Guidance

Portugal: in prison abroad

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

Documents

Portugal: key phrases for prisoners abroad

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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.

Updates to this page

Published 15 March 2013
Last updated 24 October 2024 + show all updates
  1. This guidance has been reviewed and updated where necessary.

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

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

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

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

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

  9. Updated August 2018

  10. Attached updated Prisoners Pack for Portugal.

  11. Amended November 2017

  12. Update Portugal Prisoner Pack February 2015.

  13. Volunteer details updated

  14. First published.

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