Do I have to declare controlled/prescription medicine at Portugal customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare controlled/prescription medicine 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 controlled/prescription medicine 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 controlled/prescription medicine out of Portugal?

Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking controlled/prescription medicine out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Portugal limit for controlled/prescription medicine 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 Guia para viajantes. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Medicamentos: Quantidade correspondente às necessidades pessoais dos viajantes, acompanhada da respetiva receita médica.”

How does Portugal compare with other countries on controlled/prescription medicine?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit controlled/prescription medicine, 18 limit it and 1 let it through. Portugal is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Controlled/prescription medicine can I bring into Portugal?

Allowed

You can bring Controlled/prescription medicine into Portugal without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

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 disagree on this rule and the conflict is not yet resolved.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Guia para viajantes Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira

Questions about Controlled/prescription medicine in Portugal

Do I have to declare controlled/prescription medicine at Portugal customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare controlled/prescription medicine 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 controlled/prescription medicine 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 controlled/prescription medicine out of Portugal?: Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking controlled/prescription medicine out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Portugal limit for controlled/prescription medicine 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 Guia para viajantes. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Medicamentos: Quantidade correspondente às necessidades pessoais dos viajantes, acompanhada da respetiva receita médica.”
How does Portugal compare with other countries on controlled/prescription medicine?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit controlled/prescription medicine, 18 limit it and 1 let it through. Portugal is among the ones that set a limit.

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Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

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Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances Narcotic and psychotropic medicines