Foreign Office issues warning to tourists heading to popular European holiday spot
The Foreign Office has issued new travel advice to holidaymakers planning to visit Portugal this summer, warning that the country is now in a more dangerous period
Holidaymakers have been issued advice if they are heading to Portugal this summer
(Image: Getty Images )
UK tourists planning to visit Portugal this summer have been warned that the country has entered a period of heightened environmental danger.
The Foreign Office has warned that Portugal is at increased risk of devastating wildfires between April and October, due to the scorching hot and dry weather conditions. Holidaymakers should exercise caution regardless of their destination within Portugal, as the risk of wildfires is nationwide. Failure to follow local advice may also land Brits in trouble with the authorities.
According to the Foreign Office: "There is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry. Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable.
"The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Additionally, it is a criminal offence to start a fire in Portugal, even unintentionally, and may result in fines or imprisonment.
To stay safe during a wildfire risk in Portugal, tourists are advised to take certain precautions:
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follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities
call the emergency services on 112 if you see a fire
familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures
check the fire risk index for your location
For up-to-date information on the wildfire risk in Portugal, including an interactive map highlighting high-risk areas, visitors can consult this useful website here.
Major wildfire outbreaks in Portugal
Whilst there have been no significant wildfires in Portugal this year, the risk remains high.
In 2025, the country saw over 1,000 wildfires spread across the north.
Thousands of firefighters were deployed to control the fires and sadly, at least nine people lost their lives as a direct result.
If you're holidaying in a particular part of Portugal, you can find local emergency and safety procedures for a potential wildfire outbreak here.
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Additionally, a comprehensive summary of any severe weather warnings in Portugal and the surrounding region can be found on the European Meteorological Services website here.
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