Portugal
Lisbon
Essential facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Portuguese
Time zone
Western European Time · UTC +0 (UTC +1 in summer)
Typical weather
Mild Atlantic climate. Summers around 25–30°C with cool evenings, winters around 10–15°C with rain. Very pleasant from April to October.
Plug type
Type F and Type C · 230V
Getting around
Metro, trams and funiculars cover the hills. The historic Tram 28 is scenic but crowded. A Viva Viagem card works across metro, tram, bus and ferries.
Local customs
Bread and olives brought to the table (couvert) are charged for and can be declined. Tipping 5–10% is normal for good service. Lunch runs from about 1pm, dinner from 8pm.
Travel tips
Wear shoes with grip — the calçada pavements are slippery, especially in rain. Buy tram tickets in advance to skip queues. Day trips to Sintra are best started early.
Entry requirements for British citizens
- Visa
- British citizens can travel without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area as a whole.
- Passport
- Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter, and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you intend to leave.
- Return ticket
- You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket.
- Accommodation
- You may be asked to show proof of where you are staying.
- Health
- No specific vaccination requirements for entry. Check the latest health guidance before travelling.
- Customs
- Duty-free and cash declaration limits apply when entering from outside the EU.
Always check before you travel