Can you go to jail for drugs in Portugal?

In July 2001, a new law maintained the status of illegality for using or possessing any drug for personal use without authorization. The offense was changed from a criminal one, with prison as a possible punishment, to an administrative one if the amount possessed was no more than a ten-day supply of that substance.

What happens if you are caught with drugs in Portugal?

Portugal’s law removed incarceration, but people caught possessing or using illicit drugs may be penalized by regional panels made up of social workers, medical professionals and drug experts. The panels can refer people to drug treatment programs, hand out fines or impose community service.

Are drugs legal in Portugal for tourists?

In 2001, drugs were decriminalized in Portugal, resulting in significant drops in drug-related crime, drug overdoses, and HIV infection. However, it’s still illegal to have drugs in your possession for personal use and drug usage in general.

What is the crime rate in Portugal?

Crime rates in Portugal are generally low, and most crimes are non-violent. Portugal’s security and peace indicators compare favorably to those of other countries; according to Vision of Humanity’s 2021 Global Peace Index rankings, Portugal is the 4th most peaceful country in the world.

How safe is Portugal for tourists?

OVERALL RISK : LOW Overall, Portugal is very safe to travel to. Its crime rates are very low, and pickpockets are the biggest concern you’ll have to deal with while on a holiday there. Have your wits with you and be vigilant at all times.

Is Portugal violent?

Why is crime so low in Portugal?

What makes Portugal a safe country? For these reasons Portugal scores well, due to the fact that the political climate in the country has remained stable for years and crime rates are among some of the lowest in Europe.

Is crime high in Portugal?

Is Portugal safe for tourist?

OVERALL RISK : LOW. Overall, Portugal is very safe to travel to. Its crime rates are very low, and pickpockets are the biggest concern you’ll have to deal with while on a holiday there. Have your wits with you and be vigilant at all times.

What are the drug laws like in Portugal?

Portugal decriminalised use and possession of all drugs in a way that moves the focus from criminal punishment to treatment. Drugs are not freely available, and they cannot legally be sold. If you are caught with a possession quantity of a drug, there are still civil consequences.

Is drink spiking a problem in Portugal?

While not exclusive to Portugal, hand in hand with the intoxication warning is the threat of drink spiking. While not incredibly common, there have been reports of people being given the drug GHB (commonly referred to as the date rape drug).

Did Portugal’s decriminalization of drugs increase tourist visits?

The year after Portugal decriminalized drugs, 2002, more visitors did visit the country, but not many more, 168,000, for a grand total of 5,560,000 tourists. In fact, according to The World Bank, the number of tourists to Portugal did not hit six million (6,349,000) until 2006, five years after the country decriminalized drugs.

Does decriminalising an offence make it legal in Portugal?

Simply put, decriminalising an offence does not make it legal. Speeding is a good example to illustrate an offence that is illegal and dealt with by a civil penalty. The Portugal Drug Policy rests on the fundamental pillar that there is no such thing as ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ drugs, only healthy and unhealthy relationships with drugs.