Before travelling, learn more about the facilities available in Portugal for persons with restricted mobility. In light of the inevitable travel constraints experienced by persons with motor disabilities, we recommend that you seek detailed prior information concerning the services you intend to use.

Accommodation
Many hotel units have accommodation facilities adapted for persons with motor disabilities.  Nonetheless, we recommend direct contact in order to obtain information on the type of facilities available. At www.visitportugal.com, the hotel units with facilities for persons with restricted mobility include the indication “Facilities for disabled” in their Characteristics and Services.

Transport
Public transport normally reserves certain seats for persons with motor disabilities, but these are not accessible for wheelchair users.
Lisbon Metro is not completely accessible for persons with motor disabilities.  Only certain stations have access lists.  Visually-impaired persons may travel in the company of their guide dogs, provided that they use a collar and muzzle.
Oporto Metro is completely accessible for persons with restricted mobility.

Driving
In Portugal, the driving regulations for disabled persons relate solely to their physical and mental fitness and may result in restrictions or adaptations that must be mentioned in the driving licence.
Disabled persons with a driving licence that is valid in Portugal may drive vehicles provided that they comply with the restrictions or adaptations relating to their situation.
Parking cards for people with disabilities, based on the standardised Community model and issued by any of the Member States, are recognised in Portugal. The spaces reserved for this purpose are clearly signposted. Parking is permitted in other places, in situations of absolute necessity, provided that this is only for short periods of time and does not interfere with the normal and free circulation of pedestrians and vehicles.

Airports
All Portuguese airports have adapted toilet facilities and transfer facilities for persons with restricted mobility and wheelchair users. A special assistance service may be provided whenever requested.

Accessible beaches
74 bathing zones – maritime and river beaches – are accessible for persons with restricted mobility. These beaches are identified with a white flag, including the respective symbol, and have reserved parking areas, pedestrian access, beach walkways and adapted toilet facilities. Several beaches also have equipment items that facilitate access to the sea, thus enabling persons with restricted mobility to go swimming, although assistance of another person is always required.

For further information concerning the facilities available for persons with disabilities, please contact:

Accessible Portugal
Rua João Freitas Branco, nº 21 D 1500-714 Lisboa
Tel:+351 21 720 31 30 – Fax: +351 21 720 31 39
www.accessibleportugal.com - E-mail: info@accessibleportugal.com

Portugal Acessível / Associação Salvador
Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo 14, 9º 1050-121 Lisboa
Tel: +351 21 318 48 51 - Fax: +351 21 357 22 60
www.portugalacessivel.com - E-mail: info@portugalacessivel.com

National Institute for Rehabilitation
Tel: +351 21 792 95 00  -  Fax: +351 21 792 95 96
www.inr.pt  -  E-mail: inr@seg-social.pt