Do I have to declare meat, meat products and dairy products at Portugal customs?

There is nothing to declare — meat, meat products and dairy products cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare meat, meat products and dairy products in Portugal?

Under Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, Guia para Viajantes, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under AT, Guia para Viajantes: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under RGIT, artigo 108.º n.º 2, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship meat, meat products and dairy products to Portugal instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take meat, meat products and dairy products out of Portugal?

Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking meat, meat products and dairy products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Portugal limit for meat, meat products and dairy products apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) states it in Viajar com Produtos de Origem Animal — A partir de Países Fora da União Europeia (UE). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Saiba que Não Pode Trazer • Carne e Produtos à Base de Carne • Leite e Produtos Lácteos”

How does Portugal compare with other countries on meat, meat products and dairy products?

Of the 21 countries covered here, 12 prohibit meat, meat products and dairy products, 8 limit it and 1 let it through. Portugal is among the strictest.

How much Meat, meat products and dairy products can I bring into Portugal?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Meat, meat products and dairy products into Portugal.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Viajar com Produtos de Origem Animal — A partir de Países Fora da União Europeia (UE) Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV)

Questions about Meat, meat products and dairy products in Portugal

How many meat, meat products and dairy products can I bring into Portugal?: meat, meat products and dairy products may not be brought into Portugal at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare meat, meat products and dairy products at Portugal customs?: There is nothing to declare — meat, meat products and dairy products cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare meat, meat products and dairy products in Portugal?: Under Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, Guia para Viajantes, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under AT, Guia para Viajantes: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under RGIT, artigo 108.º n.º 2, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship meat, meat products and dairy products to Portugal instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take meat, meat products and dairy products out of Portugal?: Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking meat, meat products and dairy products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Portugal limit for meat, meat products and dairy products apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) states it in Viajar com Produtos de Origem Animal — A partir de Países Fora da União Europeia (UE). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Saiba que Não Pode Trazer • Carne e Produtos à Base de Carne • Leite e Produtos Lácteos”
How does Portugal compare with other countries on meat, meat products and dairy products?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 12 prohibit meat, meat products and dairy products, 8 limit it and 1 let it through. Portugal is among the strictest.

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