American travelers should postpone nonessential trips to Portugal for now. Widespread anti-tourism protests have disrupted central Lisbon and created a volatile atmosphere that could pose risks to visitors.

Situation report

Angry crowds chanting slogans against foreign visitors have taken to the streets of central Lisbon, staging coordinated demonstrations that have disrupted daily life in several neighborhoods. Protesters are calling for limits on short‑term rentals and for policies that prioritize local residents over tourism-driven development. These actions reflect a broader backlash against what residents describe as “uncontrolled tourism” and its effects on housing and community life.

Background and causes

Portugal’s post‑crisis recovery included policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and talent, such as residency and tax incentives that made Lisbon an attractive destination for higher‑income newcomers. The rapid influx of nonresident buyers and short‑term rentals has been linked to sharp increases in housing costs and a squeeze on long‑term rental supply in the city. Local campaigns and political movements have pushed for referenda and regulatory changes to curb short‑term lets and protect residential neighborhoods.

Economic pressures on residents

Key pressures include: rising rents, stagnant local wages, and a tourism‑dependent economy. Many Lisbon residents report being priced out of central neighborhoods as apartments are converted to short‑term rentals or held vacant by investors, while service‑sector jobs tied to tourism offer low pay and precarious hours. Nearby towns popular with visitors have also seen resident protests against overtourism and its cultural and economic impacts

Current risks for travelers

• Demonstrations and civil unrest: Protests can escalate quickly and may involve road closures, loud demonstrations, and confrontations with police, creating unpredictable conditions in tourist areas.

• Targeting of visitors: Anti‑tourism sentiment has at times been explicitly directed at short‑term visitors and the platforms that serve them, increasing the chance that tourists could be harassed or caught in disturbances.

• Service disruptions: Strikes, business closures, and transport interruptions are possible during coordinated actions, affecting hotels, restaurants, and transit in central Lisbon.

Recommendations for U.S. travelers

• Postpone nonessential travel to Portugal until tensions ease. If travel is unavoidable, register with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), monitor local news, and keep flexible plans.

• Avoid protest areas and large gatherings. Stay informed about demonstrations via local media and hotel advisories, and have contingency routes and contacts ready.

• Prefer established hotels over short‑term rentals in contested neighborhoods. This reduces the chance of being in areas targeted by demonstrators and supports more stable local accommodation providers.