Portugal's duty-free allowance for non-resident adults arriving from outside the EU is 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV), 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, and personal goods up to €430 (about USD 460). Cash of €10,000 or more (about USD 10,700) must be declared. Narcotics, counterfeit goods, endangered species products, and certain animal products are strictly prohibited. Travellers must be 18+ for alcohol and tobacco allowances.
Duty-free allowances
Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount of €10,000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies, including USD 10,000) must be declared in writing to customs upon arrival. This includes cash, traveller's cheques, and bearer negotiable instruments.
Goods duty-free
$430
Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of €430 (approximately USD 460) are duty-free. For travellers under 15, the limit is €150. Above these thresholds, duty and VAT apply.
Prohibited — banned from import
Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription and prior authorization)
Counterfeit goods, including fake branded clothing, watches, and electronics
Endangered species and products made from them (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, certain furs) without CITES permit
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (except limited quantities from approved countries with health certificates)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a Portuguese police permit
Obscene or pornographic materials
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., opioids, stimulants) – require a doctor's prescription and a personal use declaration
Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin
Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport or third-country health certificate
Drones over 250g – must be registered with the Portuguese aviation authority (ANAC) and comply with EU drone regulations
Cultural artifacts and antiques (over 50 years old) – may require an export certificate from the country of origin
Rules worth knowing
EU vs. non-EU origin matters
If you arrive from an EU country, goods are generally free of duty and VAT as long as they are for personal use. The allowances above apply only to arrivals from outside the EU. Always keep receipts for high-value items.
Tobacco and alcohol age limit
You must be at least 18 years old to bring tobacco or alcohol into Portugal duty-free. Customs may ask for ID.
Cash declaration is mandatory
Any person carrying €10,000 or more in cash (or equivalent) must fill out a declaration form (available at customs or online). Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines up to €250,000.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, goods bought duty-free within the EU are considered in free circulation. There are no limits as long as they are for personal use. However, if you exceed typical personal-use quantities (e.g., 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits), customs may ask for proof they are for personal use.
For travellers under 18, the alcohol and tobacco allowances do not apply (you cannot bring them duty-free). The personal goods allowance is €150 (about USD 160) for those under 15, but a 16-year-old qualifies for the full €430 allowance for other goods.
No, personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use do not need to be declared. But if they are new and exceed €430 in total value, you may be asked to pay duty and VAT. Keep receipts or proof of prior ownership.
If you are a non-resident leaving Portugal, there are no restrictions on taking wine for personal use. If you are arriving from outside the EU, you can bring up to 2 litres of wine duty-free as part of your alcohol allowance.
Customs can seize the undeclared amount and impose a fine of up to 25% of the total cash carried (minimum €250). In serious cases, criminal charges may apply.
Yes, if you arrive from a non-EU country, meat and dairy products are generally banned unless they come from an approved country (e.g., Switzerland, Norway) and have official health certificates. Small quantities of baby food or special medical foods are allowed. From EU countries, no restrictions.
For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority) before travelling.