Formula 1 Heineken Grande Prémio De Portugal 2020

Last Updates

25/10/2020

• The weather forecast predicts cloudy weather with a 40% chance of rain
• Maximum temperature expected to be 20 Celsius

22/10/2020

• Weather Forecast News: We are expecting warm and sunny conditions for the majority of the race weekend, but rain is forecast as a high possibility on Sunday
• There are more than 28,000 tickets already sold

21/10/2020

• Sunday’s Portuguese Formula One Grand Prix will be limited to 27,500 spectators per day due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, the government said on Wednesday.
• Government statement: Since the total capacity is around 90,000 seats, and given the current epidemiological situation, the authorized capacity for this specific event is 27,500 seats

Security Advice

Portugal is ranked as the 3rd safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index. That means that Portugal is a safe place to visit—although, like in many destinations, there remains a risk of petty crime!
In 2019, the Portuguese police registered 89 attempted homicides consummated in Portugal, down from 110 murder cases reported a year earlier. There were 322 involuntary manslaughter due to traffic accidents in the European country, and 19 homicides that happened under other circumstances (source: Statista)

CRIME AND SAFETY

• Portugal is a safe country, especially for tourists
• Portugal is safer than most European countries, but for your safety, you need to be aware of the petty street crime, particularly pickpocketing and ATM card skimming
• Pickpockets are most active on public transports, shopping centres and popular tourists destinations 
• Algarve International Circuit is very safe. The whole complex is secure, but like in all major world events, you need to be aware of unexpected situations. Follow our Safety Tips for more information about how to stay safe
• Taxi Scams in Portugal - Taxi drivers in Portugal are reliable, but there is a possibility of fraud! You need to be aware of the Airport Taxi scams. Ensure the meter is turned on and check online for fare estimators.
• If you are travelling on trains, don't leave your bags unattended. If you have cabin key, always lock and don't trust anyone
• There has been reported of multiple incidents in the night clubs. If you are going there, always be accompanied by minimum one more person

Terrorism

• There are no records of the terrorist attack in Portugal for the last decade. But terrorist attacks in Portugal can't be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners

COVID19

• During the outbreak of pneumonia by the new Coronavirus – COVID-19 the Portuguese government has been taking all necessary public health measures to protect the entire population
• General behaviour guidelines were enacted, in which all people must adopt a social distance (2 meters) and the use of face masks is mandatory in public transport and services, shops and supermarkets, in closed spaces or in places with many people. In Madeira, the use of a mask is mandatory in all public places, closed or open
• As of April 24, tourism enterprises, tourist entertainment companies and travel agencies, companies that have an official registration with the National Tourist Authority, will be able to request certification as a “Clean and Safe” establishment. After companies have submitted the Declaration of Commitment, they can publicise the “Clean and Safe” seal, either physically on their premises or in their digital platforms (Source - VisitPortugal)
•  Visitors will be subject to a screening on arrival and may be subject to quarantine on arriving home.
• For the most up-to-date safety information and what you should be doing to help, please consult the WHO and your local government. Anyone considering travel to Portugal should check the latest information from the local authorities regarding requirements for international passengers arriving in the country.

Security Risk Rating

Traffic

Road Traffic

In Portugal, people drive on the right side of the road (there is right-hand traffic in the country). 

For real-time information about road traffic in Portugal follow this link!

Airport

The closest airport is Faro Airport (FAO). The 80km drive from Faro Airport to the Algarve International Circuit, via the A22 toll road, takes approximately 1 hour! From the UK, flights leave from all major London airports, as well as East Midlands, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol and Newcastle.

Please see official FAO web site - Aeroportofaro

Rent-A-Car

In Portugal, you need to be +18 years old to rent a car. Because of COVID-19, there are some restrictions on the place. Please ask for more information before booking a car. Is good to know that a car park is available at the circuit.

Public Transport

At the moment, we don't have enough information about public transfers from airport to race track.

Safety Tips

CRIME AND SAFETY

• Try to avoid walking alone, particularly during the night. If you must walk alone at night, use well-lit streets with as much vehicle traffic as possible
• Scan the area ahead ay you walk. If you observe suspicious person or vehicle, change direction and walk to a place of safety
• After dark, be aware of your surroundings if passing through public parks, vacant lots, and areas with excessive trees and bushes
• Drive on well-travelled streets and never pick up hitchhikers
• If you carry valuables in your car-such as GPS devices, cell phones, laptop or tablet computers - keep them out of sight in the trunk
• Keep cell phones charged and contacts up to date
• It's generally safe and healthy to drink the public tap water across Portugal. Although restaurants will serve bottled water by default, it's fine to ask for tap water
• Displaying expensive jewellery or carrying an expensive camera in certain areas certainly increases the risk of becoming a victim of crime
• If you're a victim of a crime while in Portugal, report it to the local police immediately. The number for emergency service is 112

MONEY AND PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

• Avoid carrying a purse and keep a wallet in your pocket instead. Keeping money safe will allow you to hand over your cash without sacrificing your credit cards, identification, and personal papers/cards
• Do not keep personal identification numbers (PIN) in any location that may be associated with the cards they activate
• If victimized, notify the financial institutions where your accounts may have tampered. Closing accounts may be necessary
• If somebody approaches you in the street offering to change money, refuse immediately and walk away
• Leave important documents at your hotel. It would help if you carry your passport with you, but leave a copy of it at your hotel in case the original gets lost

ATM SAFETY TIPS

• Be alert always when using an ATM. After completing your transaction, leave immediately
• Avoid using an ATM in an isolated or poorly lighted are after dark
• Be accompanied by another person when using ATM in the dark

RULES AND LAWS

• Bring one official document with you. You must be able to show some form of ID if requested. A photocopy is not acceptable
• You cannot drink alcoholic drinks in public between 2 am, and 8 am, excluding some specific regions and events
• There are licensed Casinos where you can gamble, but otherwise, gambling is illegal
• Be aware of Portugal’s traffic laws, such as speed limits. Fines have recently be increased considerably for several offences
• Portugal operates a toll system on its motorways, and you risk heavy fines if you don’t or can’t pay toll fees
• If you’re caught consuming or carrying drugs for personal use, you may be fined or have your personal belongings seized by the police

Information Centre

Emergency Numbers

• 112 - European Emergency Number 
• 808 242 424 - Health line for emergencies available 24/7
• 117 - Forest Fires
• 214 401 919 - Sea Rescue

Crisis and Help Lines

• 1414 - Drug Abuse Support
• 800 202 654 - Child Abuse
• 800 202 148 - Women Abuse
• 800 203 531 - Elderly Helpline
• 808 24 24 24 - 24-hour public health assistance
• 707 200 077 - Victim Support Line

Need assistance, use phrases in local language

• I have an accident - *eu teve um acidente*
• This is an emergency - *temos uma emergência*
• I need an ambulance - *preciso uma ambulância*
• I need a doctor - *preciso um médico*
• I need the police - *chamar a polícia*
• Very sick - *muito doente*
• Where is the nearest hospital? - *Onde e o hospital mais próximo?*
• I have had a car accident - *Eu teve um acidente de carro*
• I have been robbed - *Eu fui vitimo dum assalt*