What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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.

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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Portugal is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances can I bring into Portugal?

Restricted

You can bring Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances into Portugal only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

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 Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances in Portugal

Do I have to declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances at Portugal customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Portugal customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out of Portugal?: Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Portugal limit for medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances 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 medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, 18 limit it and 2 let it through. Portugal is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

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)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

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