Portugal EDIA Resources

Portugal offers a well-connected and accessible public transportation system, especially in the urban areas like Lisbon. The public transportation options include buses, trams, metro, funiculars, and trains. Many of these services have features for passengers with mobility issues, such as wheelchair ramps, priority seating, and audio/visual announcements.  

Airport: The Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport) offers accessibility services designed to ensure passengers, regardless of their physical limitations, can move smoothly through the airport. You must request assistance in advance via the airline or the MyWay assistance Services. There are accessible restrooms, ramps, elevators, and designated waiting areas for passengers with reduced mobility.  

Trains: Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the national railway operator. The Integrated Mobility Service (SIM) offers assistance for passengers with disabilities at certain stations. For more details on accessibility features, visit the CP website for special needs customers. 

Buses and Trams: Lisbon's Carris and Porto's STCP bus services generally provide buses equipped with ramps and priority seating. For more information on bus accessibility, visit Carris‘ Accessibility Page and STCP's Accessibility Page. 

Taxis in Portugal are widely available and can be found at designated taxi stands or booked by phone or app. Services like Uber and Bolt are also available in larger cities, including Lisbon. Taxis are required to use meters, and rates increase at night and on holidays. Note that not all drivers speak English. 

While not all taxis are equipped with features for passengers with mobility impairments, there are services like Cooptaxis that offer wheelchair-accessible taxis. Students will be responsible for booking these taxis themselves if needed. You are advisable to inquire in advance and have alternative transport options planned. 

Portugal is known for its diverse terrain, which can vary significantly by region. Coastal areas, such as Lisbon are generally flat or slightly hilly but may still have steep streets, especially in historical areas with narrow cobblestone pathways, which can pose challenges for travelers with mobility issues. Funiculars are available in Lisbon to help navigate the steep inclines.  

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. In Lisbon, the average high temperature in July ranges between 18-28°C (65-82°F), with an average monthly rainfall of 2 mm. Inland areas can get even hotter, with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) during heatwaves. To manage the heat, it is essential to pack breathable, light layers, cotton clothing, and sun protection, including sunscreen and hats. Ensure you stay hydrated and seek shade when necessary. Not all accommodations, classrooms, and buildings in Portugal, especially in older buildings, come equipped with air conditioning. A willingness to adapt to the heat is essential, and students should be prepared for a warmer living temperatures and plan accordingly. 

The accommodation at the host institute is dormitory-style, featuring shared rooms and shared bathrooms, with no air conditioning. Some students may share a room with a non-UofT student. There are no private or single room options available at the university. Students who prefer private arrangements will need to secure their own accommodation. 

If you have specific accessibility and mobility needs that may not be supported by the University of Lisbon student residence accommodation, you do have the option to stay off-campus to access suitable accommodations, such as a hotel or apartment. These accommodations are paid for separately and may be more expensive than what the original accommodation would cost.  If you require a private accommodation for health reasons, you are required to research your own accommodations (i.e., hotels) in the area that are in close proximity to the residence. Please note that Summer Abroad does not book private accommodations for students, and that students are also responsible for additional incurred fees (paid directly to the hotel or booking website).  

We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator (summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca) about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs.  

Mental health in Portugal is increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of overall well-being. However, many communities still view mental health programs as a source of shame, which can discourage individuals from seeking help. Articles indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly shifted public perception, as it exacerbated issues like loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress, this stigma is now slowing being challenged through education and public awareness initiatives, but it remains a barrier to accessing mental health services. 

While universities and institutions are increasingly incorporating mental health support into their services, the effectiveness of these services can vary, and students should be proactive in seeking out available resources. Visitors in Portugal should be aware that accessing local mental health services my involve long waiting time, and service providers might not speak English. Private clinics are an alternative, while payments will likely be required at the time of service and the cost will depend on personal insurance.  

If you require support for any mental health concerns, we encourage you to reach out to Summer Abroad so we can work directly with you and your Accessibility Advisor to provide necessary accommodations and support during your program. All Summer Abroad students have access to International SOS, which has a partnership with U of T, who will connect you with a network of health professionals in your area.  

If you are bringing medication with you into Portugal, remember to check if your medication contains a controlled drug. You can check with the Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto to make sure your medication is legal. You should always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, with your doctor’s prescription. 

Reminder: Students with pre-existing concerns must meet with their Accessibility Advisor to discuss needs and prepare relevant documentations before applying for Summer Abroad.  

