The U.S. Embassy in Lisbon informs U.S. citizens that a false report regarding a terrorist threat in Portugal is being circulated on social media. A message, which appears to be circulating primarily on WhatsApp, states that “embassy and police personnel” have confirmed that there are terrorists in Lisbon, and that commercial centers, hotels, and all large gatherings should be avoided. Embassy security personnel confirmed with police and Embassy sources that there is no basis for the threat. Police confirmed that the terrorist threat level in Portugal remains unchanged (“Moderate”).
The Embassy continues to advise U.S. citizens to avoid participation in demonstrations and to exercise caution while in large crowds. This is a general precaution as even the most well-intentioned, peaceful demonstrations can experience violence. The Embassy will always keep the U.S. citizen community apprised should we receive information that indicates a change in the security levels in country.
For further information about security in Portugal:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Portugal’s Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Portugal, located at Avenida das Forças Armadas, in the neighborhood of Sete Rios near the Jardim Zoológico, at + (351) 21-770-2122, 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(351) 21-727-3300.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
