Given the current situation, security could be seriously compromised. As early as 7 October, a warning was issued on the Portal das Comunidades Portuguesas stating that "In view of the latest events involving the firing of rockets into Israeli territory and the corresponding defense measures to contain the violence, the utmost caution is recommended in all travel and non-essential travel should be avoided."

However, the information on safety conditions does not seem to have been updated in the light of recent developments.

If you have a trip booked, you may have booked an individual plane ticket or an organised trip through a travel agency. Both require different approaches.


1- You bought an individual flight ticket

Check if the flight has been canceled. Many flights are being cancelled on the initiative of the airlines which, given the current situation, are restricting flights to and from Israel. If this is not the case, check the contracted fare and if it allows it, request a refund or rebooking. Contact the airline as soon as possible.

If the airline in question is TAP, please note that the company has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv and that, according to the information on its website, passengers with flights booked until the end of October can reschedule them at no extra cost or request a refund.

If you have booked accommodation independently, follow the same steps. Also, check the insurance conditions if you have taken out one.


2 - You bought an organised trip

It is to be expected that the travel agency will be prevented from executing the contract, in which case it must inform the traveller without undue delay before the start date of the travel and subsequently refund the total payment.

The analysis of this situation will need to be constantly updated, so DECO advises travelers to follow the information published on the Portal das Comunidades and to contact their travel agency as soon as possible.

If you are still in the territory

Travellers should strictly follow the instructions of the Israeli authorities. If you need help leaving the country, please contact the consular services.

In the case of an organized trip, tourists should contact their travel agency, which should provide assistance.

If you have any questions about your rights, please contact DECO at (+351) 21 371 02 00 or by email at deco@deco.pt.

Author

Paula Martins is a fully qualified journalist, who finds writing a means of self-expression. She studied Journalism and Communication at University of Coimbra and recently Law in the Algarve. Press card: 8252

Paula Martins