This Popular European Region Launches Safe Summer 2024 Program Protect Tourists

The Safe Summer 2024 program will protect Portugal travelers in the Algarve this year, building on the success of the Safe Summer 2023 program.

Portugal’s Minister of Internal Administration announced recently in Faro that the program will be in place from June 15 to September 15 this year. 

According to officials, Safe Summer 2024 will cover the peak summer travel season on the popular coastline of Southern Portugal.

Safe Summer 2024

Starting on June 15, the population of the main cities on the Algarve coast will swell as travelers from all over the world head to the Algarve to enjoy a vacation getaway in the sun, sand and surf.

To ensure the safety and security of visitors, Portugal’s Minister of Internal Administration will act as the lead agency for a number of local, regional and federal departments all working together to make sure the tourists on the Algarve enjoy their summer break.

According to Minister Margarida Blasco with the Portuguese Republic Internal Administration, the summer safety program is designed to “provide more and better security and protection conditions to citizens or those who chose Portugal.”

Elements of the Program

For example, the Portuguese National Republican Guard will be charged with patrolling high tourist traffic areas, provide support to tourists and facilitate needed safety checks and inspections.

The beach areas, popular tourist sites and the main hotel corridors will be among the focus of their increased safety and security patrols.

Meanwhile, the Public Security Police will be in force at large events, nightlife locations, main roads and borders and even handle nearby forest protection.

They will also be charged with tourist vehicles and taxis along with public transportation services in Algarve, such as the local transit bus system.

No Specific Threats

Officials were quick to declare that there were no specific threats against tourist sites or the beaches of the Algarve. Nor are there any specific threats in Portugal.

Instead, they reminded visitors to enjoy themselves and be on the lookout for crimes typically associated with tourists on vacation and where large groups of people come together.

Often, summer celebrations can get out of hand especially when people are enjoying themselves and alcohol is involved. Safe Summer 2024 is in place to prevent those types of issues from escalating into problems.

The United States Department of State currently has its lowest threat level in place for the Portuguese Republic. 

It has been at Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions – since July 26, 2023.

Tips for Travelers

Tourists looking to head to the Algarve for a summer vacation getaway in the sun, sand and surf should feel comfortable knowing that the Portuguese Republic, in coordination with regional and local law enforcement, is working to ensure the safety and security of tourists on their summer break.

However, visitors should take normal precautions that they would use when traveling anywhere internationally. 

For example, it is always advisable for tourists to be aware of their surroundings when traveling and avoid showing wealth by wearing expensive items such as jewelry.

Visitors should also be aware of crimes of opportunity such as leaving a smartphone or expensive headset on the beach unmonitored when venturing into the water.

Travelers should report any issues, or questionable individuals, to local law enforcement and are advised to purchase travelers’ insurance to replace any items in the event of unfortunate theft.