Portugal
Country · Europe
Portugal decriminalized the personal use of all drugs in 2001 — treating it as a health matter rather than a crime — but decriminalization is not legalization: supply and trafficking remain illegal. Prescription medicines are permitted for personal use, and as a Schengen country controlled medicines need a Schengen certificate.
Traveler warnings
Decriminalized does NOT mean legal — do not carry drugs across the border. Carry a Schengen certificate for controlled medicines.
Legal status by substance category
8 categories documented for Portugal.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Portugal with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Portugal with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Portugal with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs. CBD is regulated as a medicine/health product — carry documentation and keep products in original packaging.
Penalty: Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Restricted in Portugal. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel. Personal possession of cannabis is decriminalized (administrative offence) but not legal; supply and import remain criminal.
Penalty: Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Portugal with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications (codeine, tramadol, oxycodone)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Portugal with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Portugal with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Portugal with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
Prescription policy
Carry prescription medicines in original packaging with your prescription. For controlled medicines, obtain a Schengen certificate for stays up to 30 days.
Controlled substances
Personal possession of small amounts of any drug is decriminalized (an administrative matter), but not legal. Sale, supply and trafficking are criminal offences. Opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines require a prescription.
Customs & border guidance
Declare controlled medicines and carry the Schengen certificate and prescription. Decriminalization applies to personal amounts within Portugal only — do not carry drugs across the border.
Penalties
Personal possession is handled administratively (dissuasion commissions, possible fines or treatment referral). Supply and trafficking carry criminal penalties and imprisonment.
Live Alerts
Portugal: Personal drug use is decriminalized — but decriminalized is not legal
AdvisoryPortugal treats personal possession of small amounts of any drug as an administrative matter rather than a crime, but this is not legalization — supply, trafficking and cross-border movement remain criminal. Do not carry drugs across the border. Carry a Schengen certificate for controlled medicines.
Documentation required
Schengen certificate for controlled medicines, original prescription, doctor's letter, medicines in original packaging.
Official source
INFARMED — National Authority of Medicines and Health ProductsLast reviewed: November 8, 2025
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.