Navigating cross-border regulations is a common challenge for expats living abroad. If you are travelling between your home in Portugal and visiting family in the UK, staying up-to-date with current customs rules is vital to avoid hefty fines, confiscated goods, or delays at the border.
Following recent biosecurity changes, Staysure Expat is answering your questions about bringing food from Portugal to the UK and what is and is not allowed.
Q: Can I bring traditional Portuguese food like Presunto and Serra da Estrela cheese into the UK?
A: No. The UK government has introduced a strict ban on travellers bringing personal imports of meat and dairy products from the EU into Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). Originally implemented in April 2025, ministers have confirmed this ban will continue throughout 2026 to protect British agriculture from outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Europe.
Prohibited items include:
- All meat products: Pork, beef, lamb, and goat (including Presunto, Chouriço and Linguiça, and other cured sausages).
- All dairy products: Cheeses (like Queijo da Serra da Estrela and Requeijão), milk, butter, and yoghurt.
These rules apply to all personal imports, whether you bought them at a local Portuguese market, a supermarket, or duty-free at the airport. You should check the rules regarding bringing food into the UK on the Gov.UK website before flying to ensure you have the most up to date information.
Q: Are there any penalties if I break the rules?
A: Yes, the penalties can be severe. In a press release from the Department of Rural Affairs they explain that if border officials find banned meat or dairy products in your luggage that you have not declared, the items will be immediately seized and destroyed. Furthermore, you could face a penalty fine of up to £5,000, and in the most serious cases, prosecution.
Our Expat Tip: If you are ever unsure whether a food item in your luggage is permitted, always declare it in the "red channel" at customs or via the red point phone. If you declare a banned item voluntarily, Border Force will simply dispose of it, and you will not be fined.
Q: What Portuguese foods and gifts are still allowed?
A: Fortunately, many beloved Portuguese staples are entirely unrestricted and carry no biosecurity risks.
Gourmet tinned fish like Conserveira de Lisboa, sweet treats like Ovos Moles de Aveiro, Marmelada (quince paste), Portuguese cold-pressed olive oil, Flor de Sal, and port wine all make lovely gifts which really connect with the culture of Portugal, without breaking the rules!
Our Expat Tip: In Portuguese airports standard airport liquid rules still apply to your hand luggage. Ensure bottles of olive oil or port wine over 100ml are securely packed in your checked baggage.
Q: Will these restrictions change in the future?
A: The ban is officially classified as a temporary emergency measure. However, as the government recently extended the rules into 2026, they will remain in place as long as the FMD biosecurity risk persists in Europe. Any future changes will depend on the successful eradication of these animal diseases or new veterinary agreements between the UK and the EU.
Q: Do these rules apply if I travel from Portugal to another EU country?
A: No. If you are an expat taking a trip from Portugal to another EU member state (such as France, Germany, or Italy), these restrictions do not apply. Because the EU operates as a single market, there are no customs checks or bans on transporting meat and dairy for personal consumption between member states.
Q: What are the best alternative gifts to bring back to the UK?
A: Since traditional meats and cheeses are off the table, consider authentic Portuguese crafts and cupboard staples that carry zero border risks. Gourmet canned seafood, olive oil, Pastéis de Nata and artisan sweets make excellent culinary gifts. Alternatively, traditional handmade crafts, such as; cork bags and wallets, Portuguese ceramics and tiles, textiles and embroidery all make beautiful, rule-abiding souvenirs that your family will love.
As your specialist expat travel insurance provider, Staysure Expat wants your journey home to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Always check the official Gov.uk website for the latest customs updates before you pack, and ensure your comprehensive expat travel insurance policy is up to date before you fly.
