The United States Embassy in Lisbon has issued a security alert to American citizens in Portugal following renewed demonstrations over housing affordability and the rising cost of living in Lisbon and Porto.
In an advisory published on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the embassy urged US nationals to avoid Rossio Square in Lisbon and Dom João I Square in Porto, citing ongoing protests and recent police use of crowd-control measures, including tear gas.
The embassy warned that demonstrations could spread beyond officially approved routes, noting that last-minute changes to protest plans could occur despite organisers being required to obtain permits for demonstration routes.
It also advised American citizens to exercise caution around large gatherings, monitor local media for updates, remain aware of their surroundings and keep a low profile.
The warning comes amid renewed demonstrations against Portugal's housing crisis, with protesters demanding affordable accommodation and changes to government policies they argue could make renting more difficult.
On Sunday, police moved into Rossio Square in Lisbon to dismantle a protest encampment established after thousands of people marched through the city on Saturday. More than 50 tents had been erected at the square as demonstrators called on the government to withdraw proposed rental legislation.
Police officers, some accompanied by dogs, entered the area at approximately 4:30am after issuing warnings that the tents would be removed. Officers used shields and baton charges to disperse demonstrators who had gathered to protect the encampment.
A smaller protest camp was also dismantled at Dom João I Square in Porto.
The demonstrations are partly directed at proposed legislation that would make evictions easier and remove rent caps on new rental agreements.
Protesters argue the changes could expose tenants to higher housing costs at a time when many households are already struggling to afford accommodation.
Portugal's housing affordability crisis has intensified in recent years, with house prices more than doubling since 2017 and rents for new leases nearly doubling.
The Bank of Portugal has also estimated a nationwide housing shortage of approximately 300,000 homes, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing the country.
The latest demonstrations follow earlier police operations against protest camps in Lisbon and Porto, which resulted in arrests and injuries. Housing campaigners have criticised the police response, while authorities have defended their operations as proportionate.
The US Embassy advised citizens requiring emergency assistance to contact its American Citizen Services office in Lisbon.
It also encouraged American travellers to enrol in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates while in Portugal.
