Do I have to declare cats and dogs at Portugal customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare cats and dogs 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 cats and dogs 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 cats and dogs out of Portugal?

Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking cats and dogs out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Portugal limit for cats and dogs 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 2026-09-17. The sentence it rests on reads: “A introdução na UE só pode ocorrer em locais aprovados, os “Pontos de Entrada dos Viajantes”.”

How does Portugal compare with other countries on cats and dogs?

Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cats and dogs, 21 limit it and 0 let it through. Portugal is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Cats and dogs can I bring into Portugal?

Restricted

You can bring Cats and dogs into Portugal only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

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 2026-09-18

Guia para viajantes Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira

Questions about Cats and dogs in Portugal

Do I have to declare cats and dogs at Portugal customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Portugal customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare cats and dogs 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 cats and dogs 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 cats and dogs out of Portugal?: Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking cats and dogs out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Portugal limit for cats and dogs 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 2026-09-17. The sentence it rests on reads: “A introdução na UE só pode ocorrer em locais aprovados, os “Pontos de Entrada dos Viajantes”.”
How does Portugal compare with other countries on cats and dogs?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cats and dogs, 21 limit it and 0 let it through. Portugal is among the ones that set a limit.

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