Portugal is widely regarded as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. Over the past few decades, significant strides have been made to protect and support the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and in 2016, although non-binary identities are not yet legally recognized. Anti-discrimination laws are in place to protect individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity in various sectors, including employment and housing. In addition, conversion therapy was banned in March 2024, further demonstrating Portugal’s commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. 

While the legal framework is robust and Portugal general has a high level of societal acceptance, there may still be some regional differences in attitudes, particularly between urban centers like Lisbon and smaller, rural areas. Overall, 2SLGBTQ+ travellers can feel safe, but should always remain vigilant and informed about the local cultural context. For information on Portugal’s 2SLGBTQ+ legal and social climate, the websites of ILGA Portugal Association, IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) and Equaldex provide current data and guides. 

Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additional resources as well as explore your accommodation options.  

Portugal is considered a safe country for women travelers, consistently ranked as one of the safest countries globally. However, as with travel to any destination, women travellers should remain vigilant in crowded areas, particularly in tourist hotspots, where vehicle break-ins and petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur. Solo female travellers are generally respected, and the Portuguese public is typically friendly and helpful. When travelling at night, it is always advisable to take usual precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas and using reliable transportation methods. 

In Portugal, Emergency Contraceptives (EC), commonly known as morning-after pill, are available behind and over the counter, where can be purchased in pharmacies (“farmácias”) and other drugstores without a prescription. Options include EllaOne and NorLevo, with prices ranging from €12 to €25, depending on the type. Pharmacies typically provide guidance in English, especially in larger cities, but it's always helpful to know the name of the product you're looking for. FARMÁCIAS DE SERVIÇO (in Portuguese) is a useful website to search for 24-hour pharmacies in each area. 

If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”) 

Portugal is becoming more diverse, with several racial and ethnic groups forming a part of the country’s demographic landscape. Although the main ethnic group in Portugal is Portuguese (95%), the Survey on Living Conditions, Origins and Trajectories of the Resident Population in Portugal (ICOT) in 2023 by Statistics Portugal revealed that 1.4 million people in Portugal have an immigrant background.  

Despite anti-discrimination laws being in place (such as Law No. 93/2017, which prohibits discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin), systemic racism and racial profiling still occur, especially in policing. Reports of racially motivated violence and discriminatory behavior, particularly against people of African descent, have been highlighted by UN and European bodies, calling for stronger efforts to combat racial inequality. In larger cities like Lisbon, racialized travelers may find more diversity and openness, thanks to Portugal’s status as a global tourist and migration hub. It’s important to be aware of these dynamics and to take personal safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas and always carrying identification. Portugal has been gradually advancing anti-racism efforts, including the recent National Plan to Combat Racism and Discrimination (2021-2025), but challenges persist, especially outside of urban centers. 

If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO). 

According to the 2021 Census (Statistics Portugal), Portugal is predominantly Roman Catholic, with approximately 80% of the population aged 15 and older identifying as Catholic. Catholicism plays a significant role in Portuguese culture and society, influencing traditions and holidays. However, the country has a growing number of religious minorities, including Protestants, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and Hindu. According to the 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom for Portugal by the US, visitors should be aware that while Portugal generally promotes religious freedom, religious minorities may still face societal discrimination or harassment. Students practicing minority religions should feel free to access worship spaces but should be prepared for potential challenges in more rural areas. 

In larger cities like Lisbon, people can find access to mosques, synagogues, and churches, though options in rural areas may be limited. Lisbon has a notable Muslim community, and one of the largest mosques, the Lisbon Central Mosque, is in the city. For Jewish students, Lisbon and Porto also have synagogues, including the historic Shaaré Tikvah Synagogue. 

If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience.  

Halal restaurants are available in Lisbon, where many Middle Eastern and North African communities reside. However, explaining halal requirements to locals can sometimes be challenging. To locate halal restaurants, websites like Portugal Halal, apps like Zabihah and halaltrip can be useful resources for finding suitable places to eat and explaining dietary needs. 

Kosher-certified products are available in Lisbon and Porto, where small Jewish communities reside. The Lisbon Jewish Community is a helpful resource. However, kosher food is not widely available in smaller towns with limited options, so students are encouraged to bring necessary supplied for extended stays. 

Portugal’s Mediterranean diet naturally offers many vegetarian dishes, such as salads, soups like caldo verde, grilled vegetables, and dishes made with legumes and grains. Additionally, international restaurants in larger cities often have vegetarian-friendly menus. However, travellers may find some specific vegetarian food choices may not be available in Portugal, so you may need to prepare for finding suitable alternatives. Apps like HappyCow can help locate vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants across Portugal.