has an “SOS” immigrant line with English-speaking operators who are ready to help you in case of emergency.

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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.

Legal Information

You are subject to local laws. Penalties for trafficking illegal drugs are severe. Pepper spray is illegal and will be confiscated. U.S. laws allow criminal prosecution in the United States, regardless of where the crime was committed.

LGB Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in Portugal.

Transportation

Please note that many highways require a toll for use.

Taxis and prominent ride-sharing services such as Uber are a reliable means of transportation. Refer to the crime section of this page to alert yourself to other threats related to taxis and ride-sharing services.

Trains: The State Railway Operator, Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses (also known as CP - Combóios de Portugal), has a free service called “integrated mobility service” (SIM), mainly aimed at reduced mobility customers. English-speaking customer service representatives can be reached by phone at + 351 808 100 746 (to request SIM Service) or (+351) 707 210 746 (reduced mobility passengers can request information about various concerns, 24 hours a day). SIM staff provides train and station accessibility, assistance with boarding/exiting or during the train ride, and assistance with trip planning. Some train stations are equipped with elevators.

Subway (Metro): Thirty-one of Lisbon Metro’s 52 stations offer full accessibility to people with disabilities. Elevators and moving walkways at main stations provide access from the platform to street level, as well as payment machines adapted for passengers with disabilities and/or visual impairment. Passengers with visual disabilities can travel with their guide dogs as long as their service animals are leashed and muzzled. Porto’s new metro system provides system-wide accessibility for passengers with a network of elevators, ramps, and spaces for wheelchairs onboard metro cars.

Parking: Designated parking with a wheelchair symbol is available in most supermarkets and commercial centers.

Road Conditions and Safety: While Portugal has significantly expanded its motorway network with well-constructed roads that decreased the total number of accidents and fatalities, its road-accident fatality rate is still high. Use caution when driving, as aggressive driving habits and high speeds pose special hazards.

Traffic Laws: It is against the law to speed, drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or use a mobile phone while driving. Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Portuguese law requires you to leave your vehicle where it is and immediately notify the police when involved in a traffic accident. driver's license for up to six months.

In the Azores, driving can be challenging due to narrow cobblestone streets, blind curves, blind corners, and livestock on country roads. Public buses are inexpensive.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Pro Tips for First Time Driving on Madeira Island

Health Information

Good medical care is available, but facilities may be limited outside urban areas. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals for Medical Assistance.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Portugal to ensure the medication is legal in Portugal. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. You should bring a sufficient supply of medication with you to cover your anticipated stay in Portugal, along with a copy of your physician's prescription.

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

Additional Resources:

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Portugal. Call us in Washington, D.C.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that the government of Portugal’s Civil Aviation Authority is in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Portugal’s air carrier operations.
maritime advisories and alerts. Call us in Washington, D.C.