U.S. Embassy in Lisbon Issues Alert Over Protests in Portugal
Housing and cost-of-living protests are taking place in Portugal, and the U.S. Embassy is telling citizens to avoid certain squares.
Key points
- The U.S. Embassy in Lisbon issued a security alert on November 1, 2026.
- According to the alert, housing and cost-of-living protests are taking place in Lisbon, Porto and other Portuguese cities.
- The Embassy recommends avoiding Rossio Square in Lisbon and Dom João Square in Porto.
- According to the alert, police have used tear gas to control crowds.
The U.S. Embassy in Lisbon issued a security alert dated November 1, 2026, over the protests taking place across Portugal. The demonstrations, centered on housing and the cost of living, are occurring in Lisbon and Porto, among other cities.
According to the alert, organizers have called for the protests to continue. In recent days, police have responded with crowd control methods, including tear gas. The Embassy warns that although demonstration routes must be permitted, last-minute changes can happen and protests can take place outside planned routes.
Among its recommendations, the Embassy asks people to avoid Rossio Square in Lisbon and Dom João Square in Porto. It also advises caution near large gatherings, following local media for updates, staying aware of surroundings and keeping a low profile. It further suggests letting friends or family know your whereabouts.
For assistance, the Embassy lists +351 21-727-3300 and the email [email protected] for U.S. Citizens. The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs can be reached at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. The alert also encourages enrolling in the STEP program to receive security messages.
Why it matters
If you are Dominican or have family in Portugal, it is worth reviewing the safety recommendations before traveling or going into areas where demonstrations are taking place.