An ordinance (Ordinance No. 72/2025) was published in Madeira earlier this month, which will allow the Regional Civil Protection Service, IP-RAM, to charge for the costs inherent to rescue and rescue missions, using helicopters. (Multi-Mission H35), of tourists who venture on trails not classified by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, IP-RAM (ICNF), or those considered passable, but which are temporarily or permanently closed.

Therefore, from now on, if the air vehicle is activated for a tourist rescue mission in the situations identified above, the amounts corresponding to the daily rate of the air vehicle (€753.25) will be charged, plus the activation of the rescuer-recovery vehicle, €105 (up to €210 with the activation of two rescuers in more complex rescue situations), plus the cost of flight time (€7.50 per minute). Residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira are exempt from paying these fees, according to a report by Publituris.

The region ensures that rescue missions will always be carried out when necessary. However, to avoid unexpected costs and to ensure a safe experience, the Government of the Autonomous Region of Madeira recommends that tourists only have access to routes duly classified by the ICNF. “Before starting a walking route, pay attention to the warnings from local authorities and follow the safety recommendations”, he highlights, adding that this information is available on the ICNF website and on the “ProcivMadeira” App.

This measure, according to a note published on the State Government's official website, aims to discourage people from taking non-recommended routes that do not offer minimum safety conditions and that are more likely to result in accidents or incidents.

The government reminds people that this type of activity, even on recommended routes, requires the adoption of safety practices appropriate to the type of route, namely: Use of appropriate equipment (footwear/clothing); A prior assessment and recognition of the route you intend to take; Be aware of the time it may take to complete the route, as well as the level of demand associated with it.