Azores
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Still valid: ET
Latest updates: The Assistance tab was updated - new address for Consulate of Canada in Ponta Delgada.
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Azores - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Azores. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
The crime rate is low in the Azores and petty crime, such as theft and pickpocketing, is uncommon.
In some areas, streets may be poorly lit and deserted at night. Be vigilant and avoid walking alone after dark.
Beaches and water activities
While beaches are generally considered safe, do not leave your personal belongings unattended.
During the summer months, deaths by drowning have occurred on beaches and in swimming pools. Take warning flags on beaches seriously. The Maritime Police have the authority to fine bathers who disobey the lifeguard’s warning flags. Don’t swim at beaches that link to/from rivers, as the water currents can be very strong. Don’t dive into unknown water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.
In the fall and winter months, be cautious when walking along beaches close to the water’s edge because waves can be very unpredictable in size and may come onto shore further than expected and with strong undertows. Do not visit beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings. Exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.
Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion. Falling rocks are a hazard and the authorities can fine those who ignore warning signs.
In marine areas, coral, jellyfish and other ocean life found along reefs can poison, sting or cause infection if touched or stepped on. Ask local authorities about the presence of such species and whether they are dangerous.
Road safety
Exercise caution on country roads, due to blind curves and corners as well as hidden driveways.
Taxis are equipped with meters, although they may not always be visible. Ask for receipts.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Portuguese authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Portugal or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.
Passport
Portugal is a Schengen area country. Upon arrival, Canadians are required to present a passport that must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the Schengen area. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*
Business visa: Not required for stays up 90 days*
Work visa: Required
Student visa: Required
* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.
Registration
Upon entry into Portugal, non-European Union (EU) foreign nationals that will be staying in non-commercial accommodation and have transited through another Schengen country by air en route to Portugal must register their entry at any immigration office, or police station if entering by a land border, within three business days of arriving in the country.
Schengen area
Canadians do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa prior to travel. For more information, see Schengen area.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Western Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Western Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in Western Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities are generally good. Medical evacuation to mainland Portugal is provided in case of serious illness or emergencies. Advance payment is required. Keep all receipts of payment to reclaim expenses if you have travel insurance.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Canada and Portugal are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Portugal to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Portuguese authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Portugal. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Portuguese citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Portuguese passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Traffic violations may be registered by radar and tickets sent to the offender by mail.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Azores is located in an active seismic zone. While seismic activity is rare, it can be devastating.
Severe windstorms occasionally occur. Severe rainstorms occur and can cause flooding and landslides, resulting in damage to infrastructure and hampering the provision of essential services.
For up-to-date information, visit the National Authority for Civil Protection.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Ponta Delgada - Consulate of Canada
Lisbon - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Lisbon and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.