Do I have to declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) at Portugal customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Portugal customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out of Portugal?

Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Portugal limit for personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use medicines (non-controlled), 5 limit it and 15 let it through. Portugal is among the more permissive.

How much Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) can I bring into Portugal?

Restricted

You can bring Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) in Portugal

Do I have to declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) at Portugal customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Portugal customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out of Portugal?: Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Portugal limit for personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use medicines (non-controlled), 5 limit it and 15 let it through. Portugal is among the more permissive.

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)

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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 Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances