What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Regime jurídico das armas e suas munições. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How much Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into Portugal?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives into Portugal.

Carried Not allowed

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

Regime jurídico das armas e suas munições Diário da República Eletrónico

Questions about Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives in Portugal

How many Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into Portugal?: Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives may not be brought into Portugal at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives at Portugal customs?: There is nothing to declare — Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out of Portugal?: Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Portugal limit for Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Regime jurídico das armas e suas munições. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Portugal compare with other countries on Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. Portugal is among the strictest.

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