November 2, 2026 — The US Embassy in Lisbon issued a security alert on Sunday, November 1, warning Americans about protests over housing and the cost of living across Portugal, including in Lisbon and Porto. It says groups have called for more protests and that police have recently used crowd-control measures, including tear gas.
What happened
- The alert: Posted November 1 at 17:53 UTC. It tells US citizens to avoid Rossio Square in Lisbon and Praça Dom João I in Porto, and warns that protests can stray from planned routes. No specific protest dates are given.
- This weekend: Thousands marched in Lisbon on Saturday, October 31, and several hundred protesters set up a camp in Rossio Square. Police cleared it in the early hours of November 1, according to Newsweek. Portugal Resident reported 13 arrests in Lisbon and Porto after new confrontations with police, and dozens more injuries.
- Background: The protests began around October 10, with tent camps in city squares. The Lisbon Encampment (Acampada de Lisboa) movement holds daily assemblies in Rossio at 7 p.m. and is demanding an end to evictions, rent caps and more social housing. In late October it called on Portugal’s two main union federations, CGTP-IN and UGT, to stage a “General Strike for Housing” on November 11, the same day as Spain’s general strike. As of our sources, that was a call only; no strike has been confirmed.
- Advisory level: The US advisory for Portugal remains Level 1: Exercise Normal Caution. No level change was announced.
The embassy’s advice
- Avoid Rossio Square (Lisbon) and Praça Dom João I (Porto).
- Be careful near large gatherings or protests, and keep a low profile.
- Monitor local media and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Let family and friends know where you are.
- US Embassy Lisbon: +351 21-727-3300 (business and after hours), conslisbon@state.gov.
What it means for airline travelers
- Expect police activity and possible protests around Rossio Square, where the movement holds its daily 7 p.m. assemblies. Pick a hotel or meeting point away from the square if you can.
- The alert does not mention any problems at Lisbon or Porto airports, but allow extra time crossing central Lisbon if a march is under way.
- Watch for news on November 11. If a housing general strike is confirmed, public transport could be affected, on the same day Spain’s general strike is expected to disrupt travel next door. Avoid a standby itinerary that depends on tight connections that day.
- US citizens can enroll in STEP; Canadians can use Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Portugal — Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Lisbon, Portugal – November 1, 2026
- Newsweek — US Travel Warnings as Europe Protests Spread in Portugal, Germany (Nov. 2, 2026)
- Portugal Resident — Dozens more injuries as police confront ‘right to housing protesters’ in Lisbon and Porto (Nov. 1, 2026)
- The Portugal News — Encampments in support of housing continue in Portugal (Oct. 22, 2026)
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