Faro, Portugal
Smoking policy at Faro, Faro Airport (FAO)
Warnings & Caveats
Passengers departing from Gates A (Schengen area) have no smoking facilities after security and cannot access the Gates B smoking area. Connecting passengers who need to smoke during a layover must exit the terminal and re-enter through security, which takes extra time. Policies can change without notice; check airport signage on arrival.
Faro Airport has a limited but workable smoking setup, and where you can smoke after security depends entirely on which gate area you depart from. Schengen passengers (Gates A) have no airside smoking option at all, while non-Schengen and Ireland-bound passengers (Gates B) have access to a small dedicated smoking area inside Mulligans Bar.
Before Security
The most reliable option for any smoker at FAO is outside the terminal building, landside, before you go through security.
Designated outdoor smoking areas are located outside the main terminal entrance. These are open-air spots that anyone can use, including meeters, greeters, and passengers who haven't checked in yet.
There are no reported indoor smoking rooms on the landside side of the airport.
If you need a smoke during a layover and you're connecting from an EU flight to a non-EU flight, you'll need to exit the terminal entirely, smoke outside, and then re-enter and go through security again. Build in extra time if this applies to you.
After Security
This is where things split depending on your departure gate.
Gates A (Schengen destinations): As of September 2025, there are no smoking facilities after security in the Gates A area. Passengers flying within the Schengen zone cannot access the Gates B section, so you're out of luck once you're through the checkpoint.
Gates B (Non-Schengen + Ireland): A smoking area exists inside Mulligans Bar, located just after the duty-free shops on the first floor, above the retail outlets. A traveler who visited in August 2025 described it as a small but reasonably comfortable space with two standing tables, ashtrays, air conditioning, and at least one EU power socket. The area is compact and could use more seating and sockets, but it's functional. The Algarve-Tourist guide also independently confirms a smoking area on the first floor above the shops and restaurants in the departures zone.
Vaping Rules
No specific vaping policy for FAO is documented in available sources. Portuguese law generally treats e-cigarettes similarly to traditional cigarettes in public indoor spaces, so expect vaping to be restricted to the same designated areas. Do not vape in general terminal areas.
Transit and Layovers
If you have a connecting flight and need to smoke during your layover, check whether your onward flight departs from Gates A or Gates B. If it's Gates B, the Mulligans Bar area is available. If it's Gates A, your only option is to exit the terminal, smoke outside, and clear security again. This is confirmed as possible, but factor in queue times at security before committing to it.
Bottom Line
Smoke outside before security if you're on a Schengen flight; if you're heading to a non-Schengen destination or Ireland via Gates B, the Mulligans Bar smoking area on the first floor is your airside option.
Is something wrong or outdated?
Help us keep information accurate. Submit a correction and we'll review it.
