Guidance

Portugal: in prison abroad

Information on the Portuguese legal and prison systems for British prisoners, their family and friends.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Published: 15 March 2013
• Last updated: 24 October 2024
  Show all updates

  1. 24 October 2024

     This guidance has been reviewed and updated where necessary.

  2. 2 September 2021

     Important information and further clarification about procedures to post parcels from the UK to Portugal. Also added new information under volunteer visitors.

  3. 30 August 2021

     Useful information on how to carry out a customs clearance procedure for parcels that are sent from the UK to Portugal (via the Portuguese Post Office) - updated August 2021.

  4. 13 April 2021

     Updated information on "Annex 2 - step-by-step guide to prison transfer" as suggested by HMPPS. April 2021.

  5. 1 April 2021

     Updated information on prison transfers in Annex 2: Application for prison transfer under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons - step-by-step guide to procedures in Portugal

  6. 9 February 2021

     Added a link to a list of customs agents and fast parcel operators (annex on sending parcels), following EU exit.

  7. 27 January 2021

     Added Annex 4 - important information on sending parcels following the EU Exit and change in international postage requirements.

  8. 17 December 2018

     Updates on Prisoner information pack in Portugal: Consular staff name and amended volunteer visitors section.

  9. 28 August 2018

     Updated August 2018

  10. 21 February 2018

      Attached updated Prisoners Pack for Portugal.

  11. 16 November 2017

      Amended November 2017

  12. 16 February 2015

      Update Portugal Prisoner Pack February 2015.

  13. 11 July 2013

      Volunteer details updated

  14. 15 March 2013

      First published.

Documents

Information for British nationals arrested or detained in Portugal

HTML

Annexes: Portugal prisoner pack

HTML

Guide to customs clearance in Portugal

PDF, 135 KB, 1 page

Portugal: key phrases for prisoners abroad

PDF, 142 KB, 10 pages

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Guide to customs clearance in Portugal

HTML

Details

Explains how to:

• arrange visits
• send money to a prisoner
• apply for a transfer to a UK prison

See also help if you’re arrested abroad.