Okukuzithokozisa okubandakanya ezokuthutha e-Lisbon
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These information pages can help you get started in learning about some of the laws and registration requirements that may apply to your experiences on Airbnb. These pages include summaries of some of the rules that may apply to different sorts of activities, and contain links to government resources that you may find helpful.
Please understand that these information pages are not comprehensive, and are not legal advice. If you are unsure about how local laws or this information may apply to you or your Experience, we encourage you to check with official sources or seek legal advice.
Please note that we don’t update this information in real time, so you should confirm that the laws or procedures have not changed recently.*
Do I need a license to drive my Guests to and from my Experience?
Yes. People who want to drive others have to ensure they follow these rules:
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You have a valid current driver's license.
- Your vehicle is registered with the IMT-Instituto de Mobilidade e Transportes and it is in perfect shape.
- You have paid the annual circulation tax.
- Your vehicle has been certified suitable for road use.
- You have taken out the mandatory third party insurance that covers your use of the vehicle. You need to ensure that your insurance provider will cover you as a Touristic Animation Agent or Travel Agent, and will cover personal injury insurance for your Guests. If you borrow someone’s car, it may be good to check if the insurance also covers you as a driver.
Do I need an additional license to transport my Guests?
Licensed touristic animation agents and travel agents are allowed to transport up to 9 persons (including the driver) as part of a touristic activity as long as you comply with all other laws and regulations. See our section on Guiding Tours in Lisbon for more information on touristic activities and obtaining these licenses. When more than 9 persons are being transported, additional transport operator licenses are needed. The road passenger transport operator application can be complex, and you can find more information directly from the IMT - Instituto de Mobilidade e Transportes. For licensed tour guides, there are special transportation rules within the city of Lisbon, you can find out more information here.
Do I need any special transportation licenses for boat tours?
The operation of a boat or other watercraft will require operator licenses, as well as valid license and registrations for the craft itself. In all water activities, you should check with Turismo de Portugal or the city of Lisbon, if special licenses are needed. Hosts are expected to ensure passengers’ safety at all times, and to follow the relevant emergency procedures whenever needed. A helpful guide on emergency procedures can be found on the website of the National Cruise Association.
The Turismo de Portugal website also encourages those thinking of organizing boating activities to check with all territorially competent authorities before setting out. In the Greater Lisbon area, the relevant port authorities would be Lisbon, Cascais, and Setubal. Maritime activities can have many applicable regulations, and if you need further information, we encourage you to contact the Turismo de Portugal’s business helpline or the APECATE (Portuguese Touristic Animation Agents’ Association) for guidance.
Please see our information on Guiding Tours in Lisbon on the special touristic guide licenses and permissions needed for maritime activities.
Do I need any special transportation licenses for other types of Experiences?
That depends on the type of activities that are provided. Experiences including bicycle tours, Segway tours, and small non-motorized watercrafts may need special licenses or permissions. This is not an exhaustive list of activities that may require additional licenses. Hosts should check with Turismo de Portugal for more information.
What happens if I don’t get the licence(s) or registration(s) that I need?
Hosts who do not obtain the appropriate licences or registrations are not entitled to provide transportation to Guests. If you do so regardless you may be putting the safety of your Guests at risk, and could be subject to legal penalties. Always check with Turismo de Portugal if you have any doubts.
*Airbnb is not responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites (including any links to legislation and regulations).